Story highlights Officials are demanding thousands of veterans repay enlistment bonus money

One letter says interest will be collected

(CNN) Master Sgt. Susan Haley was floored by the letter she received from the Army saying she owed $21,000.

"I was completely and totally in shock," the 24-year veteran said. "I couldn't believe they were doing this to me."

Haley is one of thousands of veterans forced to repay enlistment bonuses or student loan incentives after officials said they were given the bonuses in error.

The reasons for the $21,000 recoupment? "Payment made in violation of DoD guidance, Payment made in violation of federal law."

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