How a Government Shutdown Would Affect Bellmore's Military Members

A looming government shutdown could mean a significant impact on military families from Bellmore.

The U.S. Department of Defense issued a release Thursday stating it would not have funds to pay military members or civilian employees should a government shutdown occur. They have also not yet confirmed whether military commissaries would be closed during this time.

Bellmore native Michael White's civilian position has been deemed necessary for national security and therefore he will receive normal pay. White and his wife, Lena, originally of Glen Head, are currently stationed in Spain and rely on a commissary for food and supplies.

"For most items this would not be such a big deal but for items such as American baby formula/food and specialty items that aren't available in Spanish grocery stores it poses a problem," said Lena White. "We may have to rely on the economy for our groceries and with the exchange rate the way it is, it will end up costing us a great deal more than usual."

White added that they will not be notified about any closures until after midnight Friday into Saturday morning.

Serving in the Army, Jason Broyles is stationed out of state, while while his wife and son remain in Bellmore.

"If Jay only got half his pay we would have trouble paying bills and supporting our family," his wife, Lauren said. "It would make everything difficult from buying groceries to getting gas."

The Defense Commissary Agency website did not have any updates at this time.

The Office of Personnel Management will provide additional pertinent information for federal employees as the week progresses.

“Additional information...will be posted on the department’s main website as soon as it becomes available," a press release stated.