"Frankly they are not being paid enough," states former mayor Roger Hedgecock. Despite the fact that many soldiers live under the federal poverty line, the army doesn't believe there's a problem with their salary. "It's a matter of just being able to budget the money," states press officer Richard Kulleck. Duncan Hunter, Chair of the Armed Services Committee, agrees. "We don't believe that the government provides everything. We believe in neighbours. We believe in strong families." And neighbours and family are certainly coming through. Food donated to one food bank alone feeds 500 military families. But should it really be up to charities to provide for the families of serving soldiers?