By Terry Howell
According to a March 12, 2009 Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General report, “successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge…" This rather bleak view of the implementation process, while more realistic than other recent VA reports, should not come as a shock to anyone paying attention to the details of the of the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.
The new GI Bill program (Chapter 33) has put a huge demand on an already overloaded agency. As the OIG report further denotes, “…[the VA's] projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing.” Considering that GI Bill claims can already run 20 or more weeks behind, this does not offer much hope.
"We have some concerns that the Veterans Benefits Administration may need more staff than currently planned…" says OIG. However, the OIG does say that the VA is considering rehiring VA annuitants [retirees] with the expertise needed to more quickly and efficiently process the expected flood of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit claims.
Unfortunately the OIG report (excerpt below) failed to directly address the incredible number of benefit questions that will result when veterans are asked to make an irrevocable choice between GI Bill programs. This choice is crucial and will determine which education and training programs, benefit payments, and limitations will apply to each veteran. In some situations veterans may find that sticking to the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) would mean greater benefits.
For example, under current rules, veterans participating in 100 percent distance learning and online programs are excluded from receiving the monthly stipend – a benefit which ranges from $800 to $2,700 a month paid to the veteran.
Post-9/11 GI Bill regulations and policy details are still being worked out. Relatively few of the soon-to-be-hired VA representatives will be properly equipped to give advice on which program each veteran should apply for by the Aug. 1, 2009 deadline.
Military.com has created a Guide to Choosing the Right GI Bill, which offers a general view of how to compare the two benefits. It is important to note that some facts still remain sketchy and are subject to change. Stay tuned to either this blog or the VA GI Bill Q&A site for future updates.
The OIG report concludes with the following statement: “We [OIG] will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.”
The OIG has their work cut out for them.
# # # # #
The following is an excerpt from the DVA OIG report:
Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs
Statement before the Subcommittee on Military Construction,
Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
United States House of Representatives
Hearing on Department of Veteran Affairs Challenges
March 12, 2009
The OIG has provided oral briefings to the relevant congressional oversight committees’ staff on VA’s progress in implementing the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (new GI Bill) (Public Law 110-252).
After a long planning period, VA has made progress in the current quarter; however successful implementation remains a difficult and risky challenge due to the inherent difficulties in creating the software tools, limited VA Office of Information and Technology development resources, vulnerabilities in Veterans Benefits Administration staffing estimates, and aggressive project scheduling requirements. In the coming months, VA will need to complete its primary plans for software development and implement contingency plans.
We have some concerns that VBA may need more staff than currently planned since officials have acknowledged reducing planned hiring by 48 employees (8 percent) due to space limitations. Further, VBA’s estimate is based on annualized workload, rather than the peak seasonal workload expected during the beginning of the school year. Also, VBA’s projected workload estimate did not include consideration of greater participation because of the current economic climate. Inadequate staffing can potentially delay claims processing. However, VBA is exploring possible solutions, such as rehiring annuitants with needed expertise.
VA’s contingency plan identifies significant project risks, mitigation strategies, decision dates to deploy alternate plans, and estimated resource requirements. We are continuing to monitor the feasibility of some mitigation strategies that are more resource intensive, such as adding more employees to support the use of manual processes. For example, if the functionality to make recurring housing payments is delayed, the contingency plan calls for hiring 263 additional employees to initiate these monthly education payments. Clearly, implementing a manual process would lack the controls an automated system could offer.
Completion of the business requirements for the long-term solution may be delayed because many VA subject matter experts are focused on the interim solution. We will continue to monitor plan adjustments and additional planning/project deliverables, including the Integrated Master Schedule, to assess further potential impediments to program implementation. We will focus our efforts on identifying and evaluating potential weaknesses in assumptions underlying project feasibility determinations, schedule, costs, and risk assessments.
I am 87 years old and have been around the block a few times but I have never bumped into this much BS before–A veteran
BS from tap dancing bureaucrat is standard procedure. Alibi planning for the deluge of letters to Congress when implementation of G I Bill (Mark III or IV)goes sour is also standard procedure…"if you don't give me more money and personnel, how can we do this new thing…" Anyone 87 should have seen it all (from an old paper shuffler).
I can't believe all the "problems" affording payment of the GI bill!! What did the giant AIG CEO's do for our country but put it in crisis with their undeserved bonuses that we all pay for now. The vets gave their all serving our country, which all of us benefit from. Now we can't afford to help them to pay their GI bill/college to get them back on track in our society after putting their lives on hold?? Where are the priorities. This is a no=brainer!!! Mom of military daughter
Another load of crap is that if you retire before August 2009 you can't transfer your benifits to your dependents but those who retire after can. That is total BS. All of those who qualify for the new GI bill should have the same rights and privilages.
In Virginia, they're not even accepting the applications for these benefits yet. I've just retired after serving for 24 yrs. When I was 17 and just beginning, I thought I would be able to retire form a career at a young age and begin to do some things in life that I enjoy: like getting an education and not working so hard. Boy was I wrong. With today's economy I can't do either. It's almost as if the past quarter century was for nothing.
All this from the same government that passed a stimulus package which includes protecting field mice in California, forests in Alaska, and mortgage bailouts for anyone who can't budget their money. It figures, and I'm not surprised.
Retired Navy Vet
All this from a government that passed a stimulus package which protects endangered field mice in California, forests in Alaska, and bailouts for those who don't know how to spend less than they earn. It figures, and I'm not surprised.
Retired Navy Vet
This is nothing but shameful stop coming up with ways not to pay veterans and do your job. If you need to hire more people do it stop complaining about it. I had a job as an OEF/OIF veteran and i did it. This benefit was earned by veterans and these excuse are down right shameful and i am tired of seeing them.
