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Military families held breath until hours before government shutdown

(MyFoxBoston.com) – For those in the military, the impending government shutdown was very stressful, and relief did not come until Monday night in the form of an emergency bill.

Originally, the shutdown would have delayed military members' paychecks, which are scheduled to be distributed October 15. Luckily, at the last minute, the House and Senate passed a bill that would ensure military members got paid.

As of late Monday night, the bill still needs Pres. Barack Obama's signature.

Despite the bill, FOX 25 spoke with some military families who say they felt like they were caught in the middle of a political showdown.

Kathy Shannon grew up in a military family with six siblings who all went on to serve. Shannon is also a member of the Norwood Ladies' Auxiliary.

The news that military paychecks could have been affected if there was a government shutdown had Shannon reeling.

Dana McQuaid served in Iraq while his wife stayed home with their six kids. He was their sole source of income. The 33-year Army veteran remembers the last government shutdown from 1995 to 1996. He remembers making phone calls to bill collectors to say his check was going to be late.

McQuaid said what irks him the most is members of Congress and Pres. Obama will still get paid even if the government shuts down. Pres. Obama's $400,000 salary is considered "mandatory spending."

The looming government shutdown is also affecting military hospitals and clinics, which may be forced to cancel appointments and services.

For more information: http://www.militaryfamily.org/feature-articles/government-shutdown.html