The President recently signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Improvement Act, also known as GI Bill 2.0 . Unfortunately, just like the original Post-9/11 GI Bill, the fix was a well-intensioned legislative rush job – full of technicalities, complications, and trade-offs.
As I read the blog comments here, and the responses to Tom Philpott’s “Military Forum,” it’s easy to see that many veterans are upset at the prospect of reducing benefits for some in an effort to provide or expand benefits for others.
Had Congress done it right the first time, there wouldn’t be any inequity or “lost benefits” to debate – just a streamlined single program that treats each veteran the same.
One of the biggest pain points for vets currently using the GI Bill is the loss of the living (housing) stipend during scheduled school breaks – like winter break, spring break etc. This change was made to free up money to help pay for expanding the benefit to include National Guard members (ARG and those activated under Title 32), who were excluded by the original law. In addition to providing a living stipend for veterans taking 100 percent of their classes online and making the annual $1000 book stipend available to active-duty and their spouses.
You can read throughout the blog comments, examples of Pre – 9/11 Vets who can’t believe that the younger vets can’t be happy to be getting more than they did under the MGIB and VEAP. In fact, there are quite a few heated discussions between veterans over the trade-offs. In fact some vets are taking the veteran service organizations as well as the President and Congress to task. In some cases the back and forth is getting ugly.
Soap Box Time – As veterans, I think we should focus our energy on pushing for a more equitable and sustainable GI Bill program. Keep in mind that the government has a history of improving the GI Bill during times of war and drastically cutting it back afterwards. Remember what came after the Vietnam War? VEAP – a program that offered vets a two-for-one matching deal, which required vets to contribute up to $2,700 to get a whopping $8,100 for school.
What will happen when the Afghanistan war ends? VEAP 2.0?
In my opinion, we need a consistent, fair, and fiscally sustainable GI Bill program, one that every vet can count on to help pay for their education.
Why did they exclude those individuals that qualified for the new Post 9/11 GI Bill but retired between 12 SEP 04 and 31 JUL 09 from being able to transfer their benefits to their dependents? So you have a situation where a veteran of 20+ years of active duty with college age kids cannot transfer the benefit but a soldiers with as little as few as three years of service can transfer the benefits.
Because something like that is _always_ going to happen. There are well over a million people in uniform when you count the active and reserve components. The legislators are human, imperfect, and face limitations of time, and budget, and trying to please as many people as they can. Yes, we deserve a perfect GI bill that takes everyone's circumstances into account, and puts a college education within our reach, if not necessarily making it cost-free to the veteran. The Government isn't a bottomless pit of money. But I'll just stop, because I doubt anything I could say will change an opinion once it is established.
epb, please read the bill prior to comment. Your assertion is incorrect. One must serve 10 years to be eligible to transfer benefits.
At least 10 years of service is required by any member qualified to transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill to a dependent. No one with as few as three years can transfer them.
They still cut off those with more than 10 years of service that retired prior to 1 Aug 2009. What's that about?
The point epb is trying to make is still correct. For someone like me with 26 years of active duty, including 5 years service post 9/11 can't transfer my benefits to my only child in college because I retired prior to 2009, but someone with half that time served can transfer benefits.
I served 32 years and retired Sep 1 2009 …. just tried to transfer benefits to my son, as I believed was my option … the VA told me that only active duty can transfer benefits … wish that was made clear before I retired …
Wow. After 32 years of service you must have been a supervisor. One of my subordiates retired on Sep 1 2009 also. I made sure he new he had to transfer his post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to his dependents BEFORE he retired. As a supervisor I felt it was my job to make sure my people understood their benefits. You can't rely on the knuckleheads at the education office to brief everyone. They just read the powerpoint slides they got from the VA. You should have educated yourself on the transfer provision, if not for your own benefit then at least to inform your subordinates. Consider the fact that you missed out on this benefit a penalty for being a poor supervisor. With 32 years in you should have known the rules and been screaming them from the rooftops at everyone who would listen. You were the one everbody looked to for guidance.
For someone who likes to come down on others, you should first learn to spell correctly… The word is KNEW, not new… Perhaps you should have put your G.I. bill benefits to better use, like transferring them to someone in your family who is functionally literate…
Sorry for the typo…any comments on the substance of the discussion?
your a douche SDNCO
I was active duty CPO Ret FEB28 2009 before the Aug 2009 date. In short I wrote in to this web site then with the same "bitch" about not being able to transfer to my children. The response then and I think it's still true is, it was a retention tool so people who joined in 9/11 would have to stay until 2009 to be able to transfer. I was not too happy with that, however each decade / generation seems to get pros and cons with every new program. For example the vets from the Vietnam did not get the VA payments for 30% or more like we do now. So I have to suck it up and move on. best of luck to you all. FCC(SW/AW) Ret.
Sorry to here that. I received extensive counseling on that benefit. As a matter of fact, that is why I retired on Sept 1, 2009 instead of an earlier date.
Yes, but the rules for the already enacted benefit were not published until Aug of 2009, which is when they made it effective.
I served 30 years and retired on 1 August 2009 and thought I could transfer my benefits to my daughter who'll start college this coming fall. However, I found out yestaeday from the AFPC program manager that I did not qualify because my last day of active duty was 31 July. He further told me that had I been still on active duty on 1 Aug 2009, I would have qualified. So you should, too. Pls contact APFC at 210-565-5399 and ask to speak to Mr. Torres (he's the manager). Good luck!
Off subject but were you in Turkey between 97 and 99? Just curious.
djs, try contacting your service (Army, Navy, etc.) GI Bill representative to see if they can get you that benefit. I retired 1SEP2009 and was able to transfer my benefits to my wife and daughter in Spring 2010. The Navy was making exceptions for those who were on terminal leave or otherwise had a good reason that they were not aware of the requirement to transfer these benefits while still on active duty.
I served for 30 years and had to statutory retire August 1 2009 which is when the program came into effect. because technically my last day in uniform was 31 July I couldn't transfer my benefits to my dependent.
Get use to it. I fell into the lets screw with these guys group and have missed out on benefits every since I retired.
All they have to do is do it right one time. If they do that then they can't say they tried to fight for the veterans benefits.
Why do you think Universities created a program path for the career politician call political science.
Hey Chief, there were other numbers going around that were different than what you offered. Which I believe to be because the rules also stated each service would be allowed to decide they would require in order to be able to transfer.
Army had a really great trial period option a couple of years back here in WA. Our rules in the Navy as of 2007'ish (obviously changed since then) were had the numbers of 3, 4, and 6 years. But Navy also wasn't permitting them at that time.
If I'm wrong on this then hopefully we can figure it out.
dohhh, my spelling thumbs got me with an extra word hahaha…..
I am sure it is a $$$ issue but they are excluding what seems to be a select few when it comes to the ability to xfer this. My daughter is 18 and getting ready to go to college and I served 23-years. I got my degree on active duty so it would be nice to be able to just xfer it over to her.
amen my husband retired on jan 1 with 26 yrs special forces and we cannot tranfer this benifit but some kid can serve 2 yrs this is gripping my ass this is the thing that needs to be fixed the cut off date if bs!! i think if you have served 20 you should have some type of incentive or gratitude
Outside of that coushy retirement and all the education you could handle while you were in, right?
Last time I checked it was my 1200.00 dollar investment over 20 years ago that is funding my GI Bill…and some on active duty aren't sitting on their ass in an office with nothing to do all day but go to school…and the retirement isn't coushy by any means..any other outstanding comments????
"coushy retirement?" who do you think we work for? MCI as CEOs? I don't think so. try around 30% of what we were making if we played the game and did the things we were supposed to. 20 years might get you a 'coushy' couch to go into your living room after your living expenses.
I haven't read all the the posts on this subject, but felt compelled to pass this on. The transfer of bennefits is a not a VA program. It is a Department of Defense "retention program". It is not a thank you program. The VA has been tasked with the administration only.
That's a very good question. I am a 24 year enlisted veteran of the Navy, retired Sep 2006. I competed a Bachelor's and Master's Degree prior to retirement using Tuition Assistance and personal funds (Since I had no GI Bill and VEAP Sucked, lol). Now that I have a teenage, about to be college age, daughter, she can not benefit from her father's service while active duty dependents can (regardless of the 10 year service stipulation)??? Wow! Not whining, just pointing out the difference. Everyone's situation if dirferent. "Fair Winds and Following Seas"…
Get a job like everyone else and stop whining! College is a privilege not a right…
How do you justify saying college is not a right? There are plenty of people out there who have what it takes to continue through to college, but despite all the grants and scholarships offered, are still struggling to pay for such an expensive education. I am very thankful and lucky that I have my GI Bill to at least help pay for some of my education.
Totally agree. Especially since funding seems to be readily available to foreigners and disabled potheads. Yes, I went to college with several of those type which is exactly how I know. Yet, when I tried to stay in college, funds had "disappeared." So I had to go get a job with only a year left. N C you need to get a clue. Open your eyes. Oh, and have you checked the unemployment lines lately. Not like jobs are being handed out like candy. Everyone wants a degree these days.
I appreciate your thought, but military privileges are earned through service. The VA stated that they wanted a program that treats veterans equitably. This iteration does not appear perfectly equitable. Ultimately, the education benefit acts as incentive to increase desire to enter or maintain service. This activity has the common elements of a contract – offer, acceptance, and consideration. After service, the privilege is earned.
We now have a system where some are more privileged than others. It does not appear that Robert is claiming a denied "right," but expressing frustration over the narrowness of an earned privilege.
I'm with you eye to eye Robert, I'm a 24 year Navy Veteran. It just makes no sense why we cannot transfer our benefits to our dependents. I'm quite certain that we've been targeted because I had no GI Bill by choice and veap was a joke. Then suddenly we have a benifit that only we can use and not our dependents. F.W.A.F.S SCPO(SW) Fleet Reserve.
I am baffled as to why a veteran is allowed to transfer anything to their kids. The veteran served, not the kids. I suppose in the mindset of the entitlement generation that the taxpayers should be kicking in a free Doctorate for all subsequent generations following the service of an individual?
I prefer that my kids learn the value of earning their way. The original idea of a "G.I. Bill was not generational entitlement, but rather to offer the chance of training to veterans returning to the workforce after their service, nothing more, nothing less. it was most surly not designed as a plan of generations government handouts.
Alright wise guy and I bet your kids went to bed every night knowing where you were and not wondering if you were safe or in harms way so in a way our kids earned the benefit as well. Your just another fine example of America taking their liberties for granted.
family always suffers with AD service! deployments, time away from home, long hrs…
the family DESERVES gratitude!
Jon, I have you remind you that we paid for the GI bill. It was an investment. The Army took $100 a month for 12 months. That $1200 investement will be wasted if I got my degree while on active duty. Being able to transfer my investment to my children seems the right thing to do. It I had put my $1200 in the stock market, I could have transfered that money, could I not?
Tom in NY
I am not sure I am all for the transfer thing – but I know my teens have had to move from school to school because of PCS moves – it is a tough thing. It is hard to get leadership positions on teams and clubs. You are always starting over. My daughter was moved her junior year in high school – it is hard to get the recommendations from teachers you just met. Dads and Moms deployed. The other spouse struggling to make things work. It is not a cake walk. I think we could do more to help out military kids.
Amen to that,I totally agree with you.
I am married to a military man and I am also the child of a retired military man. It was never easy moving and living without your parent. I know it is not a sacrifice made only by my father or my husband but the ENTIRE family. Being able to transfer benefits is a small gift and certainly never makes up for all the sacrifices! I am so thankful that my husband can transfer his benefits, my dad could not. I paid for my college! It certainly was not the reason my father nor my husband ever committed to serving our country, and in turn the family committed!
If they do it for some, they should do it for all. How about all the folks who retired and were over there when it was really dangerous.
Really dangerous? I guess the bullets that killed older generations were more deadly than those fired today? Stay on subject
YOUR CHILDREN DIDNT SERVE THEY SHOULDNT GET THE BENEFIT ANYWAYS…
No they did not actively serve. That being said they have suffered through the service of their parent and sacrificed sometimes more. They did not volunteer for the "job" but held their heads high while they waited for mom and/or dad to hopefully make it home again. The soldier paid into the benefit to begin with and should be able to give it to their spouse or child if they want. If you have never been the one at home waiting with fingers crossed, you should not be saying anything.
My husband is currently active-duty and we plan for him to stay in until our oldest goes to college and we can transfer the benefits. We believe that it is a parent's job to educate your children. Therefore it benefits my husband and I to have to pay for one less child to attend college. Nevertheless, our daughter pays her dues everyday that she grows up without her daddy there to experience life with her. We "serve" and sacrifice everyday for you and the rest of Americans. I think you people should think about what family members give up and endure so that our soldier can fight for you, before you go around spouting what you think others deserve.
Thank you for your sacrifice. All us old timers were once in your shoes and one piece of advice that I think you should hear is that to "count on a military career" is not a certainty.
With the cease fire of the first Gulf War came a drastic reduction in military spending. Officers and enlisted were forced out in truck loads. I saw excellent officers sent packing while dunderheads moved up the ranks. The economy after the first gulf war was not nearly as bad as it is now. I can guarantee you that as soon as the shooting stops the Politicians will slash the military budget to the level of a boys scout troop; this happens everytime after a conflict is over.
Do yourself a favor…have a plan B. Get your husband into a unique MOS or learn some crazy language like Farsi, Korean or Chinese…something that can transfer into the NSA.
Good luck and thank you for your sacrifice.
I recommend transferring benefits as soon as possible. Don't wait until the oldest goes to college unless that happens to coincide with 10 years in service.
Y0u need t0 SUCK IT! The family d0es serve! Are y0u even inv0lved with the military 0r are y0u s0me 0utrage0us 0utsider wh0 kn0ws n0thing? Because I assure y0u, they serve! Stick this up y0ur ASS!!
Tell that to my son and daughter (ages 10 and 6 when their dad was in combat).
I now know why you signed in as a guess. Leave this discussion to those who really served.
Jealous much? Too chicken to type anything more than "GUEST." Parents are entitled to give gifts to their children. We pay for the GIBILL. We opt in to it! We VOLUNTEER to be a part in it, of it, partake of it — however you choose to phrase it. It comes out of our paychecks monthly! Like paying for life insurance. Would you rather what didn't goto burying us goto oblivion?
If you're really so upset about something that you feel the need to capitalize everything, why don't you go after the people who are crying about not getting millions of dollars because a building in their city blew up?
you obviously never sacraficed anything for this country. walk the walk or shut up.
I agree, I retired 21 Oct 04 and I would have loved to transfered this over to my college student. I had to get out because of high tenue
Yes, that's my question. I too paid into this program. As a 20 year Navy Vet, (Ret. 28Feb2003) the sacrifices my family and I endured were many. Therefore, the educational benefit should be transferable to one of my immediate family members (spouse or child) whom sacrificed and supported me during my 20 years of being on food stamps (if you will) and forever sucking it up for the better good of the world.
This is one of my biggest issues to. I retired Dec 04 eligible for 100% of the benefit, and had I known this bill was going to be put into place, I would have stayed in for the req. additional time to pass it on to my 2 children. We should have been grandfathered into the right to transfer it to dependents. I'm in my 50's and have two college age kids that I don't know how I will pay for their college, and yet, I have all this money to go to school on for myself. I "will use it myself before I let it go to waste"…
Susan, I am on same boat with you. I have my degrees while i was on active duty. I don't need any more education, yet I have a chunk of GI Bill waiting to be expired. I can not transfer this money to my daughter for college. This situation likes you have a plate full of food, and you are full. Your daughter is hungry but she can not eat that food. you are about to dump this food in the trash can.
I will not let this happen to me. I invested $1,200 into this GI Bill. I am going to waist all this GI Bill money before it expires. I am going to take some basket weaving classes, or some cooking, gardening classes to use up all my GI Bill fund. I know it's a waist of money and time, rather let Uncle Sam have it.
just make sure you pass those classes :)
epb I completely agree with you. They have just made a bad situation worse….Who came up with the dates any way……RIDICULOUS!!!
Call your Congessman and Senator!!!!!!!!!!!!! They are the only ones who can fix it.
Being in the military does not guarantee that benefits are equal for the group as a whole. Remember those big reenlistment bonuses that you received each time your reenlisted? I got a mere 2,000 dollars and six months later everyone reenlisting was getting 16,000 or more. Come on quit your belly aching and know that you got what you deserved while you were on active duty.
I've read all this bantering going on back and forth and I've yet to hear anyone mention H.R. 3577, which if passed, would allow 20+year retirees retiring between December 9, 2001 and August 1, 2009, the option to transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
If you want to jump on a bandwagon, jump on that one. Contact your Congressmen and women and ask for their support and passage of that bill to right a wrong.
Numbers talk. When our legislators are deluged with letters from their constituents, all about the same topic, they tend to listen (because if they don't, they might not get re-elected). We have a great grass-roots opportunity to do this if everyone gets on board.
Ron
Finally, someone who actually took the time to find the answer to a tough question. Thanks Ron
Great information, Thank you for providing these feed back never new something like this existed. I did voice my concerns to my reps and he just sent me the information I had already read on line about it being an incentive for active duty members and once retired you are SOL for transfer of ed benefits.
Thanks for the info…checking on it.
Please also support hr2002, transferability of benefits. What good does it do for a 100% totally and permanetly disabled veteran to get higher education? To guesttry being a 12 and 16 year old child, worried that your father will die in war and your mother will die in the hospital. This is what my children faced for two years as I was hospitalized multiple times, had over a dozen surgeries, and spent 31 days in isolation. They were by themselves as we had no family around. DON'T TELL ME FAMILY DOESN'T SERVE!!!!! And now, because he was injured, not because he didn't choose to continue to serve in 2008, our children are not entitled to money already promised to him?
They did it as retention incentive only.
They did it because the bill stated you had to be on Active Duty when the GI bill went into effect. I think your 31 JUL 09 date is incorrect since I know people who retired on or before and were able to transfer benefits with no issue.
They need to fix it! CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN and SENATOR!
My father retired in 1977, and he's been told that he's not eligible to transfer GI benefits to me. This is an outrage that a Vietnam Veteran does not get these benefits!! Completely unfair!
:end satire:
Every new program has to have a start date. They have to draw the line somewhere.
PS I have 12 years in, and I've obligated myself up through year 16 for the GI Bill transfer. I believe that I am the target for this program.
I beg to differ with you. I only had 3 years and I didn't want out and having been fighting with the VA ever since. I joined in 2005 and they wouldn't allow me to transfer my benefits to my daughter. I also, live in a state where they will pay a full scholarship to your children if your a war veteran which I am, but the catch is that you had to join the military in the state of Alabama to get that for your child.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill fix was MUCH needed and is completely fair and equitable. There is far too much of a dependence mentality for some who believe that their schooling is somehow an extension of active duty. It isn’t.
The GI Bill is not intended to pay for all of your living expenses, especially if you have dependents. You are NOT on active duty anymore.
The GI Bill is supposed to be a hefty leg-up to pay for tuition and books – and it even provides a bonus to help with rent. With the changes, it can now be used to pay to go to private colleges and universities, and the benefit payout is now equitable across state lines.
The bottom line is that there needs to be some sort of counseling provided to people who intend of using this benefit so they understand what it is and what it is supposed to do.
This is a good bottom line. The GI Bill is "assistance" not total support. You only get that while you're on AD. Is there any other country in the world that will help send a service member's child to college? We certainly sound spoiled and screaming for more.
Well they shouldn't call it the Post-9/11 GI Bill if it excludes people who served Post-9/11. Not only does it exclude a portion of the Post-9/11 veterans, but it excludes those vets who served 20+ years in favor of kids who may have done only one active duty tour. It's broken.
Stop using other countries as your reason for things, if you like how other countries do things then take your butt over there and live, this is the USA and im glad that your ok with our government changing deals after they are made, what happens if a service member breaks his/her contract, do we have a right to alter or change our contract NO we dont, and thats all this is , a contract being altered by our government, so they are breaking the contract by altering it
we have the WORST health care system of any industrialized country. doesnt that bother you? dont we deserve more? i served my country, i have a right to expect more of this great country. dissent is patriotic—if we all thought alike and believe everything politicians are saying, we would be in big trouble.
maybe you should leave since you dont think this country deserves better.
No other country even wants run of the mill Americans. One would have to have degrees and a foreign job offer to even realistically be able to expat.
I disagree that we have the worst healthcare system of any industrialized country. Why do all those other dignitaries come here for definitive health care then? We are a capitalist country not socialist–if you mean worst as that it is not free–you do get what you can afford to pay for.
They come here because we have a system that caters to the rich. Foreign dignitaries can afford to go where the specialists are, and that isn't always America, by the way. You don't see poor people able to come to America for "difinitive health care" simply because they can't afford it, much like many Americans.
Are you serious Jenna! This country DOES NOT have the "worst health care system of any industrialized country". Go to Canada or England and try to get a transplant of some sort. You will probly die befor it happens. Obama is doing nothing but making it worse too. Go ask any doctor, they will agree.
Jake you are believing the myth. My mother-in-law is from Germany. The husband of her friend (60 almost 70 year old man) got a heart value replacement about a year ago. He had to wait a few weeks only. My husband still has many family members in Germany, they love their health care and have no complaints. On the other hand my brother-in-law here in the US probably will die in the next few months from leukemia. The Drs. here dragged their feet for almost a year getting him a bone marrow donor (when he switched to a more prestigious transplant center they found him a donor in a week. However by then he was too sick. He also had to deal with financial concerns as he had reached his insurance cap the fall before the healthcare bill was passed and was put on a payment plan trying to juggle his chemo and transfusion costs himself. Don't know if him not having insurance money affected the earlier deplays but after the bill's passage is when he got into this new program and got better care. It just was too late. PS: He thought he had great care (Blue cross through work) until he got sick.