I must agree, they should make the GI Bill equitable for all that are eligible. Just because i retired prior to Aug 2009, i can't transfer my GI Bill to my spouse or children. That is so much BS. With the economy the way it currently is, what better way to help out veterans. What you are telling me 30 years of active duty doesn't equal three years of active duty that ends after August 2009. By the way i retired in Dec 2006(a full 3+ years after 9/11 and i still don't meet the eligibilty criteria. At least the republican plan would have allowed all veterans eligible to transfer this benefit to their spouse or children.
If Obama really wanted to help 'change' education, housing and health care, he would be HELPING the VA to support millions of veterans and their families by channeling funds through the VA … But that would make sense.
What a bunch of B.S. !!! Come on VA, we're all understaffed and overworked and we still get the mission done. Stop complaining and screwing Vets, and do what you're supposed to do.
We deserve this much for our sacrafice!
More thought and consideration to the change from air-waves to digital signals for our television sets came from the Oval Office than is being given to our Veteran's benefits. Sad…and ridiculous!
why is it, when I joined the Marine Corps we never got the manpower we wanted we always sucked it up and the VA is here to work for us, BC. I am a Military Veteran and all this sounds like excuses. Remember who you are working for, because these wars have done a lot to the veterans and all we can ask for in return is a little sacrafice for our veterans. It seems like everyone wants their bonuses more manpower well give me back my life where I can be productive with this post 9/11 GI bill. our military is overloaded how bout working over there instead of complaining.
I attened El Paso Community College in El Paso, Tx. I went for two years and decided to tansfer to Phoenix, Az. upon attemping to get started in my education through the VA here in Phoenix. Being 100% disabled, I was put through so many tasks that were not necessary. After 2 years of school and still being told "We are not sure if you are up to going to school". Hell I feel healthy, I know I could do their job as well or even better that the counselor I spoke to.
I need help to further my education in Business.
Come on how could you not consider more peaple to benefit from Gi bill. There are millions of soldiers with no work, living in many dificult situations, they have to think in their families and their selfs. I"m a military wilf and I could say that without Gi bill my husband could not study anymore so please remember your promises because the risk of their lives was bigger than this.they deserve more than this.
This is just another example of the lip service veterans get from politicians. The VA does everything they can to cheat you out of your benefits and take back what little you do get. I for one am sick and tired of this, it's time we as a nation start to truly take care of our service members/veterans instead of special interest groups.
Im a vietnam vet , i served from 1973 1976 i was stationed on board the carrier uss midway and was involved with the evacuation of south vietnam , i was suffering from migranes and sinuses and it is doccumented in my health records , all that was given to me or told to me that is was to take some mulltron or aspiron , after time went on and 30 years later i was told that i could put in a disabillity for that even after 30 years after , so i did and i waited a year until i was told that i was denied for what i put in , so then i went to the vfw for representation and we put an appeal in and im waiting now over 30 days and still i havent heard from the va on anything , youres truely a very unhappy veteran .
I am looking at retirng this year and I have issues with the Distance Learning limitations. I am currently attending a college in my area and was literally cancelled out of a class because of low attendance. I called and inquired about the cancellation of the few evening courses available and I was told that due to budget cuts and the local economy that they were transitioning a lot of their in class programs to distance learning because it's cheaper. How can the VA say we aren't entitled to the local BAH because we aren't in class, yet the colleges are transitioning to Distance Ed because of this same economy?
I am looking at retirng this year and I have issues with the Distance Learning limitations. I am currently attending a college in my area and was literally cancelled out of a class because of low attendance. I called and inquired about the cancellation of the few evening courses available and I was told that due to budget cuts and the local economy that they were transitioning a lot of their in class programs to distance learning because it's cheaper. How can the VA say we aren't entitled to the local BAH because we aren't in class, yet the colleges are transitioning to Distance Ed because of this same economy?
http://capwiz.com/military/mailapp/
Go there to voice your opinions!
Instead of complaining, how about we (veterans) do something about it? Form a real union, not just a place to go get drunk at, and hire a lobbyist to payoff the politicians with "contributions"! Our congress is nothing more then a spokesperson for Corporate America.
Do you honestly think that anyone reads this website beyond veterans? Y'all are all talking to the wall.
What is this crap I'm reading about not being able to transfer the education benefit to a family member if you retired before Aug 09. Hell before I retired in 08 the plan was in effect they this could be done, so now why the damn change. We served our country and so did our family. They should get the benefit that they deserve, They have made a lot of sacfrice also. Our govnment has used us up for 20 years and now turning their back on the VETS. Like I said before we are XB3
I am in same boat as JD. When I didn't elect to participate VEAP, they denied my eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill when they opened it up to those who had enrolled in VEAP but had stop paying into or had a little as $25.00 in it. I wrote many letter to my congressman over the years about the education program. I was very happy with the post 9/11 bill but am a realist know retires will be the first to get dumped on when they start chopping on this program. I had 24.5 years in the service and have experienced first hand how the military and VA treat you as your leaving and coming in.
I must agree, they should make the GI Bill equitable for all that are eligible. Just because i retired prior to Aug 2009, i can’t transfer my GI Bill to my spouse or children. That is so much BS. With the economy the way it currently is, what better way to help out veterans. What you are telling me 30 years of active duty doesn’t equal three years of active duty that ends after August 2009. By the way i retired in Dec 2006(a full 3+ years after 9/11 and i still don’t meet the eligibilty criteria. At least the republican plan would have allowed all veterans eligible to transfer this benefit to their spouse or children.
