Debt of Service: Personal Finance in the Military

A certified financial planner with the USAA talks about the unique challenges military men and women face, and how to confront them.

"Jarhead" author Anthony Swofford recalls how, despite needing to save money for college, he just couldn't schlep deep dish in the desert while still a member of the world's most elite fighting force.

Sharon McNary, an analyst with Marketplace's Public Insight Network, writes about her days in the Army, and the events leading up to the awarding of her Special Service Medal.

Marketplace Economic Editor Chris Farrell writes about his experience serving in the Merchant Marine. "I'd do it all over again."

Yvonne Oppenheimer's brother couldn't say no to charities claiming to raise money for veterans. Now, even though he's deceased, the solicitations keep coming. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.

"Jarhead" author Anthony Swofford recalls how, despite needing to save money for college, he just couldn't schlep deep dish in the desert while still a member of the world's most elite fighting force.

When duty called, chiropractor Daniel Bordelon didn't turn his back. The Army National Guard colonel, who nearly drowned in Hurricane Katrina, gave up his practice at a huge loss to serve in rebuilding New Orleans.

When members of the Armed Forces are seriously wounded, their families and friends face putting aside their own careers and goals to lend support. Jeff Tyler reports on the impact of a soldier's injury on his mother and sister's bottom line.