Wrong. Stop buying into the hype you lemming. Entitlements like free healthcare will break our country.
greed is what has broken this country. All the politicians having their hands in the cookie jars of the insurance companies and big pharmasutical companies. People running this country making 6 figures while there are people starving. That is what has broken this country, better yet the denial that this country isnt already "broken" is a obscurred.
Dissent is patriotic…ignorance is not. Making a ruefully uninformed comment about healthcare in a blog about educational benefits amplifies the appearance of ignorance. Before you chastise anyone about believing "everything politicians are saying," you should perform some of your own comparative research in an attempt to be more accurate in your appraisal of this country's healthcare system and stop believing everything the press and lobbying organizations are saying.
I have spent the last 2 years battling our health care that is non excistant, and the VA just as much. So i say your full of it, if you think for a moment that our structure of health care is even remotely decent. as a returning wounded warrior, I fought harder for the benefits that i was entitled to, then all the time i was deployed. there is something wrong with that. So before you use big words to up yourself over people, how about you acctually address veterans problems and see where that takes you because i know from experience and a wealth of knowledge now that, veterans as a whole are not getting everything they need. We have the lowest form of health care in the world, if u see it globally. your dillutional!
Hey coastie heres the deal, when I seperated I did so using a plan. I researched the school, area, living stipend and so forth. I paid off loans while on active duty, so that I could budget my money from VA living stipend. This way I am taking 24 credits a term, now during breaks this screws up my budget and leaves me short on bills. Vets like me should be grandfathered in under 9/11 1.0. This is what we agreed to and planned for. Whether you call that being spoiled or what I dont give a damn sir. I didn't ask for this bill, but it's what they offered. Bottom line they shouldn't go back on their word when peoples lives are at stake.
Very well reasoned argument. However, I would suggest a further slight expansion to your general idea, which I believe would still be fair (Lord knows I hate using that word) and has precedent in so many other programs. I would suggest that vets such as yourself who are currently using the benefits be grandfathered, but vets like me who haven't started using their benefits yet should suck it up and take what we get when we start using the benefits. I retired just shy of 4 years ago after 25 years. I've seen my share of combat ops in several theaters. I have a busted back, am missing part of a finger, suffer partial hearing loss, and have bouts with PTSD…..but I had a heck of a good time doing crazy stuff along the way! We play the hand we're dealt and make the best of it. I'm putting my 19 year old son through school right now and I have a 17 year old daughter right behind him. I'm waiting to find out if I've been accepted to a Ph.D. program for this Fall. The VA benefits will be a great assistance so I'll take what I get and drive through the suck!
You are so right. I did my research as well and looked at the old MGIB and post 9/11, it was not mandatory it was an option, I didnt' realize the Governement would renig so fast wow.
Honestly I agree with you that the better way of implementing 2.0 was to grandfather people in the process of receiving 1.0 benefits. However, to make the 2.0 changes fiscally palatable, they weren’t able to do that.
So the answer is to rework your plans. It isn’t impossible and as we are all trained to expect, the only constant in the universe is change.
I agree completely. There was a contract signed and the government should have to honor that contract for veterans that are currently attending school. My husband is pre-9/11 and attending school under vocational rehabilitation. Now without recieving any increase in his monthly stipend he is getting docked for breaks. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.
This is America. Our Vets deserve a lot. You sound like you should go live in another country.
Funny….they used to say if the Military wanted you to have a family, they would have issued you one. As we are on the subject, what difference does it make to be on Active Duty? Certainly other jobs don't pay one person more than another because they got married or had a child. If we are in the realm of justifying pay and allowances, why not start with cutting pay and allowances for active duty? Do we really need spousal tuition assistance? With Dependent Rate BAH? Family Health Care? Do it like the business world and let them pay for a HMO? Bottom line here, we all earn or have earned benefits because of our service…it is wrong and puts people in hardship to reduce or take away pay or allowances while they are being used. That elimination of the housing stipend during school breaks makes sense on paper I am sure. But how does that apply in real life? We certainly cannot move out of our houses on breaks or refuse to pay rent or dormitory fee's? I agree with many here…they should have just come out with a new Post 99 GI Bill and left the other alone. It makes no sense to call it the Post 911 when it does not apply in entirety to everyone who served during that time frame. Is it fair? Well as we see here, that depends entirely on ones situation. If you are on the outside looking in, then it seems to be the "quit whining routine", but the view from the inside looking out is entirely different. As people have been relying on that money to help make ends meet while they are in school, what happens now? Do they have to drop out? Do they have to move to a lower rent house? The Military has been very good about grandfathering Housing allowance changes for active duty because of the hardship it would cause if you allowance dropped after you bought or leased. Is it any less of a hardship here? Or is it easier to ignore because these people are no longer active duty…perhaps they just served a third of their life through 3 or 4 wars, trying to better their life the best they can. Perhaps they would never have the opportunity for school had this bill not been passed. Now maybe that door is closing again…..
The sad thing isn't that cuts put military and their families in a "hardship", but rather the fact that due to the current and (in part) previous administrations, there's even a hardship in the first place. Benefits (like a civilian job) are purks, HOWEVER, the gov't treats it like buying a car, but the "benefit" is you get tires and an engine too. OR, We'll give the tires and engine to the spouse and a steering wheel to one child with a gas pedal to the other and the brake to yet another. We've got the wrong person in the office signing this bill HOPING for a 2d administration is the PROBLEM. Reply back please. I agree with most of what you've said. bill37_newstart@live.com. If DC won't do anything good for veterans (me) and their families, we need to (and quite frankly, should've done it already).
I agree with you on this, the thing that I do not like is the government making the non payment of break pay applicable to ALL of the VA educational programs. I BIG difference between the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the MGIB is that I paid for the MGIB (I am eligble for both programs) and that the government is changing the ball game and giving MY MONEY/ENTITLEMENT to some dude's spouse or children when I PAID INTO MY PROGRAM. Can you say the VA is becoming like Section 8 where MY TAX dollars are being used to support somebody else's kids…..
The Big Difference (I can not spell today :( )
this is where you need to read up on the post 911 GI bill alittle more. Your tax dollars are NOT paying for some kids education. This is an entitlement given to military members who served during and after 911. It is THEIR right to do with it what they want. If my husband, (who has servered 22 years and has been deployed 4 times) wants to give his GI bill to his kids, than so be it. It is not your place to say what he does with it. My daughter is currently going to college on his GI bill where otherwise we could not afford to pay for it. I think we should be greatful that our government has done this. It is the best benifit we have EVER been given. This is payment well earned to my family and we will be happy to take what we can get. Honestly, we didnt even know they did pay for breaks. We planned ahead and our daughter got a job. Over breaks thats what college students should do anyway. They dont need to be lazy over the breaks or summer. Our kids are way too spoiled in this country. Get out there and work!
Sheri please check your facts. I also served 24 years active duty and have kids I'd like to send to college with the help of the 9/11 GI Bill. I can't use it to help my children because I retired in 2007. Was my service less valuable than your husband's? No it was not. I have no problem with the benefit being passed on to dependents if the benefit is available to all who served after 9/11. I also planned ahead to use the benefit as it was written and now I will lose money during breaks. Are you worried about my rights?
Joe,
While you make a point another point is that just because we served does not indicate we get everything everytime. Case in point. I served from 1976 to 2000. I have three college age children I wish I could support through colleeg, but the fact is I cannot. They have to work and we do what we can. i would love to have some, any assitance with this cost as I too served with honor, but it is what it is. The cost would be astonomical to allow all Vets into the program. I do not agree with not helping all (less money to those who served 20+ prior to 911) but I agree with keeping the costs realistic. Uncle Sam is paying for your college, if you choose to use some of this money to pay for housing, that's your choice. College costs should not cover housing, just college tuition and books. It's a great deal I wish I could partake in.
While being somewhat sentimental to everyone's apparent legitimate concerns I say quit your whinning and adjust. Some of us served 20+ and do not get to pass on to our spouse or children, but we adjust, whine, but adjust. Get over it.
The font here is so small that I have misspeled many words. I am not illiterate. Sorry for the mistakes.
It is a red herring to view any “contribution” into a guaranteed-benefits program as somehow being an investment. Especially when the benefit is 50x the “buy-in.”
Besides, as others have pointed out, the MGIB is totally separate from the 911GIB.
i personally am happy and satisfied with the post 9/11 gi bill (excluding a few kinks in the beginning). but that is just MY experience with it. if a veteran who has served 20+ years doesnt like it, then it should be made better. why do we have to comprimise? all of the money spent (wasted) during the bush administration (google: bush squanders taxpayer money) could easily pay for any additional problems with this bill. im sure we have enough money to fix the legitimate problems my fellow veterans are having. it's shameful enough that we have homeless veterans (a growing number), we should at least do everything we can for those attending college (and their families).
How about let's doing something for ALL veterans. By choosing which veterans we're looking to help, we're as bad as the federal gov't robbing purks from spouses to bring in the National Guard. I think the National Guard DESERVES the purks, but not at the expense of someone else in the DOD pot. Let's also think about those who've served and came back with WAY less than 20 years with disabilities. What do we do with them? I'm a medically retired Marine of 15 1/2 years medically retired after returning from a tour in Iraq. Since I didn't make 20, should we not work to help me? I'm only playing devil's advocate here because I was trained to LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND!!!! When debating politics it's easy to forget that concept, but in the heat of battle, IT"S UNACCEPTABLE.
While I agree the GI Bill isn’t supposed to be a “get rich” program which allows Vets to get out of paying debts to society or working full-time jobs, it is unethical to deprive us of the opportunity to comfortably attend school while not having to worry where our next meal is coming from. Work for alot of combat op. Job specialist isn’t easy to come by for those without an education to get them into a nice career.
Taki
I wish I could + your comment more.
Ajay,
The issue with your comment is that you fail to realize that by the time you are using your GI Bill, you aren’t on active duty anymore. Once you are a civilian (or a full time civilian who is at most part time military), you are responsible for where your next meal comes from. That includes while going to school as well.
Take out a Stafford loan if you don’t want to work for living expenses. They are available at very very cheap interest rates on top of GI Bill.
Your right it's not total support, but let me explain something to you. Those of us who started back in August 2009 knew what we signed up for therefore we went out and found ourselves houses and apartments. Guess what, the rent that we signed up to pay each month still stands!!!! I can speak for myself when I say it's not supposed to support us 100% but it is supposed to support the the house payments and rent we established last August. With these changes being put into effect this August our rent will continue to be the same but we can't say the same about our housing allowance. There will be many months in which the housing benefit will be reduced leaving us to cover the balance. In some cases this balance can be quiet a chunk of change for those of us who were already accustomed to the original Post 9/11 GI BILL and our remaining living expenses. Basically this new bill will benefit us greatly but it is not the bill we signed up for, so if you are one of those who the changes benefit the most congratulations, but yes I personally feel like it is our right to get the benefits in which we signed up for. My thing is if you feel like you don't need break pay then sit back and be thankful for your newly added benefits but you will eventually realize that when they are prorating your housing allowance by the amount of days you are in school but not doing the same for your actual benefits you will see why we are so upset. For you I will explain what I'm talking about since you are obvious blinded by the fact of whats going on. If you attend school December 1-st-15th and go on break until January 15th, for those 2 months you will get 1/2 your housing allowance. At the same time even though you were only in school 15 days during December and 16 days in January they are STILL going to deduct 2 months from your original 36 months of benefits, INSTEAD of only deducting 1 month. Yes we attended school during those months but technically school was not in session so why is the VA deducting my benefits from me AND taking my break pay. BOTTOM LINE is the VA knew better to pay us break pay to justify deducting those months from our benefits in which we may have only been in school 2 weeks. Maybe you newcomers to the Post 9/11 Gi Bill need counseling on what you should be getting but can't now because of this new bill, because when it's all said and done those who were on the original bill knew exactly what we had. By the way, the post 9/11 gill bill was established because the MGIB had little success. Why you might ask? Because veterans were having to put more emphasis on financial obligations rather than school, hence it was an irrelevant program because people weren't financially able to utilize it accordingly. With these changes, they are one step closer to transforming it back to the MGIB and saving Uncle Sam a great deal of money because like the bill from the past people are once again having to stress financial obligations rather than collegiate performance. With these changes the graduating success rate will decline and less people will utilize it in which the VA, CONGRESS, and The President had intended.
A medically retired Marine of 15 1/2 years thanks you for your service and also for your VERY VALID POINTS you bring up here. I don't think ANYONE is going to be 100% satisfied because most of those submitting the bills have never served in a uniform before and (my opinion), those who have, have forgotten what it's like. I STRONGLY DISAGREE that you're housing allowance is taken away and I'm one the the veterans that BENEFITS from you getting robbed cause I'm taking college 100% online and now I get that same benefit that was taken from you starting August of this year. How does that make any sense????? (Correct me if I'm wrong on that point, but I'm pretty sure I'm not).
Thats the reason I still am with the MGIB..and did not convert it to the 9/11….
Ryan,
I agree with you that if you activated your benefits you should have been grandfathered. That’s what the original “fix” did.
I just wonder what is preventing you from working during your break? If you aren’t going to school, there are many, many ways to earn some extra cash to make up for the lost BAH while you aren’t enrolled. You might also consider taking a very cheap Stafford loan to supplement your GI Bill benefits which could also help make up the difference.
Sorry that you feel deprived and my intent was not to laugh at you or anyone else. It is equitable, though, and there isn’t any reason why you can’t start planning now for the changes that will come to your benefits later.
What about everyone before 9/11 who get nothing? Do they want us all to just go away and die?
YES
What are you talking about??? I came in Jan of 92 and I'm not getting "nothing" and I"m DEFINITELY NOT going away and dying. I think before you put in comments, you need to include facts as to why you believe this or not submit anything at all. Care to debate this, bill37_newstart@live.com.
If you paid into the MGIB and still have part of your 10 years to use it then use it before you lose it. If 10 years has passed then you get nada..I think it is the same for the VEAP, but don't quote me on that–not my era.
Yes, they do!
If I read this right does this mean that "All Online" students will now get a living allowance?
That's what I'm getting out of it. Unless there's something I'm NOT seeing. Help me understand this too because this DOES apply to me and makes NO sense because we're not getting (as of Aug this year) that housing allowance that is being taken from others who need it. The federal gov't didn't improve the Post 9/11 GI Bill, they manipulated it to include National Guard members and took benefits from one group to give to another. That's not improvement and they're hoping we're not going to see this, ESPECIALLY IN AN ELECTION YEAR. Talk to me, bill37_newstart@live.com.
I googled it and it’s only for certain circumstances
Yes. If your one of the "online" Vets then you are one of the winners of this change vs 9/11 1.0
seriously dude? 10 yrs active duty and service to this country and two deployments I think it is fair that vets have the right to that money! are you a vet? I would think that most people who served, let alone in combat, would treat other vets still as equals. your post is rediculous!
Learn how to spell, I guess you haven't used your GI benefits yet. 'Ridiculous not rediculous'.
Sicby, it's pretty sad when you're only come back to a veteran is to correct their spelling. Maybe you haven't served in uniform as brothers and sisters-in-arms stick together regardless of how we spell things. (Why do you waste the time of those trying to make a difference). Medically retired Marine 15 1/2 years and medically discharged after Iraq. Talk to me big guy bill37_newstart@live.com.
What are you an English teacher? I guess you never fat finger the keyboard before. Remember debates were meant to allow knowledge to advance and the opinions of others to be heard, don’t be so condescending.
Actually, "ridiculous" is correctly spelled "S-i-c-b-o-y."
You can spell a$$hole the same way,
…or even the entire sentence: "I am not capable of making an intelligent or contributive comment of any kind so the only thing my singular cellular moronic brain can think of is to correct someone’s spelling. Yeah… that'll show 'em."
Have a good day… “Sicboy.”
Thank you but Retirees do not need to be reminded of being NOT active duty! Retired military members have paid dues to this country. Desiring the means to improve ones life does not constitute an "extension of active duty". Eliminating the stipend is ridiculous.
Medically retired Marine of 15 1/2 years, I completely agree with you. While we are not active duty anymore, maybe it's not us that needs to be reminded that we're not active duty, but others that need to be reminded that we once were and have Honorably served.
Roger William you are so right.
*Thumbs up* great post! As one Retiree to another….
Well stated.
I can't believe you said that
"The GI Bill is not intended to pay for all of your living expenses, especially if you have dependents. You are NOT on active duty anymore".
I did my time on active duty and now as a veteran I deserve my benefits just like those who are on active duty who get such benefits as housing etc. It is not equal the changes are unfair the new changes give gi bill money to those who never served a day in there life like wifes and or kids. I can't believe you are complaining the gi bill is meant for those who are veterans not those who are on ACTIVE DUTY the changes give gi bill benefits to those who are on active duty how dare you.
Sailor,
I hear what you’re saying. All I am saying is, if the government gives us something they should keep their word, we did. Don’t change the rules in the middle of the game we didn’t when we gave them 20+ years.
I agree that I have never served overseas. But don't think for a second that wives haven't sacrificed for this country. I have actually physically been with my husband for less than 1/2 of the time we've been married. I was left at 10 weeks pregnant to pack up an apartment, move across the country, prepare for a new born, have a baby, and raise that baby. Our daughter will be nearly a year old by the time she gets to meet her father. andeven then it will only be for 6 months of every year. But my story isn't all that different from other spouses.
Having said that….I graduated college (via a full academic scholarship) prior to being married so I don't need the GI Bill. We have established a college fund for our daughter. But even if we hadn't… My husband earned those benefits just like everyone else; and, as the person who earned them, he should have the right to use them or transfer them as he sees fit. Because while we may not hold the gun or load the missiles, but its the spouses and dependents who are constantly picking up the pieces when you leave and come home.
Amen to that! My husband is currently active duty (22 years) and getting ready to retire. This is one benefit the military can give back to the families for what we have sacrificed over the years. My daughter is currently using her dads GI bill and we couldn't be happier with it. It took a load off our minds knowing she will get a good education and not burden herself or us with the cost.
We as Vets know we are no longer in the Active Military, the fact remains we once were active and many of us offered up more than any congress could repay us. And don't dare mention our dependents….. They have been the backbone of the military and have had to do without in more ways than one. The Gi Bill doesn't pay enough to care for most of our families. Our you forgetting it is supposed to pay for college with the aid of other outside gov't agencies to and grants……GI Bill don't pay all the tab & personally that's insulting. Are you sure you know what equitable across the line means?, or what ciountry do you live in? there is no such thing as equitable anything in our government, I am still trying to understand the no raise in COLA fopr the last two years. Spend your time on something more equitable than our up and down GI Bill and how much more can our wonderful government take from those who continue to live or die for it each and everyday whether active or not. Tired of losing benefits!!!!!
Well said and honestly enough said.
scorpio0679, you really need to go back and look at the purpose of the GI Bill. It was designed to provide education to Veterans after they separate or retire from activity duty. NOT to provide education benefits while we are serving. The changes that allowed the GI Bill benefits to be used while we are on active duty came much later in history as did Tution Assistance, which was enacted for those currently serving. It serves everyone much better if you have done your homework before jumping on the bandwagon.
CSM,
Re-read my comment. I never once said the GI Bill was originally intended to be used for people on active duty. What I said was that the benefit payout was not supposed to be like an extension of active duty.
From following this blog on the GI Bill topic, I’ve found that so many veterans using or who intend to use the GI Bill for their education believe that they should be getting a paycheck while they go to school. That isn’t how it works. Once you are out of the Army and using the GI Bill, it is intended to allow you to go to school without taking out massive loans to pay for tuition.
It is NOT supposed to be free school plus a paycheck. You are still responsible for covering your own living expenses with either a job, loans, grants, scholarships, etc. Don’t think of the GI Bill as an extension of active duty (i.e., a paycheck).
I don't agree with your comment. I don't know if you were in the military or work in support for veterans (0679= medical support?), but I may be wrong that you are bias in your comments. I'm not saying that all combat troops should get any other better treatment (when it comes to a benefit such as a GI Bill), they just earned it and have always been getting the crappy-end of the stick. Considering security/support contractors get paid in excess of $220,000 a year, I think that you should be targeting these guys instead.
Now, I do agree that veterans should not have to get the same pay as being on active duty; however, since veterans (some more than others) have made the ultimate sacrifice by placing their life on hold, being away from their families, and ultimately have risked their lives. That is the bottom line, and I do believe that too many people try to be politically correct and also have, what I like to call……Intellectual Intolerance.
Trust me, I've done some thought on this comment, and put aside any persuasion on my outlook; such as bad experiences in the past, for instance the Cal State I go to, I HAD to overhear from a recent high school graduate who would brag that her father bought her a new land rover, and paying for her college. She even went as far as saying that she can manipulate her father in getting what she want's (and her boyfriend but that's not directly relevant). But I do state this to prove my point, since she is not the only one who has this attitude.
If there is money for counseling, then the very money which goes to those people can go to our veterans. You're not thinking about the amount of money and time to train people to just make that happen.
All-in-all, there are some people who have done their time, and should get more than the sacrifices of their blood, sweat and tears. Such as you probably have done in your own way. Finally, to let you know, I have not applied for the 9/11 GI Bill since I have scholarships. I earned it and went the extra mile, since I knew that this whole GI Bill thing was going to be a hassle. People still complain though even in my position.
But hey, thanks for sharing. That's just my opinion.
So let me get this straight, the gov't will pay someone welfare because they didn't take the time to get a good education in order to find a good job to support their children, but God forbid it helps provide living expenses to its military veterans who are busting their asses trying to get an education so that they can support themselves for the rest of their lives and not be a future burden on the system.