I started my education late after getting out of the navy in 98 and because of that I didn’t get the full benifit of my GI bill which expired june of 08, but I did get some use out of it (which is nobodies fault but my own). I’m now participating in the ch 31 voc rehab program. My husband is getting ready to retire next month (April o9). He is caught under the high year tenure, because he failed to make cheif (E-7) by 20 years. We were thinking about whether or not he should transfer his GI Bill to me, his dependent. We were told that in order for him to be able to do that, he has to serve until Aug. 09 and plus tack on another four years. He wouldn’t mind staying in another four years, but he is being forced to retire because of the high year tenure rule. I do not understand why a retiree who is getting out right before the dead line be subjected to the same rule as someone who only has put in one enlistment. He has almost 21 years of active duty and two years of reserve under his belt.
why is it, when I joined the Marine Corps we never got the manpower we wanted we always sucked it up and the VA is here to work for us, BC. I am a Military Veteran and all this sounds like excuses. Remember who you are working for, because these wars have done a lot to the veterans and all we can ask for in return is a little sacrafice for our veterans. It seems like everyone wants their bonuses more manpower well give me back my life where I can be productive with this post 9/11 GI bill. our military is overloaded how bout working over there instead of complaining.
why is it, when I joined the Marine Corps we never got the manpower we wanted we always sucked it up and the VA is here to work for us, BC. I am a Military Veteran and all this sounds like excuses. Remember who you are working for, because these wars have done a lot to the veterans and all we can ask for in return is a little sacrafice for our veterans. It seems like everyone wants their bonuses more manpower well give me back my life where I can be productive with this post 9/11 GI bill. our military is overloaded how bout working over there instead of complaining.
why is it, when I joined the Marine Corps we never got the manpower we wanted we always sucked it up and the VA is here to work for us, BC. I am a Military Veteran and all this sounds like excuses. Remember who you are working for, because these wars have done a lot to the veterans and all we can ask for in return is a little sacrafice for our veterans. It seems like everyone wants their bonuses more manpower well give me back my life where I can be productive with this post 9/11 GI bill. our military is overloaded how bout working over there instead of complaining.
I am a WWII vet discharged in 1945with a disabilaty on my feet,after having a rope break in training and landedon my feet causing me the problems. I was told after a few years by the VA that I did not have a disability and I proved to them I did by submitting two vets names saying they wittnessed my fall. After many years of suffering and some treament by the VA I was given an increase in the disabilityand told that I should have an operation on my foot that was bad. It was not untill 1986 when the VA decided to operate on my foot that was a BOTCHED up affair and had to have three more operations on the same foot causing me to lose the use and feeling in the left leg from the knee to tha toes. It was not untill 1994 I was given an increase in the disability to 100 percent. From my point of view I should have been reimburst for the disability back to the first operation in 1986 but was only given the increase from 1991. I lost 5 years of total disability and I think the VA should have paid for that lost time.I have papers stating that the VA made the botched up operations and did nothing about what happen. I have been to the BVA and they deniey anything that took place and that I have no problems. The BVA has over looked the papers stating that they VA caused the problems with a botched operation and had to do three more to rectify the first misstake that caused all of the problems. The AMERICAN LEIGION is my power of attorny and at one hearing they proved that the VA made a botched operation, but nothing came out of that hearing. I feel sorry for the VETERANS that are coming home now and have to go through all of the B S that is standard proceedure for what takes place at the VA. Please get some component help to speed up the back log. A very dissatisfied aged VETERAN Thanks
I am 100% disabled from the military. I started my College education in El Paso Texas. I was attending “El Paso Community College”. I attemped to transfer my education to Phoenix, Arizona. upon arriving in AZ i went to the Local VA and tried to get started on continuing my College education. Afetr two years of School in El Paso. I was told I had to prove that I can still handle the school work load to be able to work after the Education. I felt I alredy proved this in the two years I went to school in El Paso. The counselor I spoke to was very unsure of what she was telling me. I know that I could do her job better than she does, and she says I can not continue with the school until I complete some Tasks that I did, buit they kept telling me that it wasn’t good enough. No I need help to continus my education.
This doesn’t surprise me. When I didn’t elect to participate VEAP, they denied my eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill when they opened it up to “everyone”(including people who originally turned it down). Now I fully expect them to pull this back too, even though I had 25 years total and 4+ years post 9/11.
Im a vietnam vet , i served from 1973 1976 i was stationed on board the carrier uss midway and was involved with the evacuation of south vietnam , i was suffering from migranes and sinuses and it is doccumented in my health records , all that was given to me or told to me that is was to take some mulltron or aspiron , after time went on and 30 years later i was told that i could put in a disabillity for that even after 30 years after , so i did and i waited a year until i was told that i was denied for what i put in , so then i went to the vfw for representation and we put an appeal in and im waiting now over 30 days and still i havent heard from the va on anything , youres truely a very unhappy veteran .
I am looking at retirng this year and I have issues with the Distance Learning limitations. I am currently attending a college in my area and was literally cancelled out of a class because of low attendance. I called and inquired about the cancellation of the few evening courses available and I was told that due to budget cuts and the local economy that they were transitioning a lot of their in class programs to distance learning because it’s cheaper. How can the VA say we aren’t entitled to the local BAH because we aren’t in class, yet the colleges are transitioning to Distance Ed because of this same economy?
I am looking at retirng this year and I have issues with the Distance Learning limitations. I am currently attending a college in my area and was literally cancelled out of a class because of low attendance. I called and inquired about the cancellation of the few evening courses available and I was told that due to budget cuts and the local economy that they were transitioning a lot of their in class programs to distance learning because it’s cheaper. How can the VA say we aren’t entitled to the local BAH because we aren’t in class, yet the colleges are transitioning to Distance Ed because of this same economy?
