Several people have suggested that Shirley (and other military families) take up pay issues with the government.

After reading this, I think Shirley might also do well to speak to a therapist, a friend, or someone else that can offer support. I believe many cities have support groups for military families. I know, for a fact, that military has family services, as well. (How easy they are to get is another story)

Why do I say this? It's clear that she's struggling with the loss of her husband. Who can blame her? What she needs, right now is some support. Basically, she's dealing with understandable stress and is taking it out in the form of greed.

I still stand behind my comments, below. But it wasn't until I re-read the letter did I see that we're dealing with a someone in "grief" that's acting out in a way that (I assume) she wouldn't. People deal with stress is different ways. Perhaps Shirley deals with grief by complaining about IHOP discounts and putting down police officers/border patrol agents?