Amen to that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well put!
That's the difference between those who take pride in standing on their own two feet and those who were born into a life cycle of "you owe me." In my book, the only folks who are "entitled" to anything are those who are now serving or those who have served our country in the past. I have no military experience, I'm an American who appreciates what our service members do and have done. My heartfelt thanks to you for your service, past and present! The only other comment I will make is, I hope everyone who is posting here is also contacting their elected public servants to tell them how they feel on these (and other) issues. God bless you and the USA! .
This isn't a question of whether we're on active duty anymore or not, we've all served and that's the point. I'm a medically retired Marine of 15 1/2 years medically retired after returning from Iraq. You're right I'm not active duty. BUT, I'm planning to take 100% online courses and there's NO REASON why I need my living expenses paid for when my education is 100% online. Also, I paid my $1200 into the GI Bill back in 92 so while you have a good point in stating a fact that some are not active duty anymore, we've paid our price monetarily AND in Honorable time served. Are you active duty or the spouse of active duty??? My email is bill37_newstart@live.com. Feel free to contact me. Maybe we can get others together if we work hard enough to come up with a win-win situation for a government that refuses to do the same for those who serve/served and gave their 110%. Thank you.
I wish I would have sat on my ass and waited for them to hand out all the housing allowances and stipends when I got out in 2004 instead of going straight to school and getting a degree. I wouldn't have had to borrow any money at all. That's what I get for trying to be proactive. I was in Saudi Arabia when the war started and I didn't get any of the benefits these guys are complaining about losing. It was too good to be true. Staff pay and full-tuition remission…that's insane.
Well you really can have 6 yrs and a commitment for another 4 but its true and its messed up how they discard of the old soldiers and paint a pretty picture to lure new ones
I sure there r still states offering 100% tuition 4 joining the National Guard/ Reserves & doing the weekend warrior drills 1wkend/mo & 2 wks annually, ok and an occasional 1yr deployment. Then u r free 2 take all of your P911 benefits & apply them 2 your books & living expenses. I did it back in the mid-late 90's w/ Montgomery GI BIll, mind u it wasn't enough 4 me 2 feed a family of 4, I still worked a full time job (7pm-7am), went home showered & went 2 class w/ a half-time load from 8am-noon 3-4 days/week 4 about 3yrs. It all may be different now, look at it this way for those who didn't make a career as a soldier can still work towards an sustainable income later in life on a part-time basis. Everyone's situation is different though, so u just have 2 find what works best 4 u.
Utilizing the P911 benefits as a vessel 2 live off of is an abuse on the design of the program. Use it as intended, get your education & help this country get on the right track. Seems this nation has driven itself towards always tryin 2 get somethin for nothin. We need 2 change that behavior. We have a lot of problems 2 address in this country & allowing unfair imports/export of goods & services, jobs leaving this country, taxing the working class forcing them into hardships, overpaying our elected government and giving them and their families lifetime benfits is not building a great nation. It's beating and kicking it further while we r already down. We need some one making decisions on behalf of working class middle America.
Making a level playing field for all involved is the best idea…but how to backtrack and implement that is seemingly impossible….HOW would this be done – treating ALL the same – ? And, WHY ISN"T everyone treated alike?
You are right, but I think that a free college education should be a benefit for having served in the military. I think they should do that…basically making it so that you can go to your college of choice (assuming you can get in) and you don;t have to pay for anything. Many states already do this for state schools.
It is. That’s what the P911GIB is all about. They pay 100% of state school tuition, and up to $17.5k to private schools. If you go to a more expensive private school, you can get up to $18.5k per year in federal low-interest stafford loans.
The GI Bill is supposed to replace student loans, scholarships, or “parental grants” that pay for tuition. It is NOT supposed to provide for your general living expenses. That’s what a job (or living expenses loan) is for.
UNDERSTAND….KEY WORD. Obama and Government like to complicate things 27,000 PAGE HEALTH CARE BILLS ? Another give away to 911 FOLKS …. MOST THINGS ARE TOO COMPLICATED TO UNDERSTAND OR BENEFIT FROM….. Like EVERYTHING, AND PLEASE YOU OLDER VETS TAKE NOTE…My Dad, a disabled retired army officer just died …A YEAR AND A HALF AGO !!! …I knew my dad paid into annuity for SURVIVORS BENEFIT for my mother. To put it mildly…the way she was treated was DISGUSTING, and the paperwork needed to collect WHAT DAD PAID FOR OUT OF HIS PENSION WAS SO COMPLICATED I NEEDED FIVE LETTERS FROM THE GREAT REP OF KENTUCKY, GEOFF DAVIS WHO WOULDN'T GIVE UP to finally have my mom collect. I wonder how much the government screws widows out of, by not paying the survivor benefit that the VETERAN OFFICER PAID FOR. Everything is too complicated so government does not pay what VET DESERVES. You old guys, or any one about to die, who has paid into SURVIVOR BENEFITS … Line up with your congressman NOW, or your survivors will NOT GET THE survivors benefit. I challenge any auditor to investigate how many older women got " SCREWED " out of this benefit, that THEIR VET PAID FOR… 911 FOLKS ALL END UP WITH MILLIONS…AND NEW "BILLS" while the soldier in America is totally taken for granite…Think about it… The fireman, cop, janitor who was KIA in twin towers is compensated many many times more than the heroes coming back " feet first under old Glory" …OUR GOVERNMENT HAS GOT IT ALL ASS BACKWARDS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need the GLORIOUS ARMY IN THE EAST to come home, march down Pennsylvania and PURGE CONGRESS, ARREST OBAMA, AND GET THE GOVERNMENT BACK TO THE PEOPLE. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS , WHO HAVE NEVER LET US DOWN, AND ARE THE ONLY THING THE USA HAS TO BE PROUD OF !!!
Thank You John! The USA has stopped being considerate to VETS!
By the way John, I am a widow of a 100% disabled veteran, and
homeless, with my child !
I stood up to the "good ole boy network here in the south!
"With the changes, it can now be used to pay to go to private colleges and universities…"
You could use the Post-9/11 GI Bill for private education *before* the changes, and in many cases it was a substantially-better deal than version 2.0.
If you're planning on going to a private school in a state that had a high tuition cap under version 1.0, such as Texas or New York, the new changes could cost you as much as $80k in benefits.
With the new changes, the GI Bill will pay 100% of any in-state postgraduate tuition & fees (which could be as much as $50k/year), but payments to private schools are capped at $17,500 per year.
That’s the point, though. IF you lived in Texas, you could go to a super expensive private school. But if you were so unfortunate as to live in Florida (where the top tuition per credit hour rate was $300), you are stuck with a ****** $9,000/year.
How is that fair? Making it a flat, across the board $17,500 tuition rate for private schools, no matter where they are, is totally fair.
Fuck you, go back to active duty then, and stay there your opnion is useless.
What is really sad about this 9/11 Bill is after receiving my letter awarding me the 40% schooling, I was told I would not receive housing allowance, "fair enough" but now, I have St. Louis telling me, "Oh, we don't have a DD214" what lameness, you shouldn't have set the building on fire to destroy the records of a Vietnam veteran, nor my records. Gee, so nice of the VA to have say oh by the way…Now, I have been in school for two quarters and you still have not paid!
Oh by the way, I am a homeless veteran Thanks to blackballing Americans who stand up to corruption! I wait for my meal, I earned it!
It's your DD214 and you got it upon separation. You lost yours, but your mad that somebody else doesn't have it for you. I get the Post 9/11 gi bill and it is paid like clockwork, but I follow thru, do you?
You are exactly right – there was a time before Iraq and Afghanistan when we were in all three AOR's to include Bosnia and several MOOTW in Central AMerica, and Africa that the deployment rotation for special mission assets in Special Operations and AWACS was causing severe retention problems. The tuition assistance and the GI bill enhanced opportunities for those inclined to take advantage of these programs despite the deployment schedule. I personally carry two associates, a bachelor, masters, and graduate certificates by using tuition assistance and the GI Bill. My final GI bill payment is in March when I complete another Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. I have had to work along with the GI bill to maintain my standard of living – but the bill was essential to pay for my education.
Apparently what is not considered is the fact that during winter and spring breaks, rent is still due, utilities are still due and eating may be of value to these veterans. If the previous form of GI education benefits was not intended to be an aid for living expenses during college, or for those vets with families, then why was it included. Very few businesses hire folks just during the winter and spring breaks. Of course this will save the government money, because fewer veterans will be able to stay in school. Maybe that is the point.
Obviously written by someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the original "GI Bill", which gave folks like GHW Bush an IVY LEAGUE (!!!) education AND ALL EXPENSES, INCLUDING THE HOUSING AND FOOD (ROOM AND BOARD!!!) FOR HIM AND HIS DEPENDENTS!!
scorpio0679 might also believe that CRAP that's been handed out that the WW2 set was 'the greatest generation' when given far better benefits than anyone else in the history of the US having Vets, YET HAD TO BE F$%#$# DRAFTED TO FIGHT FR THEIR COUNTRY, UNLIKE TODAY'S MILITARY WHICH IS ALL VOLUNTARY!!!
Simply put is this: scorpio0679, learn your history about who is what in the history of the US Military and its Vets before you spout out your stupidity… it is bad enough we get flack from highest percent of non-military-serving "Representatives" in DC; WE Vets who actually VOLUNTEERED to serve our nation take crap like this from the likes of you!! How about you learn before you speak; or, just shut your piehole!!
Wow, I don’t even know why I am responding to this trash. I guess it is just to say that I too am a veteran and have every right to express my opinion.
And you also have the right to act like a buffoon while you beclown yourself with an angry, illegible rant.
Thanks.
It's not that it's an extension of being active duty. With the curent job market it is not easy to find suitable employment that can sustain not only just the individual but his/ her family as well. The G.I. Bill gives vets an opportunity to focus on getting a degree which allows them to be more maketable in the workforce without having all of the stress that comes with working paying the rent supporting a family while going to school. No one said it is a supplemental income but at least it helps take the edge off the effects of a failing ecomomy while attending school to better oneself.
Its not about you having the mentality that you are still on active duty. The GI Bill is an incentive to join the military. Many high school kids, myself included when I served, see it as an agreement: I will help defend the country and do the job 99% of the population won't do, and in return you will get me through college. If you have a family, which many do by the time they use their GI Bill, the living expense is not an added bonus, it is a necessity.
Wow, what a bunch of spoiled "adults" people can never be thankful for what they have. Nobody MADE you to join the military it was a choice, and civilans thank you for that everyday. Do I think that somethings could be different to help out vets and their families. yes, but I am not gonna sit here and complain that they don't give us enough of this or that. Maybe since they took the BAH away during breaks it will give some people motivation to go out and get a job. Be thankful for the food you have the money in your pocket and the fact that your heart is beating. Dang. stop acting like a bunch of rish spoiled kids.
Not on active duty but not getting Tuition assistance either. I served 24 years and think I am intitled to all I can get. I have had to go to school to retrain and It is a full time schedule. I cannot afford to work at the low wages now offered today.
I hate when I read things like" your retired and not active duty anymore so stop whining". This ranks up there that retired individuals should not be allowed to use the commissary. Look we all served….and if we believe that the country we put our life on the line for and sometimes through a career for minimal pay then we should be able to collect what we deem fare. I mean some individuals are getting out without doing twenty and while they are in school we were still fighting the fight. I think we should just try to ensure that we all get the same across the board and treat it like a military family.
My point about the “not on active duty” mentality was that you shouldn’t expect a paycheck for your schooling efforts. I never made any comment about the commissary or anything like that. I am fully supportive of retired members. That doesn’t mean the gov’t should pay you a welfare check to go to school.
Most students (as I did) work at the same time as going to school fulltime. Or, you can take out a living expenses loan. Just don’t expect the GI Bill to be a paycheck for your own personal efforts. It is there to make tuition and books affordable without having to go into debt for it.
Your bottom line is already out there. It is the vet rep at the college. You have to seek them out, they don't come to you. It is your responsibility to follow through and not feign ignorance.
"With the changes, it can now be used to pay to go to private colleges"
You could do this before, as i currently am. But now with the changes, even though I qualify for 100% tuition under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, I will now have to pay for part of my tuition if I wish to continue my education at the school I am enrolled in. Since my credits wont transfer to a state university, there isn't really much of a choice. I am going to have to come out of pocket now to cover the cost of tuition.
But I guess I should have had some kind of counseling so that I understood better what my benefits were.
JAB
I have seen no change at all. I go to a private university. Even if what you say is true, the money you receive for housing should offset any out of pocket expense, or do you simply feel an entitlement now that this new GI bill is a year old? Two years ago, there was no housing money or stipend. This GI bill is far sweeter than it ever has been previously. All of the people complaining need to get off the titt and quit complaining
It's obvious, which side of the fence you're sitting on!! You have absolutely no idea of how ineffective the Army prepared me for life after giving 21 years, busting up my knees, and having to have 5 back surgeries! It's easy to say what you did when you are still in. I got promised A LOT of things that have not materialized or are steadily being taken away. There are more days I wish I never would have spent the bulk of my adulthood in the service, which is horrible to say considering I gave everything. I passed every school I was every sent to to include being an honor graduate at all my NCOPD Courses, Jump Master School, and Drill Sergeant School. You think you're so intelligent when you don't know a thing. Pull your head out of your 4th point of contact! You don't rob Peter to pay Paul and that's exactly what is happening. I did my time and I earned what I have gotten and then some! The education I got while in the military and preparation afterward has gotten me one thing: unemployed for 27 months now. So next time you're going to start throwing nukes, you might want to think about the shoes you'll be wearing in a few years.
Some people are even saying that others are lazy for not getting job and working through school. Well I am trying to get a job but when I have severe nerve damage in my back along with disc damage and now arthritis in several vertebre, it is really hard to find a job. I am going to school so I can do something else and get a job. Until I get out of school I will need some help. Before anyone jumps to conclusions about people milking the system or being lazy, think about the ones who had to get out due to life altering injuries. Believe it or not we are doing the best we can.
There are benefits to compensate you for your disabilities related to military service. The GI Bill has nothing to do with that. VA disability rating + SSI will ensure you can live out the rest of your life comfortably if you are unable to work.
The VA told me that the reason we cant transfer our GI Bill to are family is because they are using it as a "Retention Tool" to keep people in the service. So we vets get "Screwed" and have to pay for the education ourselves for the family members. The VA also told me that if I wanted to use it for me, I would have to pay for "Education" first, out of my own pocket or other means before I could recieve any payback from it.
I cant pay for "Higher Education" myself, cant get a good job and they cant even help with that. So once again, after 20 years of getting "Screwed" I'm still getting it.
The only problem i have with this statement is "You are NOT active duty anymore" What is your point? I was active duty and if it wasnt for medical discharges i still would be active duty. The GI Bill does not affect me because i use Voc Rehab but still. AD or VET does not matter. The GI Bill is something that "I" paid to get so schooling is an extension of my AD since it came out of my AD pay. So please do not dog on people or thinks its fair to cut back veterans benefits because we are no longer active duty. If you are or are not a vet, doesnt matter. Dont disrespect those whom have been injured in war and were in war.
Actually, this bill was designed to cover all of your living expenses while going to school. There were a lot of people who were not using the old gibill because they simply could not afford to go to school and not work.
A lot of us liked the Bill the way it was.
I am in a very unusual position. I am a Viet Nam Era Veteran, I used two years of the GI Bill in the late 70's for an AAS Degree. I am still in the US Navy Reserves. I was deployed after9/11 for 9months. I was going to transfer my Educational benefits to my son, but 5 years ago he was killed in a car accident. He left behind a son. Can I transfer these benefits to my grandson?
So basically they will now consider chapter 32 for the gi bill, which will take me to active status with them, this will mean I will not get a living stipend, but now will get the book stipend. Wow what a mess! Wish I could choose! Do I need to refile or are they just going to start screwing people over when they feel the need?
I added a post but to add more. You really have no clue about the gi bill. Do you even use it. It doesn't seem so. There are many getting screwed… especially the people going to Private schools. The government made a deal and broke it… plain and simple. If they want to revise the gi bil then there needs to be grandfather clauses added to it. I honestly do not see the post 9/11 gi bill sticking around.
Dear:Chelsea Cowan
Am Ahmed Khizer Khan the manager of Barclays bank in Dubai UAE . I have huge amount of funds existence with out clams in my bank,which belongs to the late customer, Daniel who happens to have the same surname as yours.
The fund is now without claim because Daniel died in a deadly earthquake with his wife in China 2008 who was the next of kin to the fund,I want your cooperation to receive this fund as the new beneficiary, so that we can have an agreement and work hand to hand with the bank to transfer this fund legally into your nominated account.
Please indicate your interest by contacting me strictly through my private email address
(c_kkissiedu@in.com) for further information on how to proceed with the necessary documentations.
Best regards,
Ahmed Khizer Khan
I agree. I thought that is was unfair that I did not get the housing stripen because I work full time and take all of my classes online. This is an improvement.
I realize that the GI Bill isn't suppose to take care of all living conditions. I retired November 2007 and paid into the GI Bill 25 years ago. My money has been drawing interest for a long time. The majority or people that are using the Post 9/11 GI bill didn't pay into the program. So for all the Vets that retired between 2007 and 2009 what extra benefit do we get because we paid into the program? we can't transfer to our dependents. So do we get our 1200 dollars refunded? And if so when is it going to happen? People that didn't pay into the program have nothing to complain about, but I do my son is in college as a sophomore and I'm paying for it out of my pocket while free loaders are going to school that never really intended to go to college anyway.
I realize that the GI Bill isn't suppose to take care of all living conditions. I retired November 2007 and paid into the GI Bill 25 years ago. My money has been drawing interest for a long time. The majority or people that are using the Post 9/11 GI bill didn't pay into the program. So for all the Vets that retired between 2007 and 2009 what extra benefit do we get because we paid into the program? we can't transfer to our dependents. So do we get our 1200 dollars refunded? And if so when is it going to happen? People that didn't pay into the program have nothing to complain about, but I do my son is in college as a sophomore and I'm paying for it out of my pocket while free loaders are going to school that never really intended to go to college anyway.
100% DISABLED DON'T HAVE ANY CHOICE I DON'T KNOW WHERE YOU GOT THAT BULL SHIT FROM MAYBE YOU NEED TO GO TO ANOTHER COUNTRY THAT WE ARE GIVEING TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO OR THE FATCAT BANKERS/COOPERATIONS
I just want to say the same thing as epb. "Why did they exclude those individuals that qualified for the new Post 9/11 GI Bill but retired between 12 SEP 04 and 31 JUL 09 from being able to transfer their benefits to their dependents?
Same question I had when this thing was first announced. I have kids NOW that need college money. The young guys I served in Iraq with have very young children if any at all. I'm 50 years old now, and doubt seriously that I'll be going back to school. What this does is force me to use it or lose it, and after 28 years of service that's like throwing something you've worked hard for in the trash. Now those young guys will be screwed too because by the time their kids are college age their benefit may have expired if they're not careerists. I think this was done on purpose.
They're using it as a reenlistment incentive. My wife retired and missed out by 30 days.
I am with you on that. Never got any counsel on the assignment of benefits for my kids. I got a sophomore and a freshman and can't use it for either right now. I am 50 as well and the only way I can get any benefit is to take some hokey night program so that I can save the stipend money. Sounds like that will be going by the boards as well
I retired in November of '08 w/27 years of service and thought once the new GI Bill came out I'd be able to pass on my benefits. Silly me. I sure hope the powers that be don't gut this program for our current fighting men & women once we bring 'em home.
Same here, my spouse served for 26 years but retired in 2007 so we can't take advantage of transferring his benefits to my self or our children. I feel very discriminated against since they keep calling this a post 9/11 benefit. It does not benefit us. when is DOD and congress going to wake up and stop treating the veterans like 2nd class citizens.
I agree too. When my husband was in we spouses were asked for input on the transferability of the GI Bill. We all said we want it to be transferable to all regardless of when the soldier retires provided that they paid their monthly Gi education money in. We retired in 2005 & by luck my husband was able to complete his education while on active duty. So his GI Bill money is basically being given to someone else. If they would have included us then one of our kids would get to use the last few years of this money expires in 2015. Think the 10 year rule stinks too.
Let's be honest. The Veterans Administration is like any other government agency. Politics first, business whenever we get around to it. Do you really think those guys in congress care about your benefits as a veteran while they make 200+K per year with a pension of six figures and free health care for life to follow….besides the fact that they were making 6 figures when they got elected??? If so then you may need to apply for some mental health benefits as well. They don't care…never have…never will. After all, check their veterans status. They all got out ASAP after their first commitment. That is if they didn't leave earlier or if they even took the step forward at all. Stop relying on the government to meet your needs. It isn't designed tofunction that way. It is a political organization where nothing ever gets resolved without somebody getting lots of favors in return.
Your comment is so on point. Hopefully other Veteran'w will get the gist of your message.
Best reply ive heard in a long time. Sounds like i said it. Just one other note, the Post 9/11 shouldnt be the same for everyone. They mentioned that change in the new version. Why shouldnt a vet whos deployed 3 times get a higher share than one who has been there once? Gotta keep in mind, this is a BENEFIT. Where is it written anywhere other than on the bill that the gov't MUST pay for anyone to go to school? Man up and find a way just like you find a way to survive in a war.
If you are talking about benefits being tied to type of service it is more relevant what you did than how many times you went. You suffer more (exposed to weather, fatigue, bad food, danger in accidents, isolated from dependents, etc) in a combat unit going to the field stateside than a tour working the MWR desk in Kuwait “in combat”.
BOTTOM LINE: Life isn’t fair so stop worrying about fairness because it is impossible to legislate.