I am an Iraq vet finishing up my first year of college. I have been relying on my GI Bill all year and have made plans to attend a very good private school next year, with the assumption that I would be getting the new GI Bill. If my file gets delayed I may not be able to pay rent, let alone tuition. I’m not normally one to have a large sense of entitlement, but I think I (we) deserve better than this.
There are organizations that are there to help us with issues such as this. They are called the VFW and American Legion. Nothing new here. Just a complete lack of support for new or returning Veterans. As the organizations numbers decline so does their voice in Washington.
Best advice I can give is get involved, become an Officer, and start making some noice up the channels to National. At some point we will have enough support to get some things heard and changed. If not, at least you can complain about it with the support that you tried to do something.
We have all been in the military and know how we can get the short end of the stick. The difference is trying to change it. It is what makes us leaders and and Patriots!
I just read that $1.5 billion American dollars will be sent to Pakistan to “build their infrastructure”. Now the GI Bill can’t be funded? This “revelation” comes off the heels of an attempt to have fellow vets pay for combat injuries using private insurance.
Again we as veterans pay the piper while the fat cat politicians give themselves 25% pay increases and benefits for life even if they only get elected once. Please tell me what sense it makes that the new GI Bill will not pay you a housing/books/supplies stipend if you are taking classes on-line. Do they really expect you to attend an institution full time while not obtaining any employment. These days most if not all of veterans/active duty members are taking classes on-line, because we don’t have time to attend school full-time. I like how the new GI Bill was passed by Congress and signed by the President, and now the Gov’t is making it about useless as it can be, again the Gov’t is hoping all veterans die within two years of retiring so they don’t have to spend money on us, but they’ll spend billions on bailing out corrupt companies. When will Americans get fed up and take their country back.
OK First off I just want to let everyone know right off the bat that i am not crazy. I am a vet just like all of you, so when i say this dont take it the worng way. i love this stuff. the politices of it, i dont like getting screwed over cause i have no idea what im gonna do next school term now, however my wife and i are fighting every day with the GI people to get whats ours. im still in the process of getting back paid from over 4 months ago over something they did wrong in their computer system. and as you already guessed everytime i call i get the run around and they talk to me like i caused the problem and im the one whos gonna have to go back and go and get all the information in order to fix it, which i did and still nothing. but i love the fight. my wife and i would love to fight for you all as well. we’ve seen alot of problems and fight threw them. we know some short cuts and fast fix’s. we would love to help you guys out as well. if you want someone to lead up a union, need help finding the right person to talk to, or anything like that email me @ http://WWW.SPC.JohnJamison@Yahoo.COM. drop a line show suppot email when ever about what ever. but i would love to help and lead a union of vets to what should ours for the sacrafices we made without months of fighting for it. thanks.
OK First off I just want to let everyone know right off the bat that i am not crazy. I am a vet just like all of you, so when i say this dont take it the worng way. i love this stuff. the politices of it, i dont like getting screwed over cause i have no idea what im gonna do next school term now, however my wife and i are fighting every day with the GI people to get whats ours. im still in the process of getting back paid from over 4 months ago over something they did wrong in their computer system. and as you already guessed everytime i call i get the run around and they talk to me like i caused the problem and im the one whos gonna have to go back and go and get all the information in order to fix it, which i did and still nothing. but i love the fight. my wife and i would love to fight for you all as well. we’ve seen alot of problems and fight threw them. we know some short cuts and fast fix’s. we would love to help you guys out as well. if you want someone to lead up a union, need help finding the right person to talk to, or anything like that email me @ http://WWW.SPC.JohnJamison@Yahoo.COM. drop a line show suppot email when ever about what ever. but i would love to help and lead a union of vets to what should ours for the sacrafices we made without months of fighting for it. thanks.
The GI Bill is a great thing in theory, an excellent recruitment incentive. Does anyone think that young men and women of this country would consider heavily thier service to benefit from this incentive by enlistment after knowing the facts presented in this report. Subjects of recruiting need to be made aware of these realities we know PRIOR to enlisting in the armed forces.I personally did join for reasons other than the GI Bill. If someone had conveyed to me that it would play out as a farce, I would not have made the personal upfront investment, instead investing the money on my own with the reality of doing better off in the end.
First off the american soldier should be the first to get any benefits before any politician receives any thing, medical, pensions,or pay raises. They carry the load for all of us,they go where they are ordered to go They defend our way of life.
I want to know went the families of the retire vet can use the GI BILL, and I am talking about kids because we, retire soldier pay for this and we should have the oportunity to let our kids use it, I am done and I know some families pay for the GI Bill and they don’t use it because don’t need it but the goverment should let the kids from the veterans use it.
I will give you peole a good e-mail.
WHITE HOUSE .GOV.
LET WRITE TO THEM.
My fiance has also been having issues getting his money to pay for school. We have not received a dime of it. He is out of work so we do not have the money to pay for the college course. They also have not even given him his kicker bonus that he opted to receive when he joined up.
WITHE HOUSE.GOV THIS IS A GOOD E-MAIL.
we. Should take the VA into court.
To all who are getting out don’t take nothing
On the verbal side make sure it is in writeing
And most important not all vets qual for the post 911
Gi bill read the qual criteria
I called and ask u must had elected the Montgomery gi bill
And had to be in your resepective branch
Of service on or before 911 and had served for a period of 5 years
An example if you came in 1986 and you get out in2006
90%you qual
“BIND UP THE WOUNDS FOR THOSE SOLDIERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO HAD BORN AND SUFFERED THE BURDEN OF BATTLE.” Abe Lincoln”(Honest Abe).
