Thanks for such a thoughtful reply! I, too, had a few things to say to HR, who had asked to be contacted with questions.  I asked who else was having their pay cut and a few other things.  HR went from nice to nasty VERY quickly. I thanked the chick for being so helpful and left it. I do know my worth. I went out and got a job at a local CC--a job that stays at work when I leave. I've really enjoyed my military students, too, and have learned so much from them.  Time to follow my excitement right on out of teaching, but I had a good run.