Man, you sound a lil bitter. And way cynical. Good! You have it exactly right. First and foremost, the egomaniacs that run for office either dont give a shit when they run, or they get that way soon enough. Mr. Smith goes to Washington? Sigh. As that great American VietNam HERO said, Oh, would it were so, would it were so.
Old joke: How do you tell if a politician is lying? His lips are moving!
I AGREE WITH BKG. YOU CAN'T BANK ON ANYTHING THAT THE KIND SENATORS,AND CONGRESSMEN IN WASHINGTON TELL YOU WHEN YOU ENLIST. HASN'T IT ALWAYS BEEN THEY WILL MAKE UP THE RULES AS THEY GO ALONG TO BENEFIT THEM. I BELIEVE IF THEY DON'T STOP CUTTING OUR MILITARY RETIREES AND ACTIVE DUTY TROOPS, YOU CAN KISS THE VOLUNTEER MILITARY GOODBYE. DOES ANYONE AGREE WITH ME? THINK ABOUT IT AMERICA, WE NEED TO MAKE A MENTAL NOTE OF THE ONES IN WASHINGTON THAT ARE CONTINUING TO HAMMER ON OUR BENEFITS AND DO OUR BEST TO VOTE THEM OUT. ANY THOUGHTS OR COMMENTS?
You hit the nail right on the head. My husband, drafted in the ninety sixties, foot amputation, PTSD, seventy five years old. Take care of him? What a joke. He attempted suicide, (the second time) and they are more interested in giving him a colonoscopy, than solving the issues, in his brain.Two letters later, to Mrs. Obama. I think they are just waiting for him to leave this earth, and forget he was ever here. Tell me, where are we going to get the new fools, to volunteer? Why doesn't every serviceman get an automatic pension, just like the guys in congress? Still the Greatest Country in the World. So was Rome. Can history repeat itself?
I think that if you changed to the post 911 before the changes you should be grandfathered in. I signed a contract to change to this education bill because it suited my situation at the time. They don’t have the right to just change the benefits to suit themselves. In my opinion they are breaking a contact that was made. I have not seen anything that stated that it could be changed at any time has anyone else I think we all should write to them and voice our concerns if you want to do this I am with you. People who signed up after the changes should be held to that standard not the ones who did it before. It’s not about complaining it’s about what is right.
I agree with you wholeheartedly BKG. It's been that way with the government for as long as I can remember. That's what needs to be fixed first, then the benefits that we are "actually" entitled too will suffice.
BKG,
This is Nissi…HI FIVE; and the sooner we except this it will make our life a whole lot "stress" free! My motto: Get what you can before it's GONE!
I AM A RETIRED FROM THE AIR FORCE OF 20+ YEARS, WITH HE EXPECTATIONS OF MEDICAL CARE AND DENTAL FOR MYSELF ADMY DEPENDENTS, BUT ALL I GOT WAS THE DENTAL CARE BEING DISCONTINUED, THEN 5 YEARS LATER, THEY DENIED THEY EVER SAID THAT THE RECURITERS FOR WERE EVER GIVEN PERMISSION TO TELL RECRUITS THAT INFORMATION, SO NOW THEY MAKE ME PAY, WHILE THEY GET THEIRS FOR FREE FOR LIFE. WHATS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?
I AM A RETIRED FROM THE AIR FORCE OF 20+ YEARS, WITH HE EXPECTATIONS ON F MEDICAL CARE AND DENTAL FOR MYSELF ADMY DEPENDENTS, BUT ALL I GOT WAS THE DENTAL CARE BEING DISCONTINUED, THEN 5 YEARS LATER, THEY DENIED THEY EVER SAID THAT THE RECURITERS FOR WERE EVER GIVEN PERMISSION TO TELL RECRUITS THAT INFORMATION, SO NOW THEY MAKE ME PAY FOR ME PAY FOR ME AND MY DEPENDENT, WHILE THEY GET THEIRS
If anyone out there thinks there is anything else to be said after you have bottom lined it.. then you know they are really in a fantasy world!!
People cant handle the truth.. They probably dont even realize how little these folks know about military and veterans.. we are just votes to them. Does anyone out there knows how many Directors of a Veterans Affairs Medical Center actually are veterans?????… there is the half the problem right there. A MBA and you gotta know somebody that knows somebody will get you selected as a Director. Hell… some Directors came from Human Resources as a clerk… How does a manager from the ranks, that has no clue about the military or us Veterans get in a position to make decisions that impact the quality of our Healthcare and our Benefits??
Without a Veteran those civilians that sit in there looking stoopid, treating our Veterans like they are handing them crumbs from their back kitchen door wouldnt have a job!!! Veterans out there do your homework…. The power is in your voices.. its strenghth in numbers and we aint got to tkae to this crap!!! Those thats elected to office dont give a rats ass about your benefits or mine!
Having grown up outside of the U.S., I have been relying on the fruits of my labor;
Politics and politicians are elected to serve the people, come in idealistic but as they stay in power, get corrupted , so they play the game; they, as much as all of us here in the U.S need prayer so they can govern with honesty and dignity, to be good examples for the people.
I do ask of the people to pray instead, pray for peace, pray for a miracle, pray so that the current violence, frustration of people be healed , that we may have world peace.
Prayer is never a substitute for fair treatment. Try feeding it to your family for dinner. Failure to take REAL ACTION against our corrupt politicians is a cop out.
Good comment! Unfortunately, too many people see prayer as a "last resort", or worse, a waste of time. We also need to include those folks in prayer.
Amen
Prayer gets you no where have'nt you learned anything by now. If that's the only thing you can come up with is to pray then pray for yourself because it's looks like you need it. Stop relying on prayer and do something about it!!!!
Now, why, I wonder, how much good all that praying did in your homeland? Is that the reason you moved here?
There is a saying that I've heard ever since I was a young child:
Praise the Lord, & pass the ammunition!
It is my opinion that is the proper spirit to be as reverent as you can, while killing your enemy.
Oh yeah, BTW, the New Testament says that Jesus said turn the other cheek, but he didn't say that it was to become a lifestyle. And look how he went off @ the synagogue, turning over tables letting his anger vent on those deserving it.
Pray is always an indivdual decision and I defend all of your rights to pray and totally believe prayer works… the voices of the many always works, we as citizens of the USA also along with the prayers must vote in the right individual to replace those who have forgotten what and who they are there to serve. We as American's have the power of the Vote and we need to use this voice to establish term limits and limit the congress to the exact same benefits of any federal employee, nothing more… God is listening and will answer our prayers in his time NOT our time…. We are a country that was founded on the individual freedom's to chose our religion and in the pursuit of happiness (which again is individual). GOD BLESS THE USA!!!
CMSGT Retired (32+ YRS SVS)
Thank you for posting something that has absolutely no bearing on anything we are talking about.
However, since you purposely burned exactly 37 brain cells in my head, which will never be replenished; your post deserves the following response:
If you sit around on you a$$ doing nothing but "pray" expecting the big guy upstairs to just swoop in and intercede in your life without you lifting a single finger, then frankly you are slapping God in the face and spitting on the gifts he gave you.
He gave you a MIND to think your way through problems.
He gave you a WILL to act your decisions out.
He only helps those who help themselves first. That is what we are doing here. We are coming together to voice our opinions in the hopes that we can collaborate a better solution to propose to our respective representative groups.
If the only thing you can do is tell people to "pray," then please just go away.
when was the last time someone prayed and something happened 10 minutes later. There are over 7 billion people in this world, do you really think prayer has helped anybody. Its all a coincidence. The last time i looked a child died because there prayers where not answered by this supposed almighty. How very sad. I think you need to handle your business proactively rather than sit and procrastinate dwindling on a silent talk to the sky. Grow some cajones and shove a missile up someone's butt.
veap was so good that 2years after ineption, in bootcamp they told us to put money in savings account. that $8100 would be budgeted for 4years also and took 6months to process. they didn't include prior groupings to pushout the payments for atleast 15years. most congressmen that were in service had personnal command of a desk in nice office buildings and this has paid benifits and more privledges. most that are in reserve seldom drill, they equate congressional duties to drill time. some tryed to crossover veap to new gib, but were told we knew what was available, so kiss off.
By the quality of your writing skills, it is apparent that you need to take advantage of the GI Bill. I have never seen a more deplorable comment with misspellings, ill punctuations, incomplete sentences, etc. Got to school.
I goofed, it should have been Go not Got. Also I should have written, "I have never seen more deplorable comments." I should have proofread my comments more closely before submitting them.
Your not so perfect there are you, hero? Maybe, you ought to help out a fellow soldier; rather than bitch & complain about their spelling & grammar.
VEAP was not a good deal for vets. They should have later been allow to have the other educational GI bill programs. I, myself, did max out the VEAP for $8100 dollars…it did not go to far. I had to earn my eduction. After Active duty, I joined the Reserves, and when to college full-time. I used the VEAP, and my monthly drill income to survive. In addition to that, the Reserves kicked in additional money, above my drill pay, to help pay for my education since I was a full time student. I also worked hard, grade wise, in school and was able to recieve grants and scolarships, which were not very much, but helped. I also had to take out Pell Grants and student loans, to finish the unaccounted balance of the cost of my education. Yes, I had to work for my education. I only wish I had what service members have today….It wasn't a fair deal for me…..but I did overcome. I agree with the other posts….It needs to be fair for every service member…past and present. There should be no time limits on using these eduction benefits. Benefits should also be easier to transfer to you spouse or children. When calling the VA, all you get is Phone Hell.
"Ineption" is right!
While the extension of the housing benefit to online attendees is at least a step in the right direction, even though it is only half what you would get if you attended classes in person….the elimination of the stipend for 2 week breaks is ridiculous. As if your housing expenses and dormitory expenses for those periods go away? I cannot imagine what thought process goes through their heads when they passed this thing. What next….eliminate your housing allowance in the military when you go TDY or on Leave?
Maybe when congress, the senate or the president takes vacation or a summer, christmas, easter, federal holiday break we deduct that from their pay, and see how they like it!!
I completely agree!!!!!!!! I'm in iraq reading this as we speak and i'm at a loss for words. I can't believe that they would cut the housing for breaks in school. It doesn't make any since what-so-ever. Vets who have risked their lives get a cut in breaks during holidays. WOW Happy Holidays from the military LOL. Just setting people up for failure. I think this is something they should def reconsider. Crazy!
The same logic that says a reservist or guardsman who is in AD orders less than thirty consecutive days has lower housing costs (re: BAH/RC)
Wow, don't give them and ideas…
I thought this was always in place! ST Leo University has suspending the stipend in between terms for periods as small as 3 days! If this has been done by the certifier (in Hampton Roads) illegally I would like to know.
My housing allowance was sutt off 30 days out to sea. I remember having an apartment in Italy I had to pay out of pocket for when I deployed. Pretty crappy if you ask me.
That is such a slap in the face to disabled vets also that got cut out for the 2 week breaks also. It didnt just affect gi bill but also chapter 31 and and other programs .
If you are an Activated RA/NG, that is exactly what they do. They even suspend it while on CVL, in the place that you are housed. Does that makke any sense?!
What you have all over looked, is that you are talking to a stone wall. These people only do what is popular at the time. You know the thing that will get them votes. These people don't give a damb about the sacrfices you made. They could care less what you went through, they only care that it appears to the public that they care. Then they take it all away. You see they never intended it to be fare, They only wanted the votes at the time. So quit your belly acking and get off your butts and work for it like they said we should have from the beginning. This message was brought to you by our fine friends in the white house. lol…
I totally agree JOE. Congress is so far out of touch with reality it is not even funny. And OH Yey. Although recent news of the shootings in Arizona is a terrible thing, and I do pray for the families, why don't I see the names of our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airman in the news, you know those who gave their lives for the country. Same thing JOE.
I'm sorry Joe Vet, but you're making the GI Bill look even more important than ever with your horrendous grammar and spelling. You make some very valid and insightful points in your post, but do us all a favor; if you're going to make valid points, people will pay more attention if it appears that you've graduated third grade grammar school. Fare is actually fair. Damb is damn. Acking is aching. It's not off your butts, but off of your butts. Thank you, that is all.
I agree Joe. As A Vietnam Vet it seems that so many people think they are ENTITLED to all the comforts of life because they served. WRONG. They all need to realize that you serve because you love this country and the Freedoms that we have enjoyed for so long. Thanks to all who have served. You are all special. You just have to re-examine your motives a little bit and recognize that after service you are not relieved of your responsibilities as a citizen of the greatest nation on this planet. GOD BLESS AMERICA and GOD BLESS OUR VETS!!!
Joe Vet,
This is your sister Jane Vet! Right On, Right On get a J.O.B. and burn the midnight oil like many others who work and go to school plus raise childern or provide care for elderly parents! Let's ROCK and be thankful they didn't cut more…which could be on the horizion for "ungratefulness." As former President GW once said congress only cares about the people who vote!
As a Veteran of the Korean War i;ll say we would have liked to have one third of the benefits that Veterans receive now.The all volunteer military is a very costly thing with all the benefits offered to spur enlistment.
Yes…the old bait and switch. Promise one thing and then take it away when you get what you want. Basically, use these GI BILL BENEFITS ASAP!!! Don't make the mistake thinking that they have to give it to to you because they promised it to you before you went off to war. This GI BILL will not last a week past the end of the WAR….They cannot take away the Education you have already received…but I guess they could tax it?
while on active duty you are suppose to be using tuition assistance…Too many times I've told my personnel that the GI bill is not there to suppliment your income by taking courses in basket weaving and using the living expense for beer money. The program has failed because of the numerous individuals using the service to get over.
Who's using it to get over?
Most veterans are trying to get degrees to better their lives. I was working, and never planned on using the MGIBILL that I paid into. When the 9/11 Gi Bill came up, it seemed like a real option to earn a degree. I left my job after careful consideration, and numerous discussions with VA education counselors. I enrolled full time, and had planned to attend summer school to achieve my degree, sooner. Here we are, three semester in, and I'm worrying about finding a job in between semester breaks. Are you kidding me? Between spring and summer semester, there's probably a two week break, where am I going to work for two weeks? What's going to happen is, a lot of veterans will end up having to drop school, because financial obligations will end up trumping their lives, and they'll need to work full time. My bills don't go away on semester breaks! I planned my schooling around the assurances of the original 9/11 Gi Bill!
Tuition assistance? Are you kidding me? When did you have time as a combat soldier to go to school while serving active duty? Try telling your unit about attending school while your battle buddies are going to field trainings, preparing for combat. Let's see… Do I want to take classes or miss out on training that will save my life?
Get over yourself! No one's getting over but the senators and politicians!
I didn't complain when my battle buddies were blowing up around me, and I didn't stop doing my job. I signed up during a time of war, and I resigned myself to combat for my enlistment period. They didn't even have POST 9/11 Gi Bill when I was serving!
People planned their lives around the assurances of BAH, in order for them to attend school full time. Damn right I'm pissed off!
Don't talk out of your A$$!
Who do you know that's taking a basket weaving class? It's probably an elective. Besides, you can't use the 9/11 Gi Bill unless you're in a degree program! Jerk!
Folks again the GI-Bill and the Post 9/11 GI-Bill are bennies that the government gives to us as a little bit of a pat on the back for serving. The fact that they give me anything I am grateful for. It could be like some other countries where military service is compulsory and you do not have a choice in the matter and then you don't get squat except the meager salary that they pay. People grow up and quit whining…the fact that you balked and procrastinated while you were on AD and did not use TA to get your education or the fact that you weren't grandfathered in is part of our lives. I am not complaining that I joined 6 months too late to recieve Final Pay for retirement. It is what it is. You have to play the cards that are dealt to you because the dealer cannot control them. It is not his fault that your timing screws you out of something.
That really isn't the problem here. This thing is like going into the field with rations for a unit hungry troops, then feeding only some of them. If you're going to extend a benefit, then set a start date and extend it to all who served. What is the significance of the 31 July 2009 cutoff for transfer of benefits? They're cutting off the very people who are ready to actually use that because of their age. They're the ones with college age children. How is some young E5 going to transfer college benefits to his 2 year old daughter? This is stupid.
It is hard to use your TA Benefit when you are kicking in doors in a war zone. Don't selfishly look are your situation and claim the world smells of roses and anyone who can't smell them has something wrong with them. There is little difference between Final Pay and High 3…this is more comparative to promising you Final Pay and giving you Redux after the fact. This is about following through on commitments. We as soldiers must certainly follow through on our commitments, but the governments is somehow permitted to redefine the rules after the game is over. Medical Benefits, Dental Benefits, Education Benefits….what is next? It may just be that 5 years down the road a congressman will show up on your door step and give you that pat on the back…then take everything from you. Would you still be as grateful?
First want to say I’m a retire military vet with 22+ years and I retire on April 2009. That being said I was not breif about the transfer of benifits to my children/or it was release until after I had an approved retirement date. If their was proper briefing/education I would had serve 4 more months standing on my head. It will make me go to school and earn a second degree (Already earned one on active duty) plus my masters. Reason because I want to get what was EARNED and part of my contract!!!
Now Simply stated these are not HANDOUTS OR FREEBIES; these are part of the BENFITS THAT WERE PROMISE to us when we signed up to served our country. I would serve again without the colege money but make it fair and equal across all ages and dates. They have changes rules before and will again; THEY are POLITITIANS and the have the Pinocchio diesase and they change the rules to serve themselves and not the people; Lucky enough I was delayed entry or I would have been force into the ugly REDUX group which is bunch of ****…
As stated earlier they will change the age and cost for our Health Care, make us pay more for it if when do you it or force us to use a current employees over price health care; they may even change the age you we will be able to collect our monthly retirement check.
As with anything, things changes, I understand the governement is trying to meet the needs of most not just a few. But I would think the VA would rather have an option that if you transfer the GI Bill to your dependant that it will be reduce by 25% – 50% plus no housing money …they could send all military kids whose parents serve on active duty during 9/11 period and the families still will be responsible for some of the expense. If they were not able to meet the time period as stated ealier. Won’t happen because the VA (Government is bad business people) and in the end I will probally use the money for some type of education/training so I can collect the housing money and be train in some type of hobby.. Can you say waste.
YOU have a Masters degree? You should have proof-read your response before sending it. Some points you made are good, but not clear at all until one reads it 2 or 3 times. Spelling and composition are atrocious. For those in Washington to understand the misconceptions of the bill they shoved to us , they must first be able to understand what we've written to them. Or maybe it's a sign the GIB isn't working well when we can't put concise thoughts together for those in power to understand.
I think we all need to quit judging each others spelling on this issue. We are all Brothers in Arms QUIT KNOCKING PEOPLE. You all sound like middle school kids making fun of someone who can't spell. That being said I was a one term vet I got out of Navy Special Operations in April 2009 and am currently attending ISU on the Post 9/11 GI Bill when I speak to people about my benefits they can't believe them and sometimes I can't either. It is a great opportunity for everyone including myself. Especially during these hard economic times with unemployment so high. Use the benefits while you can get a degree and become a politician if you want to make a difference that is what my plans are. We need to all stand together and let congress know how we feel sitting here on a forum bickering isn't doing anything place your votes wisely if ALL the veterans actually made a stand TOGETHER then maybe they would listen that is LOT of votes I would also like to mention IAVA it is a terrific organization that has done SOOOO much for vets within only the few years it has existed so far. SO TO SUM UP THIS BIG BLUR WE NEED TO STAND TOGETHER AND LET THEM KNOW INSTEAD OF POKING AT EACH OTHER.
YEP!
We get this, but luckily we live in a country in which we can state our opinion and demand the benefits in which we signed up for. Timing didn't screw me out of anything, but I signed up for something that was good that suddenly got worse. We have every right to complain and I regret the fact that you felt like such a small voice and sat back and let the benefits you earned get snatched away by only 6 months. I've yet to lose an administration battle with the military or VA and I don't know about you or the rest of these people but my voice will be heard until my benefits run dry or something is fixed. Let me correct you when you stated this, "Folks again the GI-Bill and the Post 9/11 GI-Bill are bennies that the government gives to us as a little bit of a pat on the back for serving." From a younger generation, by the sound of it I would guess 25-35 years it should have read something like this, " Folks again the GI-BILL and the POST 9/11 GI-BILL are bennies that the government told the recruiters to promise you in order to get you to sign on the dotted line." I don't know what military you signed up for but if it's in my contract listed as a post military benefit and shortly afterward converted to a better program(post 9/11 gi bill) then it becomes my right because I live in a country in which I can fight for what's mine.
The GI Bill is NOT a "pat on the back". It was part of our contract. I too am grateful for the new GI Bill, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't hold the government accountable when the system produces less than desireable results. One of the major reason's our military is so strong is because we recruit soldiers who VOLUNTEER for duty. Not that most soldiers enlist for benefits, but a lot less people would volunteer if the government fails to provide the benefits that were initially promised.
So if you work during the time the TV shows you want to watch are on and the only way for you to watch them is with on-demand,which is a bonus feature on cable, you would not be pissed that on- demand no longer worked? The Pat on the back is why alot of us joined.
This is absolute bullshit, not all of us had all the free time you might have had to use your TA. I was in for 5 years, deployed twice, once for 18 months and the other for a year. In fact my last year I was stop lossed. When I was over seas I was working 18-20 hour days 7 days a week so please tell me when I had time for classes. I was forced to go back to AIT twice to get updated MOS(each time for 6 months) and when I was with my unit i was in the field at least once if not twice a month. So do me a favor, kiss my ass.