I feel that most comments concerning the GI Bill can be summed up just as any government or private support service in kind. If the support entity (or the people who are it) do not work as hard as the people who they support, it will ultimately fail. Newly separated and retired Veterans transitioning to the civilian world are driven and motivated toward success or better said they are implimenting what they have learned as they served in thier respective branch. All the while, In the instance of the GI Bill, the established, well employed VA employees may not share that same drive and motivation as a whole. The student will spend his weekends, holidays or vacations in his studies or work, all the while the latter will spend it in liesure and routine schedule. All the same, doomed to fail. There is nothing routine in the first few years transitioning from the military to the civilian population. Since the dawn of war, the support element is a key target for alienating those it supports into defeat. Can we as a whole not see the problem, that faces us, its not about more funding, its about getting what your funding should get you.
I am in same boat as JD. When I didn’t elect to participate VEAP, they denied my eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill when they opened it up to those who had enrolled in VEAP but had stop paying into or had a little as $25.00 in it. I wrote many letter to my congressman over the years about the education program. I was very happy with the post 9/11 bill but am a realist know retires will be the first to get dumped on when they start chopping on this program. I had 24.5 years in the service and have experienced first hand how the military and VA treat you as your leaving and coming in.
Its all about numbers….We were just a number in boot camp, we were just a number in our field…we are just a number weather we live or die for our country. Our service is nothing more than the years we served…lost is our innocense, alone to fight battles that should not be ours to fight. I guess the Army got it right “Army of one,” we are not heard because we are taught and trained to have pride is to stand tall even when things look bleak….Forget it fellows, and ladies….We have to band together, strength in NUMBERS and demand what is ours…..
Contact your state senator today and ask them to be your voice against congress.
God Bless all of our brothers and sisters whos duties are not done…and to all those whom lost their lives, we owe it to them so that they to are not just a number.
And God Bless America!
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
Taking into consideration that the VA is understaffed, the additional workload due to the current economy, and the huge change in the Post 911 GI Bill, its no surprise that the VA is 20 weeks or more delinquent in paying education benefits. That said, consider the impact of these delays in the new GI bill. The new GI Bill pays the school directly for the tuition, bypassing the student (veteran). If the VA continues with these delinquencies in the implementation of the post 911 Bill, the schools will not be paid tuition in time for the military member to attend. All schools have a date the tuition must be paid by. If the VA doesn’t straighten this out, many students will be denied their educational rights.
Instead of simply getting angry, do something about this. Senator Webb of Virginia wrote the bill along with many co-sponsors. Contact one of these representatives or your own state rep. Here is a list of the sponsors of the bill.
“In addition to Senators Webb, Hagel and Lautenberg the legislation has been co-sponsored by a total of 32 members of the Senate and 92 members of the House of Representatives. [For a full list of Senate co-sponsors, visit: http://www.webb.senate.gov/pdf/s22cosponsors6.pdf.”
Last but not least, if you write one of these representatives an email, perform a spell check or at least have someone look the email over. Some of the illiterate comments I have read makes me wonder how you think you can pass a college course course.
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
There would no problem caring for soldiers and veterans if they were treated as are the companies the government rushed to bail out of their own caused conditions of failure. Military personnel provide for all the country’s ricnes but are treated like dirt. Politicians care less about the lives of millions of military personnel than their their next free dollar.
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
We all need to write our state Senators/Congress — this is yet another change that screws with the lives of those who severed there country. They had it right the first go-a-round, simple put anyone on active duty after 9/11 2001 for 90 consecutive days WOULD get the POST GI BILL — I want to be able to transfer my educational benefit to my daughter. We all put our lives on the line serving this great nation and this is our payback!!! Again don’t just post remarks here write you state leadership and email President Obama.
I concur….the VA has been nothing but a joke since I separated about a year or so ago. Five years of active duty service, two tours in Iraq and plenty of extensions to include involuntary. Like always, you’re nothing but a number to them. I had to go to the ER for dehydration less than a month after I returned, the nurse wouldn’t give me a glass of water, yet I had to have five large bags pumped into my system. Oh, I probably forgot to mention the bill I received for this awesome service. I finally had a mental breakdown last year due to all of the stress that comes with everything and they did nothing…I had to sit two doctors down and literally scream at them, before they would stop talking and start listening. I haven’t even touched on the school issues….The VA needs to get it together…We’ve done our part (and for many of us more than what we agreed) get off your duffs and figure it out….that’s what we had to do.
I’ve been fighting with the VA off and on since my med. discharge in ’92. I have gotten nowhere and have been pawned off from one idiot to another. The people we have to deal with either don’t give a damn or don’t know what they are doing. Give vets what they have earned or there will be no volunteer military in this country.
I concur….the VA has been nothing but a joke since I separated about a year or so ago. Five years of active duty service, two tours in Iraq and plenty of extensions to include involuntary. Like always, you’re nothing but a number to them. I had to go to the ER for dehydration less than a month after I returned, the nurse wouldn’t give me a glass of water, yet I had to have five large bags pumped into my system. Oh, I probably forgot to mention the bill I received for this awesome service. I finally had a mental breakdown last year due to all of the stress that comes with everything and they did nothing…I had to sit two doctors down and literally scream at them, before they would stop talking and start listening. I haven’t even touched on the school issues….The VA needs to get it together…We’ve done our part (and for many of us more than what we agreed) get off your duffs and figure it out….that’s what we had to do.
I served in the U.S. Navy for 7 years, and I am currently using my Chapter 30 G.I. Bill to pay for college tuition and books & supplies. I think the VA Office does a fine job making sure we get our benefits that we have earned. I am grateful to be able to use my benefits. One can’t blame the Military or VA because they are not able to use their benefits. Everyone signs a contract saying that we will put ourselves in harms way.
