War On Terrorism Causing Some To Lose Jobs

Frank Hiner has practiced law in Elizabeth City for four years, but these days his career is at Fort Bragg. The Army reservist was called to active duty to replace other soldiers who deployed to support the war against terrorism.

"I didn't really expect to get called up for a year," he said.

As a result of being called up, Hiner had to shut down his law practice. He sent his clients to other attorneys and laid off his two employees. He said that he will basically have to start from scratch when he goes back home.

"It will be developing a base again because as it is, I don't have any clients right now and I had a good number," he said.

There are currently more than 2,500 reservists at Fort Bragg. In rare instances, a soldier can actually benefit financially.

Marian Jackson works as a correctional officer in California. That state is still paying her full-time salary while she also collects a paycheck as a transporter in the Army.

"It feels good, you have a job that understands the second job I have, which is the military," she said.

Hiner's military job forced him to take a significant pay cut, but still he said he has no regrets.

"The biggest negative materially is the lose of clients. There's also a positive because my daughter gets to learn that freedom isn't free," he said.

To help some of these soldiers out, the Soldier Relief Act lowers the interest rate on any debt they have to 6 percent. Small business owners are also eligible for special federal loans.