Some people join the military because they want to, but alot of people make the final decision because they need the benifits and thats what I did. I grow up dirt poor, but a strong work ethic. I made a deal with the government to put my life on the line in service for my country and work as hard and long as they wanted me to so I could go to college. The offered a new program and told me I could not go back to the mgib if I took it. I think its only fair to do what they say their going to do and not make constent changes to the arangement, I certainly had no option to do so. This is a democracy and shut up and taking it is the military. There is nothing wrong about contacting your senator or Rep stating your views. I think helping people become college grads for the members who served is the most logical of all the perks our government gives any one who served or not. So I'm going to keep talking to other vets and most importantly the elected officials that serve, until someone can figure out the most fair and all round benificial way to educate ppl.
I am a VEAP veteran. I would have had 8100.00 to go to school only. I started VEEP then realized it wouldn't pay for books for a 4 year degree yet alone credit hours. I took the 1000 I had contributed out and got a car instead. Then when the Montgomery plan came out I couldn't trade, since I had opted out of VEAP. Folks that said FO to VEAP and didn't sign up for the scam in bootcamp got the Montgomery Bill, since they were not stupid like me and bite on the VEAP plan.
So I used TA every time I was on shore duty and Uncle Sammy assisted with basically paying 75% of my Masters Degree., had to pay for books on my own though. So do it now if you got it, and don't wait for it to get better. The government will surely make it like VEAP again Post war time.
Well said Ray…well said!
I agree myself. Be aware of what available and utilize it as you can.
["People grow up and quit whining...the fact that you balked and procrastinated while you were on AD and did not use TA to get your education or the fact that you weren't grandfathered in is part of our lives. I am not complaining that I joined 6 months too late to recieve Final Pay for retirement. It is what it is."]
So you're passive and accepting of your lot. Fine that's your business, but don't expect the rest of to roll over and be submissive just because you are.
Great point….I feel the same way. What we do receive that is above and beyond our normal retired pay if we are retired or any other pay for that matter is a plus. This money for service so to speak is not something that was promised to us. I had been retired for nearly 7 years when the post 9-11 gi bill came out. Why would I complain about a program that is putting money in my pocket and paying for my books whicl is allowing me to go back to school?
I'm not sure how many of you that are posting are active, but just figure the way Congress barrells over all our benefits we will be back to the VEAP level and they will have rasies and driving cushy cars and living high on the hog with their benefits. I believe that the President needs to take a step back and say "How would I feel if I did not have these easy benefits". Heck their Medicare and Social Secutiry is safe. We, the voters, can't touch tem. If only there was a way to bring these politicians down a few notches since WE voted for them. I figure I'll enjoy the benefits that I have right now because pretty soon we may not have them soon.
Good point bro, this is just a stepping stone to reverting back to the original MGIB. Whatever can be done to save a few nickles and dimes. Too many people were actually utilizing their benefits and Congress realized although it may be a good military recruiting tool this will never work because veterans are actually being successful in school. Let's make it more complex and more stressful and see how many quit using it because they must put financial obligations first instead of school.
I agree, pretty soon like deeper into the recession, i dont know, maybe from NOW to 2017….I would NOT be surprised to see the communication from our government to the people to be ZERO feedback or newsflashes what so ever. I think people will go to uncle sam with questions only to receive no answers. The top dogs are pretty much scott free, but those who endure comfortably would be the ones that have created there own source of income. (Outside of the 9 to 5)
You hit the nail directly, as WE elect these leeches so they can let us down again. My case: Vietnam Vet, but couldn't get Education until I crossed 50%, and that was in 1998, and I was wounded in 1970!!!! However, the VA in Akron decided that because I wasn't going to Summer School, unfunded by the "Counselor", I had to get Summer work to pay my bills and rent. She agreed I'd pick-up in the Fall, but called me one month after working a dead end job to inform mr that as I had found work, the VA was declaring me an Educational success, even tho the job was Seasonal!!!!
Same thing over and over, give the carrot, then take it away. There was no way I could finish on my own, so I was back in the same rut as before, even tho I couldn't work at my profession. The VA will screw you each way from loose, and I always tell young people entering the Service to not expect anything upon ETS, but maybe a ticket home.
I feel for you.
I am not a Vietnam vet but I was injured in my 6 years of duty. I got out last year, tried to use the VocRehab to try and do something else since what I am doing now kills my back and hip. They took 4 months to get back to me and during that time I watched my savings disappear, and during all the vigorous interviews and evaluations, I finally had to go get a job doing what I was doing in the military and just painfully getting through my days. And because I got that job they cut me off for the VocRehab program because I had "found work". This is all after the Army tried to medboard me without disability. Thank God for the DAV.
That said, it sucks they way our benefits are slowly becoming harder to get and disappearing into nothing, but the politicians benefits can never be touched. I hate how we have to go through so much crap just to get a benefit that was promised to us in our contract.
There is it is only getting the rest of the Voters in America to understand. Do Not Vote for any incumbant in the House of Representatives on Nov 6, 2012. Replace all of them at once. That way you have all new Congressmen and women and people like Nancy Pelosi, and Bayner out of office and have them put a 2 term minimum so the corruption will not happen. but of course that will never happen cause then the career politicans will cry foul that they are unemployed.
This is no news flash – service connected hearing impairment used to mean hearing aid replacements every 2 years. Now it's4 or 5.
yep, and it used to be 1 replacement pair of ***********, now its no replacements.
Yea, only because todays tec is better.
These people who are now vets because they took the oath and served our county still haven't grown up. When we the Viet Nam era vets got our gi bill it didn't cover living expenses just tuition and books. These individuals still think that the world owes them a living. You should be thanking God for what you have.
Gary, thanks for your Viet Nam service. The fact is that our country didn't treat Viet Nam vets well, and you actually should have gotten more than what you received. However, that's not a reason to say thay current vets are immature or have a sense of entitlement. It's just a sign that the country is trying to do more for our veterans. This isn't "back in Nam". I first served in 1979, and things now are much different than back then, and it's a good thing.
yes gary….thanks for your service. The benefit they provided you then was great at the time….it was a Major step in the right direction. But how would you have felt if they revoked those benefits as you were trying to use them? I am sure you felt the same as todays vets with the 911 GI BILL. They are thankful to have it, but they would also like to opportunity to be able to use this benefit they were all promised and they all earned.
Gary, you're on point. I'm about 10years younger, and as each generation comes through life, their expect more and more from others to make life easier for them. People are becoming more selfish and less heart. No one wants to work for want they want…..It's the give me…give me..give me generation….WELCOME BROTHER!
No one expected this bill, for most of us it certainly was not a reason we enlisted. The fact is that congress passed this bill and now they are slowly taking it away. But I am sure you are stand up 90gulf, I bet you don't use your Health benefits and you give back all your retired pay to Uncle Sam. Will your position be the same when it comes to the next item on the chopping block…your retirement Health Benefits?
As a USMC Vietnam veteran, I got a total of $120 a month towards my educational expenses back in 1972. So, I had to work two part-time jobs – one in the audio-visual department of the university, the other at night as a convenience store clerk – to help make ends meet.
Now, I suppose most readers expect me to berate all you "young whippersnappers" and let you know how easy you have it and how you should be grateful for what you're getting.
But that's not what I think. The G.I. Bill isn't a "hand-out;" it's a fantastic investment that the US is making for its future. The more vets who take advantage of it, the better off our county's going to be in the years to come – because education is THE key to success, both for the individual and for America.
Moreover, most vets are going to be among the very best students because they'll have a maturity, dedication, and a sense of purpose motivating them that other, non-vet students seldom have.
So, I think the government ought to be doing even more, a lot more, for any vet who wants to continue his/her education. Every dollar the USA invests in its vets will be returned tenfold or more over the years. And our country will be a lot stronger, a lot smarter, a lot more competitive in the world market.
I agree 100%. We are way behind in the world due to the poor education in this country. Those that go on to college are to be commended. Those that choose to deal with the military route in order to be able to pay for college, then do it that way. I did. Those that can't or won't go the military route, and want to go onto college, and find other ways to pay for it, then that is a choice they make.
Thank you so much for saying this. I served 6 years starting jsut after 9/11 and didn't join for the benefits. I just wanted to follow in my fathers footsteps and be all I could be at that time. The GI Bill definitely was a great benefit and now that I am out, I am starting to use it. I live in an area where the money I get won't be enough for me not to work during my schooling so I am working full time while going to school full time. This is because I am trying to use what was given to me and make things better for our future. All my friends are using it too while working full time. The hard work we are putting into it and time management we are learning while going through this is amazing. We all need to focus on what the future of this country is going to be and stop calling each other names an getting angry because something wasn't offered at a different time. I'm grateful for everything I am getting and never feel like I am entitled to anything.
John Slattery, I totally agree. I just started to use the post 9-11 gibill last summer 2010 for nursing. I was a medic in active duty and reserve. I was planning to work fulltime and forget about becoming a nurse because the school fees and living fees just can't seem to cooperate. (also want to add I have a 3 months old baby). But because the post 9-11 gibill came out I was able to go full time on school and less worries for my family's living expenses. My wife also works but when you are raising a kid what we make together (her pay and mine from post 9-11 gibill) is just about right. The plan was, get an associate's degeree for nursing (2 years, that's a full time student of 12-16 credits per sem and 1-3 credit on summer) then get the bachelors htrough a crash course program. Since this change in post 9-11 benefits.. it will take me more time to get my nursing degree because I will have to work part time now to cover the expenses for those breaks that I won't get the benefit. Good luck to us all!
You have a good attitude. It sucks but at least your planning to counter it instead of just whining about it. Stay strong brother, you'll make it.
By Golly John, for an old JarHead you sure can put some pretty good thoughts together. LOL Seriously, I know what your saying. As I spend more time on the retired side of life, I've found that the last topic I wanna bring up in a VFW or Legion post is the old GI Bill and Medical Benefits awarded by the VA back in the 60's and 70's. A whole lotta angry folks out there still, and frankly I don't blame them.
Mr. Slattery I totally agree with you. I think out of most of these posts, you make the most sense! The G.I. Bill is not a hand out. It is given to Veteran Students who WORK HARD at getting their education to build a better future for themselves, their families, and yes this country. If you do not go to classes, and oh yes it is verified, you will be made to pay back the benefit if it is found out that you have not attended classes and are just collecting the money. So for those who think the G.I. Bill is a hand out you are totally wrong.
I am for what you sign up for is what you get. So, congress changing benefits to someone that sign for that benefit is wrong. When congress decides to change benefits, one: those that signed keeps those benefits. two: there needs to be a delay in implemention of the benefits. Start on the new fiscal and/or calender year. This way, Recruiters have proper information to new recruits. And those that sign up after effective dates get the new effective dates. Tracey, I don't have health benefits. I medically retired a year ago and I can't afford it. I am 80% disabled. because of this rating, I am entitled to free healthcare, however, I don't use the VA but for my service connected disorder. I don't think I should use the VA for none related illnesses and injuries. It is not fair, to others and the money that would use to take of a problem that otherwise I would have taken care of through personnal insurance, is money that can be use to a deserving vets. But I think comparing education benefits vs healthcare is not a fair comparsion
I agree this is a slippery slope to cut backs every where. I respect ALL vets no matter their era. I come from a long line of Veterans both my parents were vets and both my brother and I are, he is still serving. They fought for so much back then to let them start slowly taking it away now. I have two small children and the job market where I am at would allow me to work only a minimum wage job and with my husband working 60+ hours a week our childcare costs would be extreme. I need this money to pay for our house and I was promised it when I started school and now here I am smack dab in the middle of my degree and now some of the money that I have relied upon is being taken away. What's next Medical for the injured returning from war? It's a RECESSION people we want to work but it's slim pickens out there!!
It's not our fault that we (younger vets) expect everything. Its the fault of our parents. (older vets), Each parent wants to give children a better life than they had. So what did they do? give the kids anything they wanted without making them work for it. I too am guilty of this with my children. I dont think its going to get any better. I am sorry that you had it so rough as a vet. I know that times were different back then. but in the same turn things are different now. perhaps that the reason the younger vets have so much is that the older vets that got squat are now in a position of power and are making changes! and I for one thank you for this. but if we are the GIVE ME…GIVE ME.. gen its because your generation raised us like that.
Hey Gary,
Sorry but I signed my name on the dotted line just like you. We all had our reasons and at the time college wasn't mine. I came to the military and left behind a full scholarship because I felt I should do my time JUST LIKE YOU! College was of no concern to me but luckily the last two years I got my AA using TA and when I was in the process of getting out I realized the VA had established the new post 9/11 Gi Bill and I was eligible to transfer my benefits to that program as soon as I got out in August 2009. Although I didn't sign up for those benefits back in 2005, those benefits were offered to be prior to separation and I gladly accepted. I now have a bachelors degree and I'm working on my masters all because the government told me these benefits were available to me. I'm not sure which military you served in but I remember signing a contract. It was a contract in which I could not break without repercussions so I stuck it out did my time and had a blast during the entire endeavor, but when I got out I applied this new program and I got accepted and quickly started getting accustomed to it. This is the program I applied for although it was not the original program that was promised to me, it was approved by Congress and The President so therefore it is my RIGHT as a veteran to maintain those benefits. I fulfilled my contract so at the least Congress and the VA should fulfill their obligations to what they put on the table. It isn't our fault they created a program that would soon prove to be successful and almost too good to be true. We signed up for something and we honored their wishes, now it's their turn to honor ours. Nobody owes me a living unless they offer it to me, sign me up as an applicant, allow me to get comfortable with it, purchase a home, start a family, tell me I have more time to concentrate on school and to not worry so much about financial obligations AND THEN GO CHANGING THE ENTIRE FLOW OF THE PROGRAM!
Thank you. This is exactly what I did and I don't feel "entitled" to anything except what I signed for and what is variable to me for what I did for my country.
Gary, how much were books and tuition during the Vietnam era? I'm sure I could have paid for you to have received 3 Doctorate degrees with one year's tuition I'm charged now.
The world doesn't owe us a living. The government owes us the GI Bill. I am very grateful for what I have, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to hold the government accountable if they fail to provide promised benefits.
Listen I respect you and your service in Viet Nam but stop hating on this era. You may have served multiple tours. So did I in 3 different wars. Yeah there is fair share of idiots on both sides that complain about everything even if its good. I bled for this country as did many Viet NAM Veterans in a same sort political war. There are some veterans who will never use their Gi BIl because they have suffered tramatic brain injuries and the last thing want to do is go to school because too many explosions cause brain damage. Im just happy to be alive after what I went through. Im happpy with what I have and do thank god daily. I respect anyone who served this country and put their life on the line. The Va, Congress, and Government are a bunch of dumb boots. Its going to take awhile for this new class of politics to get some stuff right. Instead of downing one era or another we need to band together as veterans VFW, DAV and so on to put pressure on the GOVERNMENT TO MAKE the right decisions. The truth is if if werent for this generation and these veterans groups and veterans working together our benefits wouldnt be were they are today. They VA now recognizes vets that were exposed to agent orange and chemical warfare.
right on brother.i got out after nam and went to school full time and worked full time.igot tuition and books….go figure
I go to school full time and work full time. However my tuition is $20,000 a year and last semester my books cost me $900.
Well Gary, you Nam vets (no disrespect, my brother is one) got a 2nd chance to get education money. I was a VEAP guy who did not signup for it. Was never given the chance during my 20 years of service to make up for that mistake. So guess what? I get ZERO buddy. Nada. So, please excuse me if I feel the nam vets should not have been given a 2nd way to convert to the MGIB. If you didn't use your money earned during that time within 15 years, you gave it all back. It's just amazing how I see old timers with 4 years if that grabbing at everything and anything they can, then brag about it and those almost old timers with 20 in don't get a darn thing. So, who really has the right to bitch here?
Thanks for your service Gary.
I'm sorry you and your generation were treated like crap upon your return.
I'm sorry your Viet Nam era GI Bill didn't give you the proper tools to prepare for a better life.
However, this is not enough justification to say that WE are spoiled for expecting the contracted benefit we originally signed up for.
(continued…)
Nor does your previous military experience minimize our own sacrifices and I am frankly sick to death of the inference. However politically incorrect this may be, it’s about time someone showed some fortitude instead of cowering every time a ‘Nam Vet speaks: You aren’t any better than the Vets who came after you, nor the ones who are still in uniform.
The difference between you and me is that I respect those who still currently serve without condescending them in passive derision with a “you young wiper snappers are all spoiled! Yer nothin!”
WE were not the ones who treated you like crap when you came back, yet WE are the ones who keep apologizing.
I’ll keep doing it too. Because I DO feel bad how you were all treated. But disrespect me and my own generation for our own sacrifices than frankly I no longer put any value in what you have to say.
We didn't sign up for the Viet Nam era GI Bill. It wasn't in our contract. It is therefore an INVALID COMPARISON. But hey, appreciate your input there. Keep on truckin' big guy!
wow , thats a hell of an statement, the whole problem , is individuals don't understand what there intitled to anymore , because of so many changes . and it hasn't been long since they started the whole living expenses, , and to make a statement that " these people now that serve are country haven't grown up ," is a insult , this is not vet nam , and if they are not grown don't you think the gov. owes them every oppurtunity , and chance to make a better life for themselves after there service, ? and as far as bieng thankful, im sure for the most part vets are ! I am .
The new GI Bill has rewarded me for my two tours in Iraq by giving my daughters money for college and the opportunity to get paid if I choose to return to school. With the rule changes, the benefits are even more generous.
Hello….they are taking away Benefits? How is that more generous….please read the bill.
Congratulations, but those of us who want to better ourselves so we don't have to rely on the government to better our kids educational experience are suffering the consequences. Unless you child is in college right now I highly doubt these benefits will be available to them in 10-15 years. My original post 9/11 benefits barely lasted a year so as the economy gets worse so will the transferability of these benefits.
WWCGD? Hmmm…….I know. He would use his charisma and marxist ideology to revolt, overthrow US government, and empower a ruthless dictator who would execute or imprison anyone who did not share his ideology. The upside? Socialization of medicine and education. GI Bill wouldn't even matter anymore. You're an idiot for posting w/ a Che icon. Go learn about the guy and what he did…..
at least we get something I had no gi bill and now I have An Gi bill with housing allowance
problem is once you sign it over to your kids you can no longer used
Which is nice, yes. However–the fact that the service member can–at their will–go in a TAKE AWAY THE MONIES- for whatever reason—–JUST STINKS. Because my ex had a beef with our son, he ripped away his GI Bill monies that he signed over to him. Nice. There should be a clause disallowing that type of working. JMHO.
let me guess you a whinny little boy that was in the reserves. and now you are mad because everything isnt handed to you on a silver plater, boo hoo. although some people may not like the presedent and it is your right to say what you will, he is still our commander in chief and he deserves respect as every president of the United States of America "our great country" deserves and should always get. its people like you that give us Veterins that have served this great country for 20 plus years a bad name. thanks for you post . "NOT"
Learn how to speak the English language properly and learn how to spell. Maybe you really need these benefits. Go back to school already. Jeez.
Active duty service members that verbally assault the office of Commander – in – Chief in a public forum such as this one show poor judgement and a lack of respect for themselves as well as the service that they represent and that immature personal attack on these other gentlemen for spelling and grammar errors only served to accentuate the point they were making .
VET6573,WHAT DO YOU HAVE AGAINST THE GUARD AND RESERVES? BY THE WAY I DIDN'T CATCH WHICH BRANCH YOU SERVED IN. IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT BRANCH WE WERE IN WE ARE ALL SOLDIERS . I CAN REMEMBER WHEN I ENLISTED BACK IN THE 60'S WE WERE CURSED AND BELITTLED BECAUSE WE JOINED THE GUARD. WHAT THESE PEOPLE DIDN'T REALIZE IS THEY WERE SHOWING THEIR IGNORANCE. ONE THING REMAINS TRUE TODAY, AT THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH, I STILL HAVE THE SAME BENEFITS YOU DO. THINK ABOUT IT.
The debate should not be about "suck it up and move on". If that is what it is going to be why don't we talk about who walked farther, uphill both ways, in snow, with no shoes. When I committed to the new GI Bill I had to make an irrevocable decision to leave my MGIB behind. I did that on the promise that I would be given a specific amount of help for the rest of my time in school. It is just the same as enlisting. You signed up for a specific situation. You would be pretty pissed if you signed up for the military and then one year in they said there is no more BAH while on leave or 4-days. The exact same applies to people who took the 1.0 bill. And yes we are not on active duty, otherwise I could go straight through my chain of command instead of emailing a senator and hoping for the best.
You're absolutely correct. I extended my retirement out so that I would have additional 4yrs to transfer. This action based on the math as presented. This 2.0 mod was simply (another) transfer payment from AD to reservists, who must really have time to rag on their reps to get this sort of thing (and the soon to be 401, no pension plan that is in the works.
No you couldn't go to your Chain of Command. What are they going to do? Call your Senator for you? The Chain of Command doesn't do anything except help you fill out the form on the VA website.
What I intended to mean was on AD you had a clearly define path to bring up grievances (chain) while being a Vet your only option is to email a senator.
Dave,
Absolutely right! I transferred to the 911 GI Bill after learning as much as I could about the program. I transferred to the irrevoccable program understanding that I would receive E-5w/dep rate BAH for the zip of my school and based on going to school more than 1/2 time which was perfect for my schedule. For congress to change the rules of the GI Bill I signed up for is not acceptable.
Not all the prgms that came around in my 24 yrs in the AF applied to me due to dates I entered the service and dates the prgm was established (ie Bonus Re-dux plan…getting $30K…a plan I would have liked to take advantage of but I didn't meet the criteria much like the folks who didn't meet the criteria for the 1.0 but the redux plan didn't change for me) so I don't know why the 911 GI Bill has to be any different. I meet the criteria, some people don't, get over it and wait your turn but don't change my benefits just because others feel left out.