I’m with Larry Conger and his comment, it is not like this is a free benefit. As a PFC(and PFC’s are broke enough to begin with) they were taking money out of my check for this “benefit”. Plus I paid for the ad on. If they can’t deliver, I want a refund!
It appears to me that all this is a lead into the Obama administration doing away with as many Veteran benefits as possible, similar to what Regan did when he was in office. I’m not one to say the country owes me anything, served my country because I was and still am an American Citizen and felt it was my duty, I love my country.
For many years after getting out I did not bother the VA. Had a good job and a good carrier with adequate insurance. When my health started failing and eventually I was downsized I fell back on my veteran benefits. I am a 100% Vietnam Agent Orange disabled vet, and the VA has been good to me for the most part.
Never thought I would have to worry about benefits being taken away. But with all the doubt surrounding this President I’m still not convinced he is who he says he is. With all due respect and with no harm coming to him. I pray that our FORM OF GOVERNMENT will be intact and strong enough to stop any wrong doing toward our way of life. Though we have our problems and are not perfect lets not forget about those who gave there life for Democracy to stand.
I am a retired Air Force Viet-Nam Veteran of 24 years. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree using the GI Bill. There were times when the payment to the school was late but the school knew that they were going to get their money. I don’t think that a student using the GI Bill will be denied an education due to possible late payments. The comments that I have read do not, in my opinion, relate to the article about the implementation of the GI Bill. It said the VA is understaffed and it would take time to go through all the applications because of the influx of applicants. I did not read anything that even implies that they are denying the veteran any of their benefits. It did say that they plan to hire those that have some experience, military retiree’s, to help ease the workload. Instead of gripping about how bad the VA is, some of you should take the opportunity and apply for a job at the VA as a Veteran Representative. Almost all Colleges and Universities have them to help the student veteran. Also, if any of you have listened to the speech’s that President Obama has made concerning the military veteran you will know that he is all for improving and increasing veteran’s benefits. He however does not make the laws, the Congress and the Senate do. So the person who wrote about contacting your Congressmen, and Senators, has the best idea on getting things done on Capital Hill. Each state has two Senators so contact both of them, each state has several Congressmen so contact all of them. The more letters they get the more prone they are to do the right thing because you are a voter. President Obama did not cause the current economic situation and his ideas are good and can help if Congress and the Senate back him up. This economic situation was on its way down way before President Obama took office and its going to take a long time for it to get straightened out. But your call or e-mail to Congress and the Senate can start things rolling.
I wonder if anyone can shine some light on this one. My service began in June of 05 and ended in November of 06. I was a PT test away from leaving AIT where I’d been on med/PT hold status for quite some time, having opted for arthroscopic surgery on my knee after months of physical therapy and many failed PT runs. The surgery left me worse than before and my other knee started playing catch-up with the post surgical one. I was Med Boarded out. Honorable discharge, medical seperation, service connected and VA rated at 0% for both knees. I’m now 30 and walking with a cane. Pain is temporary; injuries are forever LOL. 1. How does the DOD, VA, or whomever, define “active duty?” 2.Do I fall into the “30 days+ active duty, medical discharge category? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. On behalf of all of my fellow training status medically discharged disabled vets, thank you. HOOAH!!!
Handicripple,
Since you have been injured while on active duty you should definately get a 0%+ rating. My husband gets 10% because he has slight hearing loss. We live in NJ and the VA reps are quite helpful. You must call your local rep and get the ball rolling.
Handicripple,
Since you have been injured while on active duty you should definately get a 0%+ rating. My husband gets 10% because he has slight hearing loss. We live in NJ and the VA reps are quite helpful. You must call your local rep and get the ball rolling.
Brother Veterans it’s time for us to stick together and unleash the Hell that we have been through, to washington d.c., this isthe only way us vets willget the respect we deserve. forget tact, and raise a lot of hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I definitely cant blame any of you for your frustrations. I am the wife of a 100% disabled Iraq veteran. I too am frustrated about the limitations the GI bill holds when it comes to an online program. For me being a wife and a mother is difficult with our situation and so an online program is about the only practical solution for me to obtain my degree. So if I am not allowed to use this online, is the VA going to provide more home health care hours so I can use his GI bill and try to make a better life for ourselves? They really need to think about this. For some reason I am not holding my breath…
I am a wife & mother of deceased veterans & grandmother of a Naval serviceman on a ship that spent 8 months off Iran and still has more than a year to go. He is taking courses on the ship, but plans to go to a regular college when he is discharged. I’m also a patriotic activist. Please send short ltrs to Glenn Beck & Bill O’Reilly at foxnews.com/glennbeck & foxnews.com/oreilly and ask them for help by publicizing your complaints. Also, please join these patriotic websites that are working to change our country’s political problems: http://www.icaucus.com, http://www.americac2c.org; http://www.resistnet.com; http://www.the912project.com.
We are all in this together.
Edie
I’m a two time Iraq vet. I’ll be paying out of state tuition this sem. because I haven’t lived in colorado to 12 straight months. Note: I’ve been paying state taxes here since ’02. I even sat infront of the senate committee and they blew smoke up my ass then ok’d illegal immagrants the right to get in state tuition. So…I too will not be holding my breathe. Soon we will all be labeled terrorists for one reason or another and thrown into FEMA cames where our educations wont matter.