Let folks who applied for the 1.0 keep the benefits of the 1.0 and let the 2.0 cover those who want to transfer to the 2.0 and leave the 1.0 folks alone. That would be the right thing to do!
Someone has to admit that they just can't do everything for everyone. By trying to please everyone by taking from everyone else, the promise makers just muddy up everything for everyone.
You are 100% right about this. I enrolled for 2 year college to get a deploma because I believed that I am supported financially . Now without BHA, I cannot concentrate on studying. I will have to look for a job to make a living. They should not change the policies they already made. If I had known it that they would change their mind , I would not have enrolled this program.
Thank you for your comment.
From Se.
This is all about a benefit that was promised and sold to us and know the promise has been changed. I did 22 1/2 years of deployments, tdy’s, schools, field and being away from my family for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other special occasions. I EARNED everything that I have gotten from the military and I upheld my portion of the deal. This is just not acceptable to cut the education benefit to spread the money around so more peple can partake in this program. How about shifting some money around from other programs to support those who stood watch so you could sleep safe at night? I learned a long time ago that you can not believe anything the government says. Actions speak louder than words and they have spoken. All I can say is you had better use it while you can, before it turns into a pumpkin. What a way to say thank you for a job well done.
Well spoken bro! Keep at them and I will do the same. Pass the word because our voices will be heard!
Yep – Ol Sarge is right! Use them ASAP before Congress gets another wild hair up theirs to support some other ridiculous program for NON producers who aren't even US citizens!
Say Buddy I did the same thing, got targetted for early cuts in the 90's, went into the Reserves, AD disability stopped that, can't get my retirement until age 60, worked for Uncle Sam in the civilian world for 11 yrs., have to pay Health Care for my family as well as for myself. Well I think you can get the picture if Sam is tired of you or you haven't any pucker marks around your neck then they will hack at you until you go down and stay down, no matter what.
Well Ol Sarge, I couldn't agree more. I think it mainly because most of those that lead us today from the halls of congress have never served. Should be a requirement before being allowed to be a politician who lines their pockets with our tax dollars. Time to vote for new representation. And each time they don't support us, vote again. Retired also with 22.
So, let me get this straight. When you enlisted (late 80s) you were "sold" and given a "promise" for the Post 9/11 GI Bill? Wow! I came in around the same time and, as I remember, was "sold" and "promised" a Montgomery GI Bill.
And you are still eligible for and can use the Montgomery GI Bill.
You still have exactly what you were "sold" and "promised". Time to quit the whining.
Young, qualifying Vets with young children can, as long as they have 10 years of service, transfer thier Post 9-11 to thier three year olds now, and those kids will be able to use it when it is time. The 15 year expiration date doesn”t apply in that case. Before you *****, actually read the bill. Although, ALL who served after 9-11 should be able to transfer benefits, I agree that is bullsh**. If every Active Duty and Reservist service member would contact their Congressmen and actually vote, we could change this stuff, do not ***** unless you are involved! Also make sure you are a member of vet organizations like the VFW and American Legion, those are our lobbyists and really work to make this stuff happen.
Joining the VFW is like shooting yourself in the foot. VFW funds (PAC) were given to the left wingers (Pelosi, Reed, etc) that dont understand military and use us as political pawns. !
As someone that was a member under the VEAP Program and a member of the Title 32 Program, I was happy to recieve anything towards my education. While on Active Duty, I use the money to give rid of pre-requisties. After was discharged, a year later I reup with the Reserves and became a Flight Medic, three months after I earned my wings, PG1 broke out. I in the Gulf for 8months. I was granted Title 32. I took that eight months of educations awarded to me and when back to school to get my RN. My stripend was only about $150/mon for 3/4 time, however, considering I only made $10/hr as a nursing assistant, and alot of over time to meet bills, plus going to nursing school, that $150 stripend was not much, but it helped. Everyone beachin about what money their are getting or not getting, STOP IT! Be grateful you are getting something. These programs are not meant to relief you of your bills and pay you a "salary" while going to school. You are now just being greedy. Life is rough. Stop relying on others to make life easier for you. Just grab a straw and suck it up princess! There are alot of people working 2 jobs just to go to a Community College.
Apparently none of your courses was English 101.
LOL
and what are you Davids stupid sidekick….LOL
and apparently yours is a standup comedian. So this is what the military has taught you. Instead of witty comments with no substance, why don't you engage us with a real opinion and articulate a real argument…..Or did you fail English 101!
AMEN! My husband used the GI Bill to get his College Degree. We were not paid to make our Mortgage. We were grateful they helped pay anything, let alone books! Going to College is alot of work, but it is not your job, so why do you think you deserve money for living expenses? When students apply for student loans it is for SCHOOLING. Yes you served your country and you deserve some assistance, but the Government isn't supposed to support you just because you served. My husband has served 19 years because he loves his country, not because he would get paid to go to school. Be happy you have the opportunity to go to school, let alone get assistance. As people in the world struggle for food and water, think how lucky you are. Didn't the Military teach you to be strong?
Going to college full time is your job when you use the GI bill. its what its there for, why else would they pay you so much money!! :) think before you speak princess
Joe, I went to college full-time and worked full time..and I'm not complainting…..And No! college is not full-time when you use your GI Bill, you take as many classes as you want. You could take 3 credits or 12 credits. That is up to individual, not GI Bill
Bravo, you hit it the nail on the head. I spent 22 years in the Navy, started under VEAP, changed to MGIB, and now using the NEW GI bill. I thank the good Lord that I am here and able to go to school full time. I flip burgers to get more money, but in the end I hope to be doing much better.
I grabbed a a straw and now they want to take it away. I have to come up with 70% financing that I did not intend to. I may not qualify for any financing. I have less than two months to figure it out. I am half way through college and I may have to drop out out. So how do you suck that up? I have no time to fix this.
Apparently, many transitions were not made to dependants and possibly there was an observation to make the change. If a significant amount of soldiers did not participate in the program, another means was sought to utilize the funds. An active duty soldier now is not the typical active duty soldier that I stood in the ranks with in 1986. These soldiers are older and can benefit from the change, while actively serving. I have taken full advantage of my benefits and am very appreciate for what the military has done for me. Be grateful that there is some extension for housing, because this is really unheard of. We can't save the world and the military offers programs to prepare us for transition, prior to exiting. As an Educator and US Army retired, I tend to beleive that many active duty soldiers don't take advantage of what is offered to them. TA and free laptops are education in your lap! As I prepare to complete my doctorate, I surely hope that my comrades will come on board and stop crying the blues. What good is a benefit, if you don't properly use it when approrpriate? Te decision was simply made to accomodate those who would gratefully seize an opportunity.
Touche' …but what good is a benefit if they take it away before you can use it? This program helps the federal government in the long term. It reduces dependence on the VA system and aids transition from the military to civilian life. As for taking advantage…the Ops Tempo is the highest it has ever been per soldier since WWII. I am sure there were not many folks taking classes while fighting in Vietnam or Germany. My point on this…The 911 GI BILL is a great benefit. I convinced my daughter to join because of it. But will it still be there when she wants to use it? Is this whining? Or simply asking the government to either fix it right or leave it to heck alone.
Studying for your Doctorate? You should learn to spell. "I" before "e" except after "c". BELIEVE NOT beleive!!!! Take a spelling class. OTHERWISE: I concur with your statement. As a Viet Nam vet, we had few educational benefits compared to today's. Most of us struggled financially to get our post military education but felt the necessity to do so. I do not begrudge those receiving benefits today at any level; however, quality education usually comes at some personal cost not just the Government's cost.
one of the signficant improvements of the assistance package was the ability to transfer benefits to family members … for many this overcomes a great concern regarding ability to afford education for kids … unfortunately, as I just found out, the request to transfer must be made BEFORE retirement … something I wish I had understood a year ago … so if you are still active duty and want to transfer call the [your servicebranch] now … [Editor's Note: DO NOT CALL VA they do not have authority over transfer of benefits].
As much as they are reducing my benefits you may want to ask yourself if these benefits they are promising you will be there when you child starts college. It sounds good and it sounds like they will honor these benefits but in reality as the economy gets worse and more people actually utilize this program with success congress and the va will find a way to cut the cost. The benefits they say they owe to you may be on the chopping block, just like mine were. Goodluck BECAUSE THE VA AND CONGRESS HAVE PROVED THE FACT THAT THESE PROGRAMS ARE NOT AN ENTITLEMENT AND THEY ARE A GAMBLE.
DO NOT CONTACT VA! Your servicebranch handles the transfer of benefits NOT the VA.
Military.com, VA, and DoD have worked hard to make sure the information on transferability is avaiable to all. Visit the DoD wesite at: http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2009/0409_gi…
Once you retire you can't access the transferability part even if you have access to that web-site. They screw you when you retire with the way the bill is written.
Hey! I found it out this past November. I signed up in Aug 09 and retired Jan 10 and went to transfer to my son who will be going to college at the end of this year. They said I had retired and couldn't transfer it. I sent a message to the VA and the final message they sent was congress made the rule and to contact my congressman.
If you call VA, you only get phone hell..endly recorded messages. I could never get a human voice on the phone. Better off to go to a VA office and look them in the eye.
I served in the AF for 20 years with a 3 yr break. After 12 years I had to get out due to family issues in 1982. I came back in to finish off my enlistment in 1985 after the AF sent me a card asking me to come back due to a cut in my career field which left them short. I reenlisted with the promise that there would be no change in my GI benefits. However, after about a year they came back and said they made a mistake that I would lose my education benefits due to the Montgomery Bill. So I lost all of my education benefits without a choice or another option to get them. So the new law which gives dependants their parents GI bill is a thorn in my side. I lost mine even though I did 20 years and these kids get the benefits for not even serving. Did this happen to anyone else or was I the only unfortunate one?
That happened to me in 1987 after 33 years of active service.
I enlisted during the VEAP era and was one of the many who decided to put my money in savings instead of VEAP, so when they came back and offered the Montgomery GI Bill I couldn't even try to participate because I hadn't put ANY money into VEAP. When I retired, I had NO college benefits whatsoever. But, I used TA to get my CCAF degree. So all this talk about GI benefits really makes me angry, because people don't realize that many retirees, like myself, retired without any GI bill at all. So I have to just laugh at all the people who get so angry over how much they're "losing", instead of appreciating whatever they are getting. You have to turn a blind eye to it or it will drive you insane!
I'm right there with you, Mazola! Enlisted in '78, retired in '99. My Career Advisor (I think that was the title in the late 70s) told me to save my money, deposit it into my VEAP account just before I retired (assuming I would stick around that long), and get my benefit. Well, since I didn't have an active account at the point I retired, I wasn't even allowed to make the deposit! Zero educational benefits as a result. The irony is I only joined to get the education offered. So, yeah, as I read about how "unfair" the current changes are, when current service members can let their kids use their benefit and the kids have done nothing to warrant the benefit, I have to laugh. Sure would have been nice to let the government pay for my two kids' college educations instead of me paying for them. I'm sure it's probably our fault for serving at the wrong point in time…
That is exactly what happened to my husband, who put in over 20 years. He didn't sign up for VEAP, so he got nothing for education when he retired. Many active duty do not have the luxury of going to school while on active duty due to constant deployments and TDY. They have to wait until they are finished serving, so by that time, who knows what kind of nonsensical changes the idiots in DC have made to the benefits programs.
Sorry to hear all the unhappy vets out there. I am still serving as an AGR and am very happy I can send my daughter to one of the most expensive universities in the northeast. The othe great deal is I get a cut of the housing !!! Thanks Senator Akaka!
I'm sorry this happened to you. I must, however call you to task on one thing you said… "and these kids get the benefits for not even serving." I was a military brat my entire childhood, have been married for almost 18 years to my military husband, and have two children. *I* absolutely "served" as a military brat – moving all around the world, every couple of years. My children *absolutely* serve EVERY time we move (my oldest in 6th grade has been to 5 schools!) or they stand and watch as their dad leaves for a war zone (2 deployments plus TDYs and schools have kept dad away from his kids for more than a third of their lives). They have "earned" this college benefit every bit as much as their dad or I have. We are thrilled that the new benefit can be used by me or the kids. I am, in fact, using it right now to finish up the last part of my degree (and the system/process has worked perfectly thus far). I will leave enough benefit available to pay for one year of school for each of our two kids. The ability to transfer the benefit is outstanding… it would otherwise have been "wasted" on our family because my husband already has his Master's. It is excellent that he is being allowed to use the benefit HE EARNED, just like everyone else, in the way HE chooses, by giving it to his family.
I will call you to task as well. You did not put your life on the line to serve your country, your spouse did. Not you or your children. You benefited from being married to a serviceman, getting to travel, see things that you would not have had, had you stay in your hometown. You possibly traveled overseas, visited other countries and cultures? You took care of your children when your spouse was deployed, what if they worked for HEB, and had to go to a 1 or 3 month training for their job in order to get a raise? Wouldn't you have to stay home and take care of the family, does HEB allow your spouse to transfer their benefits to you or your family? The only reason why service members are able to transfer their educational benefits to the children is because history has shown us that only less than 10% used their educational benefits, and the government thought it would increase usage and act as a recruiting tool for current Americans. But please do not insult the intelligence of the millions of Americans who have served and died and tell them that their children and/or spouses deserves this benefit. If so, maybe there should be a clause added, if your children or spouse uses your benefit, they have to serve 1/2 the benefit in the military!
I had VEAP, Served in DS on Acitve duty status…then was back to reserve status and retired from the Reserves. Now my children are starting college, and when checking with the VA..said I don't have eduction benefits that I could transfer. The VEAP is something I paid for and paid into. So, the way I see it, I should still have had available eduction benefits to either use for myself or pass on to my children, or at least one child.
Airman,
Wow, and I thought I was serving for my country; if a dependant can reap the benefits of a parent unable to go to school WONDERFUL! If a military member has TA, which sounds like you could (I missed MGIB too) then hooray…I got my up to a masters on active duty that way. And unfortunalety, due to the loss of many lives I can now recieve 9/11? I survived OEF…many didn't so don't dishonor them by what a GI bill can do for their dependants…No one Comes Close
I was in the Air Force when I met my future husband. After we married and started a family, I was required to leave the AF. When I started to school we had two kids and the third on the way. Because I was a FEMALE veteran, I was only allowed to count my husband and ONE child as dependents. The result (Korean Bill) was a big $160 a month if I was full time. Hubby refinanced our car when tuition was due; we had two more kids (not counted as dependents) before I finished. With that, I was able to get a teaching job and go on to graduate school. Our family standard of living doubled and we were able to save enough to pay college tuition for kids. I still felt female vets were treated poorly, but I am grateful that what I got gave me the opportunity to benefit my family. You gotta take what you can get when you can!
No we need to tell DOD and Congress we just want what is fair.
Being someone that served during 9/11 and beyond, retiring in 2007 after 25 years of service, I just find this new change hard to believe. So now we have people that actually never served anywhere that are eligible to receive the 9/11 benefits and transfer them to their kids and people that actually served during 9/11 that can not. It tells me and every other 9/11 Era Veteran one thing about this President – that he is not really seeing the sacrifices made by myself and millions of other verterans that served our country faithfully during the 9/11 Era. And what about my 3 kids????
Nobody is taking an in-depth look into these issues. Not one person in Congress is aware of the exact process we veterans have to go through in order to make sure our benefits are in order and being honored. Not one of them understand exactly how the post 9/11 GIB works. As for the President I should not even speak because it is a waste of time. These changes were rushed through Congress and slammed on the Presidents desk for quick approval. They are smart enough to know they needed to correct the flaws from the original bill but they were not smart enough to anticipate the new flaws created. It's true not everyone will be happy but they can't start to justify these absurd changes. These changes unless they are fixed will prove to be the stepping stones in converting a benefit to one of the past which was an entire waste of effort.
I agree about the people eligible to receive the Post 9/11 as I was stationed on a submarine when the attacks went down BUT I have to disagree about allowing these benefits to be passed down to the children. I'm sorry but did your parents pay for your education? Or did you step up, serve our country, and in turn become eligible for the government to fund your schooling? If you want to start a bank account for your kids as a college fund fine, if you were killed in the line of duty and can't ok I can see the funds being passed down for college, but if you're an able bodied citizen working and taking advantage of the GI Bill, then that is where it needs to stop. Kids need to learn to make their own way in a normal upbringing and not rely on everyone else. I understand the worry you have for yours but you're alive to do something about it. Why should the GI Bill have to pay for something you can start working on providing now?
What about your 3 kids? Can't they enlist and get their own benes? Are you implying that they EARNED these benefits by being born to you? Get over that…
times ten!!!
It's spread the wealth even in military benefits, you pay for the ones that didn't serve, it's this administration's mantra. They despise the Military. I appreciate your service Kathleen. I did 30+ years, 8 yrs. active and 22 years in the reserves (1962-2003) and I got $500 a month for 3 years. It wasn't much but it helped a lot.
Serving your country while on active duty means just that. You are either in the military during 9/11 or you are not but you are still serving regardless if this was in Haiti, Saudi or Iraq.
@Kathleen – Ive read your post and like most people you are looking at this from a personal point of view. Did you serve in a conflict by yourself? What about the sacrifices of spouses and family members during these multiple deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom? During your 25 years, does Desert Storm or other conflicts only count? One more thing – If you think about this – The President and Congress are ADVISED by the Chief of Staff and various VSO (Veterans Service Organizations) during the talks about benefits so think about that before you post negative comments about your command-in-chief. One other thing – the education bill is called "Post 9-11" which covers all veterans who served during abd after 09-11-01. Dont make an assumption that veterans "that actually never served anywhere"………..dont deserve anything. Also, the vets who are able to transfer must sign an extension and serve 36 to 48 months more to recieve that benefit.
Spouces and family members may have to sacrifice, I will give you that. But they should have to put into the system like the rest of us had to, not ride on the Gov't tit. They can also apply for scholarships through various VSO's that we as AD members can not. Full scholarships that you might actually have to do a little sweat equity in order to qualify for.
Katt,
I understand some of your comment except for the President part. He signs the bills not create them.. He along with many in congress are not vets like ourselves. It's the President, Reps and Dems that change the rules without any consideration or thorough review. They (President, Congress, and some in our society) don't have a clue of the sacrifices we make. I've also been through many changes of the GI Bill to include the $150, tuition assistance, and now this. Me personally, the bait and hook tactic is alive. Our legislative body is doing what is popular at the time and not looking at the big picture. I don't think it's fair nor right to provide service members with housing allowance while they attend a traditional college or online. I had to work, receive the tution assistance, and finish college at the same time. The only other good deal I received was the repayment of some of my student loans before I was commissioned. Like most have said in this forum, use the benefits while they're available.
"I had to work, receive the tution assistance, and finish college at the same time"
You talk like "receiving tuition assistance" is hard. So you worked and finished college at the same time, who cares? Everyone does that.
I care. Your rude behavior is inexcusable. Your anonymity is cowardly
KW,
You said you deployed where? PTSD? Wounded? Nightmares? Loss troops? Pick another forum to bash the president, if you may, it was your CONGRESS PERSON who signed the "freaking" bill first! And if I'm not mistaken EVERY elected official voted YES!!!
Who are you to question this woman's outrage? This President is the most intrusive President in my lifetime. He is always reaching into my pocket and taking, taking, taking. This CHANGE that was ramrodded down our thoughts happened without our input. where was the debate? hearings? public comment? NOTHING.
But I guess for guys like you, the buck stops somewhere else
Ma'am I share your outrage. Remember how long it took for the benefits to kick in? This President despise us and we should regard him in kind!!
You are an idiot!
People are always complaining about what they can't get and never find ways of going around the system.
Its not that people are getting mad at what you say there kiddo. Its that we have to listen to idiotic one liner comments of a losser. It is your right to say these things but trust me it makes you sound stupid. I was greatfull to serve my country and loved every minuite of it, but thank goodness that i never served with a whinny little child like you are making yourself sound. Have fun with your posts if you think they are helping.
It should only be the active duty member who gets the education benefits. I am a veteran. I had the VEAP from Jan 1978, when I went in enlisted and served only 1 term. The VEAP, at that time, was that I put in $100.00 a month, for 12 months, for a total of $1200.00. Then when I got out, I got in return $2400. from the government. I had to make do and pay for the rest of my education myself. Dependents should not be handed money for school.
Yes but they Promised us all educational benefits but then wouldn't pay it. When I was on active duty in the Vietnam War we didn't have VEAP and didn't make enough money to put any away either so when I got out in '73 I didn't have anything coming, not even a ticket home. I had no money and had to phone my folks for some money to get home from Oakland.
So, does that mean the politicians have been going back on promises for decades? And veterans have been allowing that?? We have to unite and fight. Join the American Legion. collectively, there are thousand of vets. Let's stand up to them and fight them.
The GI bill benefits in my 20 yrs expanded 3 fold…….not whining. The only issue I have is with the transferrability. In 1986 I was one of the suckers…I actually made the sacrifice of putting away the $100 a month for one year. After my retirement in 2006 they introduce the new GI bill to anyone who served after 911 regradless of whether they opted in..in the first place. Again not whining. The only thing I am hissed off about is why did they not make some concession for those of us that did pay in…..like transferabilty. I used TA to get my degree (most on active duty) and now have a huge benefit that I would love to give to my son…..but can't. Guess I should have kept the $1200 in my pocket.
Actually, the way I understand it, if you paid the $1200, once you elect to transfer to the Post 911 GI Bill, you could get refunded for what you paid into your original GI Bill Program.
I am 27 now went to itt tech got a I got associate degree without reading the GI bill just got 911 bill got 10 more months left I ruin my life and naval career
I think we all have times we feel slighted. I for one missed the 50% retirement by one month, but the line must be drawn somewhere and you can never find a 100% solution to a problem. We should remember the goal is to attain your education and move on to greener pastures. As for Congress, term limits would solve alot of problems. No where else can you serve 4 years and get full retirement. GET OUT AN VOTE in 2012!
I am amazed at the difference in comments made here. When you signed up you promised certain things and the government likewise promised certain things to you. Times change, what the nation can or can't afford changes. However, that being said, I would like to know how much a senator makes per year and what benefits that senator is entitled to for serving one term in office. What makes time entitled to life long retirement pay after serving the people anything less than 20 years. What makes them entitled to lifelong health care after serving the people less than 20 years. Try getting good care at some of our Veterans Hospitals. When we go for something we are entitles to at our local VA Hospital, two and a half hours away, we ofter get treated like second class citizens. Often the staff treat vets like the care they receive and have earned is coming out of their own pockets. Yes, there are people that milk the system, there always will be, just look at our congress. However, when you signed up, you had a contract, what ever that contract was at the time, honor it. The vets need to honor it as well as the goverenment they served. HONOR IT.
It's about planning. No-one can see the future but volunteer vets CAN prepare for it. If you only count on yourself, and take steps accordingly, you'll be ready if/when things change. LESSON TO VETS – Don't count on benefits when you come in as being there when you come out. In 1976, I joined the Navy. Recruiters emphasized the end of the GI Bill (Montgomery version) so urged me to beat the deadline. Wanting a good education to be paid for, if I decided not to make a career of it, it seemed like a pretty good idea. Left the service in 1982, went to college on 90% paid tuition, 100% textbook benefits (things were already changing). But by my last semester in Spring '85 (took summer classes to finish early), the benefits had been reduced to %10 tuition, with no textbooks paid for. However, since I'd saved during my service days I could easily cover the difference. That degree helped me land a job in Automotive Manufacturing in the IT area. But since I learned that plannin for yourself lesson, when things went south in the Manufacturing industry I was prepared for the worst case scenarios. Sometimes bad things happen to your income and benefits beyond your control. If you've planned well, you're ready. And if they don't come to pass, that financial cushion makes life a whole lot more fun. So veterans, like anyone else, should plan ahead. Volunteering to service to our country is a good thing. Volunteering to give benefits to those who service is too. But neither should be counted on unless we move to non-volunteer service. And that's a totally different discussion.
Something else I want to add about how ridiculous our government is when it comes to changing things all the time. My husband is a military retiree. He enlisted in Oct 1977 and retired after 20 years. Because he didn't put in that $100. a month right from the beginning for VEAP, the only pathetic education benefit for active duty at the time, he was never allowed any money for school after he retired in Nov 1997. Zero, nothing.
Both of my kids and my son-in-law are all currently active duty. They are all planning to have children. I do not believe my grandkids should be entitled to a free ride. That is just stupid. People who do not earn things for themselves do not appreciate it. Active duty only should get it. They are earning it, not their kids.
Ooh Raa
how much did the post 9/11 vets contribute to the GI Bill to receive bennies?
They Served. and the monitary amount was $1200
I contributed $1200. Thanks for asking.
Quit complaining and expecting everything. We couldn't transfer our GI Bill to our families, we didn't get a rental allowance, and we as GIs in the 60s and 70s didn't make enough money to live on . I made $127.00 per month before taxes in 1969. Serve your country and stop asking for the world. Ralph Moerschbacher, Captain, USAF Retired Vietnam Veteran
President Kennedy said Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.
hey captian ralph–get your head out of your ass and look around. we did step up and and do for our country.i am a two tour viet vet U.S.M.C. and around 65000 of us died over there-around 350000 of us suicided after comming home and god only knows how many are slowly dieing of illnesses we brought home with us.we did step up and we are getting screwed for it by our own government.capt. ralph wake up and look around do some research and maby you'l find out thet you are on the worng side of this fight.__I also firmly believe that anyone who aspires to public office should be required to pick up a weapon and stand a post for a min. of two years,only then would they be eligable to run for any public office.__GPS>
I'm just tired of service members today thinking that everything they get as far as benefits should be seeing with a "Give me Give me Give me" attitude. I strongly disapprove that the MGIB is transferable. I believe that if you want help to pay for college then do your time just like everyone else. The health care for the military is a joke, I had to go get emergency dental work done while on leave by my old home dentist and when I told them "The military uses Concordia United" as the dental side to the heath care, they laughed in my face and told me good luck finding a clinic that accepts payment from them.
Well after my $370 dentist bill out of pocket I filled a claim with the insurance company…..never saw my money back. Its not only these little "issues" that makes serving the military a living hell but its also all those pen-pushing no goods in congress that are bent on taking our retirement away at early age. Grow a braincell America….people don't know the pain the suffering, the mental torment that any service member goes through while serving and if you take away our retirement that we have the right to take after 20yrs of service….then why defend the country?
Granted I'm rambling about a lot of issues that are going on right now but America wouldnt be in this situation if they didnt build all these new fancy warships, half of which suffer severe problems with mechanical failures. That new San Antonio class ship….WORTHLESS, who the hell do we plan on invading? Why do we need an assault ship when we as America, are afraid to defend even ourselves in the sake that it might "offend" someone.
Gov't = Joke
Congress = Joke
Military = Joke
Stick it out in the civilian world guys, granted jobs are getting hard but why join the service when its benefits are being taken away left and right or are being threatened because as someone once stated before….those 6 figure penpushers in Congress are looking at a funding cut so they are going to cut America down to its knees to insure they get paid….such a corrupt government…. I just wonder how long before a Revolution will spark from all of this.
We need to have someone honest and willing to do the right things to vote for in this country. I 100% agree – a revolution is coming. This stuff has to stop.
Wow, what a bunch of ranting "veterans". No one that is now out of the military was promised the Post 9/11 GI Bill when they enlisted except for the few that have been medically discharged. Quit saying you are entitled to something that didn't exist when you enlisted.
Many soldiers who work the hardest don't have the opportunity to use TA. I hate the outlook of so many in the military when it comes to soldiers using or not using their benefits. As my CO told me when I told him my plan after leaving the military was to get my degree he said "let's face it, if you were going to go to college you would have done it already."
My benefits are decreasing, but I'm glad they took the opportunity to start the benefits going before they spent years getting everything straightened out.
Sorry for my typos in my last comment, I just get extremely heated over issues like those stated before hand.
I am a veteran from the Vietnam era. I am currently serving after a 27 year break in service. One short tour in Iraq in 2005 and I am going to be in Kuwait for a year in 2012. My benefits were non existant and my return home in 1972 was significantly different from my return in 2005. I have a unique perspective on these benefits in that I am happy to have any at all. We now have quite a few benefits but Congress is not good about spending the peoples money and as usual they are spending money they don't have.
Be careful that you don't become part of the entitlement mentality that believes the government owes them a living. In our case, we have served to earn it where the folks on other forms of government assistance often have not but the money comes from the same empty bucket. Plan on taking care of yourself and any government assistance will be an added benefit. If you count on the government you will be hanging yourself out to dry. Just a word to the wise.
LTC Daniel Alston
USAR Dental Corp
Some people are under the impression that the BAH pays for all the veteran student's bills. This is untrue for a lot of veterans, including myself. Most of us are already making up the money for living expenses that the BAH won't cover. But with this time, we need to come up with more money every semester break. You'll see roughly 400,000 student veterans trying to enter the job market each time a semester ends. Are you kidding me? This benefit was sold to us under certain conditions, and a lot of veterans wouldn't have used it unless they felt they could make it work. For example, I would've never used my MGIBILL because it would've been impractical for me to go to school, while working full time, and raising a family. Get over yourself!
Well folks, let me say first that I am grateful for the benefits as they exist now. Like many of you I did not expect this and was glad to see the bill signed after I retired from 27 years of service in 2008. I am using my benefit to gain a Masters Degree and I would be less than honest if I didn't say I felt like I was stealing when it came to the housing stipend. My wife is still active and has split her benefit between my two college age sons who are also collecting the housing stipend even though they live at home with me. That is $4200 a month in housing stipends for 3 under the same roof! We went to the Certfier at the school to make sure this wasn't an error and even offered to defer the money back to the VA. We were told to take the money while it was available. All I can say is WOW! That is 50k in housing stipends a year tax free. That is broken.
Let me shift gears now and address all those who say we should be grateful for the benefit. Wrong. The benefits offered are a pacifying token for the lack of a national draft. That argument was valid when the draft was in effect for every war in this country up to and including Viet Nam. The draft drew people from all walks of life. Rich, poor, the only requirement was service to country. Since then, the division between the haves and the have nots has increased so dramatically that the haves know that if they wave enough money (re-enlistment bonuses) and educational benefits a draft will never be necessary and their precious silver spoon children will never be forced to give their lives for their country. These benefits are used to attract citizens from lower income brackets and minorites that are looking for a way to improve their stock in life. With that being the case, servicemembers in todays military should not be grateful, they should be given what they are due because that is the tradeoff the haves created for not having their children in for a volunteer force.
DET1SCPO,
My guess is that of the 36 months allowed, both kids are burning thru their alloted share quickly. They only get 36/2 = 18 months of benifits, and that is if the wife didn't use any while on active duty? Hope you have them pocket the money for when the benefits run out next year.
I hear a lot of yammering about the small stuff. But we all need to get more involved in teaching the military how to budget. There would be billions of dollars to spend on vets if the military would actually try and save money. A single M4A1 rifle costs the average citizen $2100. The military spends over $7000 per rifle. And not to mention the exorbitant amount of over spending on air travel and housing. The military will hire private contractors to clean offices and pay them $20 per hour, then why not hire private contractors to buy airline tickets for the same price a private citizen pays. Same with equipment. As a private citizen I could equip a battalion for half of what it would cost the military. I tried to get a military discount at a hotel 2 months ago. My discounted price was $30 more than when I booked the exact same room on expedia.com. How can the government let that continue? So they can keep changing rules and pretend to do a job that a high school student shows more proficiency.
I think the whole GI Bill education benefit is a fraud to get people to enlist! While they are currently promising $51K for college on TV to those who enlist in the Army or Guard, I am a Vietnam War vet and I was offered a total of $940 when I was discharged in 1973! That's not enough to even pay for books for a year at ASU unless it was payed all at once instead of $20/month! Everyone should just accept the fact that they aren't going to get anything worth while from the government no matter what they were promised and move on.
I don’t understand all of the complaining about the Post 911 GI Bill. Have you ever heard of being in the right place at the right time?! Yes, it would be great if everyone who ever served in the military could have these benefits but we all know there is not enough money for that. There are so many soldiers who do not even use their annual tuition assistance while in the military and never planned on using their GI Bill. I bet some of you who are complaining fall into that category. Now that BAH is added, everyone wants to use their benefits.
Personally, I cap out on my tuition assistance yearly and have been using my GI Bill on top of that. I plan on ETS’ing in a few months and am very THANKFUL for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. It will give me a chance to work on my Masters degree, while staying home with my infant son.
I have been in the military for eight years so I will not receive the chance to pass my benefits to my children. But…I am thankful for the benefits I have been given. Sorry to those who retired before the eligible date but remember you have received benefits in the past that young soldiers never will. Everything in life is not always fair, be thankful for what you have.
Those who are eligible to receive the Post 911 GI Bill, you have NO ROOM to complain. This program is A LOT better than the Montgomery GI Bill that we previously had.
Thank you for your service to all those who are or were military. I know it is not an easy life.
Well you got some benefits but what about everyone else older than 9/11 who got nothing? I didn't get any educational benefits to speak of or even a ticket home when I was released in Oakland even though I was from Virginia. The only benefits I have are going to the VA medical center for yearly check ups but if I have a medical problem they can't be depended on since the local center doesn't even have an X-ray machine and they don't have any dental benefits either, just prescriptions.
I too am working on my masters degree and like you I utilized TA the last 3 years of my enlistment, but the benefits I applied for are not what are now being offered to you. The benefits I applied for in the original Post 9/11 Gi Bill were exceptionally better. I myself have the right to complain just like you will have the right once you are utilizing it and see they are prorating your housing allowance by the amount of days actually in school but are failing to prorate your benefits in accordance to how many days you were in school each month. I'm not sure about you but my benefits are very important to me because by next year I intend on applying for a doctoral program and with these changes not only am I losing a huge chunk of my housing stipend I am also being deducted monthly benefits for days I'm not technically in school. They are prorating my housing allowance but are not prorating my monthly benefits. Break pay was their justification for deducting an entire month of benefits even though school was only in session 15 days.
Steve
You should do a little research before you put your input out there. I have a Bachelors degree. How much did I pay for books and tuition? $0 I know many people who are educated due to their service in the military. The military has provided me with an education and I am very grateful for that. Yes, I have given my service for almost eight years but how many people can receive a degree at no cost from their employer?!
You must be one of the lucky ones! I don't know what kind of research you are talking about but I know I can't get any sort of degree on the small amount they offered me. I would have liked to go to ASU and got a Bachelors degree myself but it costs around $12k/year and the amount they offered me wouldn't even pay for books.
Does anyone know that if you want to find out what benefits you were supposed to get or what you actually got you can't because the VA doesn't keep any records? Since I am facing retirement I was wondering what benefits I might still have available so I checked the VA Benefit Handbook and found that it doesn't go back any farther than 9/11! They have erased everything older than that. It's as if we don't even exist anymore! Specifically I was wondering if I had any educational benefits left since I remember not getting anything when I was released in '73. I went down to the VA and talked to the "Benefits" officer who told me they only kept records of disability benefits but I could check the Handbook. He was surprised when I showed him that all the older info had been deleted. All I could find out was that benefits had probably expired after 10 or 15 yrs. since there had been laws passed stating that at least 3 different times. I was able to find my old military records that included a document saying they were offering me $940 in educational benefits but I wasn't able to use it all at the time since it costs a lot more than that to go to college and I couldn't afford it myself and it's certain to have all expired by now.
I am a disabled Army Infantry Veteran. Between the lack of shooter jobs and my disabilities it's hard to find a job. I saw the Post 9-11 GI Bill as a way for me to make it through school without having to make my disability worse while working my way through school. The problem is that we are provided just what we need to make it through school without working so that we can focus on doing well, but nobody is going to hire us to work for a month during christmas, or a week during spring break. Some of you say that we have an entitlement mentality for this, but that's not the case. I was told when I started school what I would recieve. The VA is trying to reduce that now and that is the problem. If your employer came to you today and told you that he is going to take away all of your vacation and sick pay would you be angry or would you take it with a smile because you don't have an "entitlement mentallity"? Stop being the devil's advocate and let us fight for what was promised to us without your 2 cents.
the thing about our current government, this whole pay freeze and messing with all millitary benefits (retirement, GI bill ect) is trying to decrease the national deficit. What they should really be doing is decreasing the numerous amount of little ‘perks’ they have on capital hilll. Then they can use that money to spread around to cover the adjustments they demand we make for them. My husband is extremly lucky right now to be a reservist and have the gi bill help him go back to school. Even with the book stipend and drill once a week, we are both going to have to work and find other ways to make ends meet and with his current MOS if something more extreme happens on a front he could get deployed. When you join an military force in the US its always a possibility of being sent over seas. Anyone who’s been active o drafted knows how terrifying that is. The benefits of the gi bill are not only benefical to the civilian world,having a degree can also be a benefit in the military. I completly agree the program is not perfect, however whining about it. On here is ridiculous. Talk to you VA admin, co’s write ure senator. Life isn’t fair. And before someone whines about my spelling not everyone uses spell check for everything especially when you are passionate if the only thing u can do is whine about spelling go find a better point to dispute. The government can’t make everyone happy its not their job but its our job to make sure our men and women who serve are not forgotten and ge twhat they signed a contract to.
I was a VEAP era active duty vet. The 8,100 barely covered one semester and I couldn’t even attend full time because the VA limited how much could be used at once. Not to mention 1/3 of the $8,100 was my money! Vets who served during that period are still loathed by Congress.
$8,100! Wow! That sounds like a lot compared to nothing I got but I guess it won't really go too far these days. Sounds like they are offering just enough to tease you but not enough to actually be of much use if you intend to go full time.
There should be no transfer to children of these benefits. If your kids want to go to school, then you pay for it, not the rest of us. That would allow the money to be used for those who served.
Nicely spoken! Why not utilize what the government said they would honor in return for serving our country? The way I see it if a veteran has kids, he or she should be able to attend school and still provide for his or her family WITH THE ORIGINAL POST 9/11 GI BILL BENEFITS (not so much with this new program). Get yourself a good solid education so you can find a decent paying job in which you WON'T have to reply on the government to pay for your child's education because in reality at the rate in which changes are being made and pockets are being taken from and placed in others you may not have these benefits when the time comes.
100% true. You get what YOU EARN. Education benefits should be for the person who served, not their spouse, kids, step kids, etc.
The new changes are unfair to those who sacrifice their time from work and benefit those who choose to take classes online. The living stipend is what it is – a stipend, design to assist in paying the bills while you are in school and have to take time away from working a regular job. Those who choose to take classes online can afford the time because they are not confined to a class schedule. The differences between the MGIB, VEAP and Post 9-11 bills are due to the economic stature in place at the time. Sure, it seems unfair that the GI Bill has a stipend for living expenses now, just as it seems unfair that gasoline used to be $.60 per gallon.
I spent six years on active duty and I am now a drilling reservist. The changes were made to the bill because some of the people using the benefits were abusing it. I know people who would schedule a full class load – one on campus and the rest online, just so they could get the stipend. It's true what they say, the people in our military are only as good as the the worst one.
WTF all Veterans should be given priority. COLA drops, healthcare going up, they are hitting civilians harder than myself. I am a 26yr Veteran, x wife cheated on me, and after 25yrs of marriage the Navy gave her half of my pension. I have a teenage daughter. Last year I turned in 5 W-2s, and owed a ton back to the taxman. I am still grateful to recieve benifits, and thank God I still have a home. We need to get mad about our losses, but in a constructive, and ACTIVE way. We are all giving too much. God Bless you my Brothers.
Sorry to hear about those hard times bro. Nicely spoken words. Keep up the good effort, I will do the same.
I have been reading your posts. You sound like you would be a good leader. Do you want to start the revolution to protect us veterans? I will follow and help recruit.
I agree, we served 20 or more years in the military and retired, we are limited to monies for school. Now vets are getting a lot more money to go to school. Why can"t we, as prior service Vets get the difference so we can finish our schooling? Just not fair. Its great that the service members are supported now, it's to bad that those of use who served in the Viet Nam era are still frowned upon.
You are right about that, my brother. What people say and what they do are two different things, besides talk is cheep, actions speek louder than words. I spent three tours in (Viet Nam) country and your are right were are still frowned upon.
okay ladies..
when yall get done whining and griping ..just shut up and get the job done.. for those of you who earned it use it…. for those of you who didnt be glade some commie in washington hasnt taken away from you to give to some person here illegally.. i started my service in the 70`s and just retarded as of last yr.. hell i can sign mine over to anyone i want or nobody… you can thank liberal education for the mind set of the young folks these days.. so either vote for change …live with it …or OVERTHROW THE GOVERENMENT.. BUT QUIT THE DAMN WHINING..
I have never really complained about what I got as a soldier. I figured that the government would do the RIGHT thing and stand by us. Well I guess that I must have been thinking about a different government. It is a sad state of affairs when your own turn against you in the name of political goals. I wonder what will happen to us in the event of another war and as the saying goes NO ONE SHOWS UP!!! I often wonder what the politicans excuse is when asked "WHY DON't YOU CUT YOUR OWN SLAARIES AND PERKS?" Well I guess that we will never know as this ocuntry is going to hell in a basket real fast and NO ONE CARES!!!!
I like the ability to transfer benefits. My husband passed away and I was able to transfer what he would have used to our child. I am also on the new MG I bill. I am grateful for it but it would have been nice to know what I was getting into before they made me select one or the other. I do not feel entitled to any benefit, but I still have to make decisions based on that what I am told I will receive. Not having benefits during semester breaks is something that changes my situation. I wouldn't have ever had an issue with it if it had been part of the original bargain. What upsets me is that I cannot change my mind about which MGI Bill program I have now, but they can change what benefits I get. This is not about being a crybaby, felling entitled, or not being enlisted anymore. I served 8 years, proudly, my husband passed away while deployed. We have lived up to our end of the bargain. All I ask is that I can count on the VA in the same way that the United States was able to count on my commitment to die if I had to. Changes in the programs alter the circumstances that base life decisions upon. I am the widowed mother of two, I left the service because I thought I could provide a more stable life for my young children as a civilian and I could only do that if I had an education. Major decisions that changed the course of my and my children's lives were made based on the benefits of the MGI bill. I cannot undo those decisions in the same way that congress can just undo my benefits.
Also, to those that are taking the "stop complaining" stand. I have paid my dues to this country. If I want to complain then I have a right to. I fought for that right and my husband died for that right. I will complain all I want. In addition, how can things get better if we do not work to change them. People standing up and saying "this is not working for us" is the only way that will happen. Working to fix things and improve benefits is not the same thing as being an entitled crybaby.
Well said Jessica. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your service and God Bless!
Jessica, I totally agree with you and echo the words of Melissa. HOOAH! You are a hero to the majority of red blooded Americans out there! Thank YOU for your sacrifice and I hope your child will benefit from the education he or she deserves.