I personally think that for all the sacarfices each of have made their should be no questioning about any benefits do to each of us. Yes! its true the US spends billions of dollars bailing out companies and sending billions of dollars to Iraq and Pakistan, I would like to think they would spends billions one the ones that have put their lives on the line. Extend GI Bill benefits, housing benefits, and we should be allowed to shop on military bases/posts. The commissaries, the gym and etc.
What the hell is DVA thinking ? We have an all volunteer Armed Forces program ! They are already having trouble getting people to join up as it is ! The main reason quoted by new recuits for joining is benefits and the GI Bill. If DVA screws this up, it will be back to the DRAFT PROCESS once again. In other words a bunch of unhappy campers protecting us from terrorism around the world. That doesn’t sound like a good idea to me when we can at the same time give out trillions of dollars to a bunch of crooks at AIG ? Taxpayers and Vets may have to unite.
Orange Bear – 1st Inf Div Nam
I have heard many people compliment us on how we have placed the needs of this country above our own and how we have sacrificed as individuals and families for the betterment of our nation. Within those compliments, you will often find referrence to how this sacrifice is done without complaint. No doubt the perspective authors have never served time in the Infantry. Having said this, it must be understood that we complain only to ourselves and our superiors within our ranks. Banding together and formally protesting/petitioning our government is a priveledge and a Constitutional right, not a complaint. When done correctly, we are using what we defend to protect what we need. When done incorrectly, we are snivelling. I will write a letter to my House Representative and my Senator asking what I can do to affect this problem.
Isn’t it always the case that the ones who honor our country the most, and sacrifice for our country the most, and respect our flag the most are the ones who take it up the _ _ _ the most. Our politicians have little trouble in making sure they get their benefits, and little trouble making sure that companies like AIG get their billions and oh yes the special interests, let’s not forget them. They all have no trouble lining up at the monetary “pig trough”, but the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are always left at the back of the line, and when its their turn at the “pig trough” it’s either empty or so little left that they get their measly 3% pay raise. What bugs me the most is that those very same politicians act either like they are doing us a favor or they act like they are so proud that they are doing “something” for those of us who carry the burden of their country on their shoulders. I’m beginning to believe that we should kick them all out and only people who have been in the military should hold public office or public jobs. Their should be two levels of citizenship in this country; those who have served this country in its military, and those who have not. Only the former should be allowed to vote and hold true citizenship and the latter (those who usually benefit the most) have NO VOTE. Robert Heinlein, the author, had it right all along. Sorry if I mis-spelled anything, but I think you will get my meaning.
If the congress and the senate were to lose their benefits they would be screaming bloody murder.
Lets see if one of them will agree to lose their benefits to help with the nations defeict. HaHa
Thats the biggest joke of all it will NEVER happen.
If the congress and the senate were to lose their benefits they would be screaming bloody murder.
Lets see if one of them will agree to lose their benefits to help with the nations defeict. HaHa
Thats the biggest joke of all it will NEVER happen.
After reading this and being a vet myself I hope they do come through for us.I was Using the GI-bill for my degree but had to stop going to school because the school was to expensive now I am working, and planning on taking online courses to finish my degree. The GI-bill have know isn’t a bad one and helps a lot so at least we have something for now, which is better then having nothing at all.Also the VA reps have been a amazing help buy there are two few of them not all colleges have them, which can be frustrating. I know a lot of private colleges don’t. The only thing that I don’t like about the knew GI-bill is the fact that if you do online courses 100% then you won’t get the housing stipend. That I feel is not fair, some people just can’t afford to attend classes at a college campus or the degree they want is only offered online. I have written to my senator about this and I urge you all to do the same. I feel that those of us who have done are time and are pursuing a higher education weather it be online or at a college should be able to get the same benefits.
i smell B.S. (bullshit)
This is in response to a post by Francis Bell. I understand your anger over current political one sidedness, but what you speak of is pure folly. That road leads to one end and that is military dictatorship. I myself could not imagine being on one level of citizenship while my wife and son did not have the same freedoms I did. If it was as you say, my parents who have worked hard and done good things all of their life would no longer share the freedoms that we have. That is pure evil coming out in a form of anger and resentment. I have also felt the way you do, but I know that it is not the way. The people of this country DO NOT OWE US ANYTHING. Especially not the ones fighting post vietnam. We are a volunteer force and had the choice not to join. Just becasue we did does not mean we are OWED something. We do a job, just like anyone else who goes to work every day. Every citizen plays a part in this country. Not just the ones holding guns.
The NEW GI BILL SUCKS!!
IF I WENT TO THE NEW GI BILL I WOULD GET LESS MONEY THAN CHAPTER 1607!!
WHY DIDN’T THEY JUST BUMP UP THE AMOUNT THEY PAY OUT AND NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE IN THE FIRST PLACE!!
This is truly sad and a joke. They have had over a year now to plan for this and they are just now realizing that they are short handed for the claims. This would not happen to the people in another government agency. Truly Sad
Everybody please contact your senators and congressman and women and let them know that this is not acceptable so we can get an on time implementation of this great benefit!!!
i just got out of the army after two tours as a combat medic in iraq. My whole plan revolves around the 100% tuition and the housing allowance. without those two things I’ll have to postpone school until this is worked out. what the hell am I supposed to do. Is there a way to make a fuss about this get it on CNN write a senator. any ideas?
With Obama and his new administration, the military benefits and pay increases we’ve enjoyed in the past will be going away. As a recruiter, I have painfully observed our some of our key incentives and benefits become threatned and in most cases disappear all together. I anticipate this trend of altering military benefits to continue as new initiatives such as Americorp receive more attention. Currently, Americorp is a small community service organization consisting of about 75,000 civilians, but Obama stated that he wants to create a civilian force that is just as financed, equipped, and trained as our military branches. In doing so, the military will suffer, while Americorp recieves the funds needed to grow into a force of 250,000 men and women strong according to Obama’s mission statement: “Expand Corporation for National and Community Service: Obama and Biden will expand AmeriCorps from 75,000 slots today to 250,000 and they will focus this expansion on addressing the great challenges facing the nation.” Brace yourself ladies and gents, there’s a new sherrif in town.
First of all, I am currently on my Third tour in Iraq. I have also been to some remote areas in Afghanistan. I am a Ranger Medic. I joined this army years ago thinking of the G.I. bill. True that was part of my decision making process pre-entry. It was not, however the only reason I joined. I saw it as a fair system. Now, we have a new system in place. It doesn’t work yet. The Government, in doing what they always have done as far as i can remember, is taking a long time. Keep in mind, what has been proposed requires a complete overhaul for the entire VA benefits system software, staffing, rules, and staff training. This is also a nationwide change. Its unfortunate that some of the whiners on this board haven’t seen the new bill take effect after they got out. If you somehow joined and got out of the military all within the same window of this bill being a possibility, that really sucks. For the remaining 95% of us, we weren’t expecting this anyway. The new bill will come, in the meantime write your senator or congressman or both and let them know how you feel. If you got out of the army on the expectation that a bill that didn’t exist yet would be ready, that is kind of your own fault. You could have extended for a year and waited things out. You made a sacrifice when you entered and that is what the army is, a sacrifice. For the good of the NATION boys and girls, not for the good of YOU. Before you joined, you probably werent motivated by retired soldiers rolling around in cash laughing as they eat caviar. You probably wanted to serve your country. A real soldier realizes his sacrifice, and when a perk doesn’t go his way he realizes that the rest of the country, (the one you sacrifice for), has problems as well. If my G.I. money could go help a starving U.S. baby, I would give it up. And if Obama does away with the program, Then I will soldier on even as a civilian. He is the commander in chief, not you and if you disagree write someone who can help, No one on these boards can help you.
this is response to Brian Winslett 3-29-09 – I understand your response to Francis Bell’s comment but then you went extreme when you said that the people of this country DO NOT OWE US ANYTHING – especially not the ones fighting post Vietnam. This statement in itself is an obtuse statement and shows your lack of understanding – Further you stated ” We do a job, just like anyone else who goes to work every day.” You obviously have not been in the military or you may have spent little time in the military at all – I on the other hand lived breather slept this – it is not like any other Job – If you do not show up for work in the military as you stated you are AWOL and can be charged under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice)- if you miss work in the civilian community – SO WHAT!!!! – you either get fired or do not get paid – I was stationed overseas for 14 yrs of my career and I was on constant alert never knowing especially after the fall of Russia who or where the enemy was – but the worst one is the enemy within our own borders as it came to light on 9-11-01. As far as your comment on the “All volunteer force” as to justifying your comments – The military learned some things after the draft – the drafted individuals are not there willingly and therefore take longer to train and some will try to get out during basic training and thus cost more money to train also people would have a tendency to buck all the rules and the civilian community will not support the military especially when people get special exceptions to skip the draft and will cause problems. Lastly I truly believe in Duty – honor – Country and many of my family have served grandfather (WWII Vet) – my Father (Korea) my Brother (Cold War and Myself (Cold War – Eldorado Canyon – Operation Provide Promise -1st Iraq war and many others to many to remember. I am also a disabled vet so do not tell me this country does not owe us anything – we fight for your freedom to state these idiotic things and fight the Wars others will not because these other countries are not Free like we are but are freedoms are slowly being whittled away.
i served in the military, in 1985 til 1989, and i have never used my gi bill, how do i go about using it now if i wanted to? and also how do i go about seeing how much it’s worth.
thank you
I enlisted in the army back in june,1973 and retired in 2002. If they cut any benifetes for veterans. I gave my freedom during those years to protect the freedom of those that have not thought about serving to protect these freedoms given by the constitution of the United States of America. I have not used any of these benifits as of yet. I would like to have them in case i would want to use them if i really need to. The people that served in the military are the people that protected these God given rights without reserve to themselves. I commend these that served in the military, No matter what branch they served in. GOD BLESS those that are serving or have served.
Dina…You don’t! Your 10 year delimiting date has long past! Nice try though!
Dina..You don’t have any GI Bill benefits. Your 10 year delimiting date has long past! Nice try though!
How bleak are the incomes or benefits of the members of the new administration? The members of congress? Sr Staff of the DOD…
yeah, send out our kids to do a job , make them a promise and cheat them out of it> I know the game. Vet of 2 wars and many broken promises. OH and by the way THEY do OWE you folks- They made a deal and they OWE YOU, no matter what anyone says. Just don’t count on getting what owed you.
P.S. Matt.
Oh yeah, and because I didn't sign up for VEAP, I was then ineligible to transfer or sign up for the Montgomery GI Bill. But my subordinates who came in after 1986 were and entitled to many, many thousands of VA dollars. Think that's fair? And oh by the way, over half my career was spent overseas, and I still got it done.
I am currently enrolled full time in school and if I continue full time enrollment I will have until the Fall of 2010 to use the remainder of my benifits. Will I beable to receive the new pacakge starting the Fall of 2009 until Fall 2010?
am currently enrolled full time in school and if I continue full time enrollment I will have until the Fall of 2010 to use the remainder of my benifits. Will I beable to receive the new pacakge starting the Fall of 2009 until Fall 2010?
I am currently enrolled full time in school and if I continue full time enrollment I will have until the Fall of 2010 to use the remainder of my benifits. Will I beable to receive the new pacakge starting the Fall of 2009 until Fall 2010?