HEY USCG CPO (FIRST POSTING ON THIS BLOG),
Your right it's not total support, but let me explain something to you. Those of us who started back in August 2009 knew what we signed up for therefore we went out and found ourselves houses and apartments. Guess what, the rent that we signed up to pay each month still stands!!!! I can speak for myself when I say it's not supposed to support us 100% but it is supposed to support the the house payments and rent we established last August. With these changes being put into effect this August our rent will continue to be the same but we can't say the same about our housing allowance. There will be many months in which the housing benefit will be reduced leaving us to cover the balance. In some cases this balance can be quiet a chunk of change for those of us who were already accustomed to the original Post 9/11 GI BILL and our remaining living expenses. Basically this new bill will benefit us greatly but it is not the bill we signed up for, so if you are one of those who the changes benefit the most congratulations, but yes I personally feel like it is our right to get the benefits in which we signed up for. My thing is if you feel like you don't need break pay then sit back and be thankful for your newly added benefits but you will eventually realize that when they are prorating your housing allowance by the amount of days you are in school but not doing the same for your actual benefits you will see why we are so upset. For you I will explain what I'm talking about since you are obvious blinded by the fact of whats going on. If you attend school December 1-st-15th and go on break until January 15th, for those 2 months you will get 1/2 your housing allowance. At the same time even though you were only in school 15 days during December and 16 days in January they are STILL going to deduct 2 months from your original 36 months of benefits, INSTEAD of only deducting 1 month. Yes we attended school during those months but technically school was not in session so why is the VA deducting my benefits from me AND taking my break pay. BOTTOM LINE is the VA knew better to pay us break pay to justify deducting those months from our benefits in which we may have only been in school 2 weeks. Maybe you newcomers to the Post 9/11 Gi Bill need counseling on what you should be getting but can't now because of this new bill, because when it's all said and done those who were on the original bill knew exactly what we had. By the way, the post 9/11 gill bill was established because the MGIB had little success. Why you might ask? Because veterans were having to put more emphasis on financial obligations rather than school, hence it was an irrelevant program because people weren't financially able to utilize it accordingly. With these changes, they are one step closer to transforming it back to the MGIB and saving Uncle Sam a great deal of money because like the bill from the past people are once again having to stress financial obligations rather than collegiate performance. With these changes the graduating success rate will decline and less people will utilize it in which the VA, CONGRESS, and The President had intended.
The law as it was intended was good. It rewarded tangible service with tangible benefits. It was also intended as an unemployment benefit in some fashion because it prevented returning veterans from adding to the labor force and bloating unemployment.
It is a good scholarship program for soldiers who served overseas and risked their lives to ensure our way of life survives . The only part that upsets me, and I have seen this personally, is veterans sometimes believe that they can use their benefits and fail School.
Don’t waste that money if it can be better utilized in well my hands for instance.
The cap on private school is a dream killer.
I'm thankful for every blessing I have. We should keep perspective. Things have changed. Technologies and travel have intertwined and people don't always go to school two blocks from home. Working full time and schooling is sometimes unrealistic. But every piece of legislation should pass the common sense test. Does Congress give up thier housing stipends when they are out of session? Do their (at home) staffs get paid when they are in Washington and vice versa? Let's be realistic and fair. If we have a billion dollars to lose (literally), monies to pay 1million dollars to people who lie about insurgents, and monies to waste on earmarks (only recently have a moratorium) and we can afford to give tax breaks to billionaires and provide for illegal alien needs, then why is there not money for those who bravely served this great Nation?
To BM:
You aren't related to that guy they just jailed in Tucson, are you?
I am happy with the 9/11 bill. I go to college full time and work full time. Hell if you are too damn lazy too work while going to school you don't deserve the $1320 a month or however much in your area! I think the money given for our college is more than enough, I have a new car and house and a pretty good savings from what the government has given me. Quit your damn bitching and appreciate what is given to you! Yes we did have to scarfice a lot, especially being in the Marine Corps, but suck it up!
Moverton, I agreed with your post up until the point where you said “especially in the marine corps”. What was that all about. Take a NCO in the Army and a NCO in the Marine Corps who have both been in at least 8 years and I guarantee you that the soldier will have alot more deployment time than the Marine.
Johnny seems like your alittle salty about where you were station or whatever the case. Let see i was in for 4 years went on a year long deployment, then soon as I got back (4 months later) went on a 7 months deployement. Oh while were on that this doesn't even include all the workups, SUCH AS victorville (29 palms) twice, bridgeport (cold weather training) twice, and CAC twice. So when you say that a soldier does more deployments, stop and ask yourself how and why you were deployed so much…….because you were the dirtbag and no one in your command probably didn't give 2 SH**s about you. Yes we do get our choice of duty station when we reenlist, only because its well deserved.
Obama does not care for us or the active duty military.
I really believe all who are elected, especially to the presidency, but also to Congress should have to have served at leastone full tour in one of the Armed Services. We continue to observe what not having a clue (despite the pretty words of thanks "for your service") means to Vets in reality. Yes, we need to be wise and independent, we need to be responsible adn take care of ourselves, but we also have certain (believed to be realistic) expectations for medical, education and financial benefits. These were the things that drew us to service along with desire for travel and mostly Love of Country and Patriotism. If I get nothing, I'm thankful, but I moved across the Country for school after being told I would have certain benefits including a housing stipend. It was not stated that the stipend would be unpaid during breaks. Again, Let's do the common sense test. Pray for our leaders.
In the end, it doesn't really matter anyway. I retired in 2010 & got screwed just like every other retiree on transferring to my kids. Once you are out, they could care less about you LOL! Does no good to petition Obama or Congress, as they could care less anyway…. Suck it up & drive on…
I agree. My husband who is retired and disabled after serving 25 years cannot transfer his benefits to our son because they didn’t have this option to choose when he left. Why is it not for all veteren’s?
I entered the military during the VEAP era and I had the foresight to realize that amount of money would do no good in my future. Additionally, being married and starting a family, VEAP contributions were cost prohibitive. VEAP era service members, as stated before by another individual, were the beneficiaries of one of the worst VA Educational plans, causing many to withdraw from VEAP. This was my choice and I made it with the understanding there would be no benefits coming in the future. So when I retired in 2003, I was left with no government sponsored, post service education program. Then along came the Post 9/11 GI Bill that included me in its eligibility requirements. I was very pleased that I could now seek higher education and have some of the bill paid for (I only qualify for 60%). I was grateful for what I was getting except, I did not understand why after more than 20 years, I would only qualify for 60% while someone serving only three years post 9/11 would qualify for 100%. Maybe I’m just whining, but is that equitable?
Are you serious? It's called post 9-11…..you must have served 36 months after 9-11 to be eligible. It is not for career service it is a benefit for service AFTER 9-11 and the war on terror began. All I can say is ….WOW!
Go to a JC for 2 years where tuition is extremely cheap. After 2 years transfer to a university. Work 40 hours a week and take some classes online. Yes its as easy as that. I am still using the old GI Bill and i live in Texas. Once you can transfer to a university by combining the Hazlewood with your GI Bill benefits, a 4 year degree completely paid for is a reality. Every school has a VA rep, take the time the talk with them about the options you have. After 2 years in JC, I have half of my GI Bill left, and 100% of the Hazelwood.
The mass majority of us held up our end of the contract so the benefits in which we applied for and got accepted to use should act as a government contract to us. They should not be able to get us locked in a program that was once very impressive and start throwing random changes at us. If so everyone should have the option to opt into the newly changed program or be grandfathered in to the original program. This was the case involving the MGIB and the post 9/11 GIB so where is my option to opt in or out of these new changes? If the government fixes this primary issue, everyone will be happy. Until then the complaints will continue, frustration will increase, and the overall success rate of this newly changed program will decrease.
Folks, Some where along the line people started demanding that they get their entitlements. These entitlements are, and have always been Benefits. There is a dramatic difference between the two. Feeling screwed because a person doesn't get what they want, but gets instead what they deserve, shows a character flaw. The next thing that I suppose that I will read on this blog, is that a Veteran is pissed because the Government won't issue him or her a fire extinguisher for their home, while they attend college courses.
Pete,
Benefit: 1. an act of kindness : benefaction
2a : something that promotes well-being : advantage b : useful aid
Entitlement- 1a: the state or condition of being entitled : right b : a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract
2: a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group; also : funds supporting or distributed by such a program
3: belief that one is deserving of or entitled to certain privileges
I don't know what you signed up for but it's in my contract that I will receive MGIB benefits following my contract. It's not my fault that they gave me the option to opt into the new post 9/11 GIB but I did so therefore I am entitled to the benefits stated in my contract. Those two words are closely related in the fact that entitlement is a right to benefits specified especially by law or contract.
Terry Howell,
I'd like to say thanks for all the work you are doing on here insuring that our voices will be heard. Our concerns with these new changes run deep and I look forward to following your blog and seeing what issues can be brought forth to those who are capable of making changes. I have contacted everyone I know in order to make this an issue. If everyone does their part then maybe, just maybe we can assist congress and the VA in getting the kinks worked out.
Thanks again
Ryan Skelton
Benfits were change so much in the early years and cut whenever the need for money was at a high I lost my schooling because first they change the rule to be use in a ten year period then part of my disability because Regan need to cut the buget "hearing loss", so be careful and do not think because you did your part they will do theirs! The minute you become a civilian they look for way to cut or take away your hard earn benifits!
how about us vets who dont want to go to school? hell im 80 yrs old the only thing I got out of the g.I.bill was 52/20.thats fifty two weeks at $ 20.00.also the V.A.
hospital,and all of my medical needs.not sure that comes under the G.I.bill seems
like that was part of the contract when I went in,maybe some of you guys can ans.some of the questions.I think my G.I.bill has expired.email me if you can enlighten me as to what benefit I didnt get.
forgot to post email address:jjj188@att.net
Fellow Servicemen/women:
Please take five minutes to write your Congressman/woman and let them hear your voice on this issue. Most of them have a website with a means to easily send email/messages directly to their staffers. Google their name/title and you will find the link. I feel like our promise by the US DoD to provide us veterans' benefits is being eroded yet again.
It is a travesty for us Veterans to shoulder any of the defense burden by sacrificing our promised veterans/retirement benefits like education benefits and health care. We have sacrified enough while serving.
This is the 'Goodwill" and honor we are given as veterans?! We are used when we serve on active duty, then forgotten and thrown out with the trash upon retirement.
Think of this as an opportunity to participated in the great American democratic system of government. One soldier, one vote. One Army, one hell of a voice able to influence short term congressmen.
Demand Justice and to be treat honorably…like your discharge.
Great comment–vets everywhere should take heed!
Sorry to hear all the unhappy vets out there. I am still serving as an AGR with 2 tours. I am very happy I can send my daughter to one of the most expensive universities in the northeast. The other great deal is I get a cut of the housing cabbagge and she is out of the house !!! Thanks Senator Akaka!
Looking for any ideas from anyone on this topic….
BK – Good post. My sentiments exactly.
I did almost 30 years in the military and while I was in, I immediately learned we are at the mercy of the lawmakers when it comes to entitlements and benefits. What surprised me the most is even our retirement system is not guaranteed and is subjected to unexpected changes by lawmakers. The educational benefits provided by the government when it relates to VA is simple: It is a BENEFIT and NOT A RIGHT. This is an old Master Chief just providing a little counselling to those who think they have earned anything when it comes to benefits. Yes, it is human nature to assume things will not change and good deals will not go away; however, from the beginning of our military carees we are taught we are at the mercy of the lawmakers. The morale of this lesson is to use the good deals while they are here; they may not be there tomorrow.
This doesn't surpise me. Don't trust a morally insufficient government with money…AT ANY TIME. If you lookl at things this way, then you will see how the little bit of money that you do get is sort of help. If you don't see it this way, iit's probably because you are depending on this little bit of money as your life line. Create your own source of income. Things are going to get worst. If you don't have your own lines of income outside of a 9 to 5 then you are out there flapping with a bucket of hot sauce. Use your military tactics and start building up your own money. LEGALLY. Get smart!!!!!!!!! This is serious.
As a disabled Vet from Nam. It' the same old crap. Pat you on the back give, you a medal with one hand , then send you on your way. Granted alot of G.I.'s from past wars were drafted and had no chioce. ( i was a volunteer ) The military is all volunteer now, they have all chosen to serve. Treat them right they deserve . Stop trying to think of ways to cut there benifities………..
I remeber My Father in law was a korean vet in the 50's and the G.I. Bill at that time gave them unlimited education. I served in Viet Nam our G.I. Bill gave us ten years to use it hard to do with full time job and getting bumped to another shift just after you got your classes and approval only having to cancel and send the money back. I entered the National Guard after a two year break and during the time I was serving they come up with the Mongomery Bill. I think it's time that all veterans write thie Reps and Congs. to change it back to unlimited for all veterans and remind them that they work for us and the blood we shed deserves respect by giving us a decent compensation.
It would seem that no matter what we get it is never enough. I am very grateful for the 9/11 GI bill what an opportunity for us VETS. I entered the Army on Feb 12th 1977 just after the old GI bill. I spent 28 years in the Army and never did take advantage of the VEAP but did the MGIB I just never used it.
Keith (now and loving it)
SGM retired, US Army (Infantry)
I think that they should send their children ahead of the soldiers and then they can report back to the government as to what is happening and what type of military is needed. I bet there would be no wars anymore if this is a law with no outs (such as going to school etc.)
second half of the last email all should be one.
I retired in 2006 and went to work for the state and am doing good and I am grateful for the 9/11 GI bill for it is now going to be my retirement job, going to school when I retire from the State to find out what I want to do when I grow up. I am willing to give up something to help a fellow Military member we should all be willing to pull together; we are stronger that way. You don't get paid from your job unless you work, if you are on summer break why should you get paid unless your benefits are reduced during the school year like teachers it only makes sense. We deserve this and more but let's not get into the Welfare Mentality we are better than that in today’s economy getting anything is good. No snibbling just do it.
Keith (now and loving it)
SGM retired, US Army (Infantry)
I'd say I would have to agree with all the comments about people complaining they can't transfer benefits even though they have 20+ years in. I myself only have 4 years in and amazed at the amount of benefits they give me, but a member with 5 times that is getting denied. I'd say I would be pissed off too. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining about my benefits, but I think the members with more time in should have more benefits then me. After all doesn't more rank come with more benefits? I realize they want a 'blanket' benefit program, but they didn't do a very good job of covering everybody. For me I'll get my degree in a couple years and become an officer and continue the rest of my career at least an other 16yrs. Just my two cents….
Lets all sign a petition to have congress and the senate and every other Rotton Politician, go on the same benefits as we, See how fast social security. medicare, disabilities and all the rest will be fixed.
They all should have limits to serve, just like the president. Also; if you want to be commander in chief (president) of this country, you must have served in the military. This should be a Rule.
What we have running this country is Spoiled born Gold Spooned mouth Hippo–crits(FAT BASTARDS) They have no concern for the people.THEY ONLY WANT PRESTIEGE OF BEING IN OFFICE, GETTING THE BENNIES,LIVING OFF OF US THROUGH TAXES AND TOLLS,FINES AND ANYTHING ELSE THEY CAN WHIP UP TO MAKE US PAY.
WHAT A DISGRACE TO OUR FORE FATHERS.
After reading some of the blogs, I have noticed a difference in people's perspective. The time period which we have entered the military is widely different. The promises made by the military induction people to a new recruit at the MEPS enroute boot camp is varied greatly and differently to that of a ie., Dentist or ROTC grad. I know, I was both, enlisted and then went back via ROTC. You throw in there the decades difference between us and you have a wide disparity.
r,
King Wannabe
A black-white violation of the benefit promise is the omission of COLA for retirees. We were promised a certain retired pay protected by inflation so that the purchasing power and quality of life is level over time. But retirees' pays has not had a COLA for two years–while Congress has had their automatic pay increase in pay. Hmm, Fair? Honorable? NOT! Now, Sec Def Gates wants to increase my family TriCare Prime annual premium from $460 to over $2000! How many percent increase is that!? Hmm.. and my representative gets free medical for life, his pension and his COLA! NICE!!
It's good to be King–but better to be the King-maker.
r
King Wannabe
IT SEEMS THAT EVERY TIME THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO MAKE ANY CUTS THE RETIREES ARE THE WHIPPING POST.THEY NEED TO BACK OFF AND GIVE US A BREAK. WE ARE JUST EXISTING ON WHAT THEY PAY US ANYWAY. YOU GIVE THEM 20 PLUS YEARS OF YOUR LIFE THEN
YOU STRUGGLE TO GET BY UNTIL YOU DIE. THE POLITICIANS WILL PROMISE THE MOON FOR A VOTE, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE THEY HAVE A
TEMPORARY LOSS OF MEMORY WHEN IT IS TIME TO HELP YOU.
ONCE THEY GET THE WHIP OUT THEY KNOW RIGHT WHERE TO APPLY IT. THE DREAMS YOU HAD OF RETIRING EASY HAVE BECOME A NIGHTMARE. WAKE UP VOTERS!!!!
We can still cop that "don't be a whiner" attitude and just "suck it up." Or you can stick up for your right to be treated faithfully and honorably by our government. You stick up for yourself by communicating in person to your congressman. Send them a letter/email. If you are disatisfied with government/DoD and have not done that, then you are failing to participate in democracy–remember, one of the things we fight for.
r,
King Wannabe
Well stated King. I have heard "just suck it up" for years and it really irritates the hell out of me. After years of service in nice little third world nations around the world for years if you want to continue to "suck it up" and let your benefits be cut and redistributed to social programs and illegal immigrants and lazy people on welfare then go right ahead and sacrifice your well earned benefits in support of socilalism! Not me brother. I want every dime I can get for all the time I spent away from my family and overseas. You cannot get that time back nor the blood, sweat and tears but you can get back some benefits that can make up for it somewhat. Is that really too much to ask for us hard working vets??
My personal line of engagement is when Congress and/or DoD erodes my retirement benefits like medical (forget about Dental) or retired pay to finance current military budget expenditures for present foriegn policy. My family and I served and sacrificed and upon retirement were given a certain level of pay and medical which we planned on. And now, the government is depreciating my entitlements forceing a reduction in quality of life…while congressmen and Wall Street execs are keeping their benefits and COLAs or bailout money/bonuses. Their focus is on the next election in two years, making the other Party look bad, shurking responsibility. Something is wrong with this picture!
Nowadays, Statesmanship is in short supply. All we have in congress are millionaire politicians.
r,
King Wannabe
End of my fillabuster
I am Marine with 20 years service about to retire and will be using this New GI BILL. I am overjoyed that the Govt has finally overhauled the old GI Bill and expanded much deserved education benefits to our veterans. However, the main issue is the cuts in some of the benefits to include the housing stipend.
I understand the Govt needs to make considerable cuts in the overall budget due to the huge federal deficit but REALLY, do they need to cut it from our Veterans benefits?
Continued from above comment: think it is a great travesty that our President and Commander and Chief intends to impose his socialist Agenda on America at any cost to include taking benefits from our brave Veterans and redistributing them to support socialist programs that support illegal immigrants along with thousands of their illegitimate children. Sure, the new GI Bill is much better than the Montgomery GI Bill, but I don't believe we Veterans should give an inch or one more penny back to a govt that is out of control with spending.OBAMA would rather take your money and give it to the lazy people of our society that are on welfare than give good education benefits to those that have risked their lives and sacrificed time away from their families. We Veterans need to immediately voice our concerns to our local congressman and Veterans Organizations such as VFW and American Legion to stop this travesty. This is a slap in the face to members of the Armed Forces. The amounts cut so far may be small but I fear it is only the beginning of what is to come. To support the social welfare state OBAMA envisions he will continue to cut the Military in every way possible. Lets stick to together Veterans and not give an inch!!
Unfortunately, this is what you are forced to do. As a retired master chief after 34 years I hate being put in this position. I will obtain my BS degree. I will stay right on the edge of the fence, with out falling over. I will get every penny I can with out breaking the law. Fudge a bit—you can bet on it. Sec. Gates and the folks on the hill don't give a damm. They will do what ever necessary to get re-elected. The general public can't stand the double dippers, and don't you forget that. That same general public loves the E-4 who served in the war, got out———————-until they find out you are attending college for free———————–and getting $1998 per month on top of that. Get it now folks, while you can. It will never get better.
I have been retired for over 10 years now. I came in during the end of the Vietnam era. All I can say is use these benefits while you can because when these wars are over and DOD needs more on the cutting block, trust me, this will come up for the axe. So, use what you have now, while you have it before it is gone or changed again.
Wow! Was there really a $1000 book stipend? That's more than the total I was offered. I really got cheated!
FYI, my books last term were about $500, but that doesn't count that I could get away without one book that was over $100. Textbooks are expensive. I would think more so now than before.
I’ve been in the Marines 20 years and am about to retire and will be using this new GI Bill. I overjoyed that finally after many years that the GI Bill is getting and overhaul and we veterans will receive better educational benefits. However, the cuts in some of the benefits concerning the housing stipend I think are unnecessary. I understand the govt needs to cut the budget due to the huge deficit but I think they can find these cuts in other areas besides Veterans Benefits. This is the main issue with this new bill signed by a President who is determined to institute his Socialist agenda at whatever cost. He would rather take money from the military and redistribute it to support social programs that support the massive influx illegal immmigrants. So unless us Veterans take this issue to our Congressmen thru the support of veterans organizations like American Legion and VFW we will continue to get the proverbial “shaft”. It is shame that our brave veterans who risk their lives every day are getting their benefits cut to support illegal immigrants and lazy people that want to leach off of unemployment benefits for years. All Vets, call your congressman and local VFW or Ameican Legion and stop this madness before we have no more benefits. Don’t give an inch!
I would like to know what they were thinking for those of us that enrolled when the bill was introduced and now our tuition will be capped at 17.5k yearly. There are some schools that are not under the yellow ribbon program yet the cost have been covered until now. At 11k a semester taking 15-18 hours, that means no summer classes can be taken and I will still have to pay out of pocket. My only complaint is that I chose my university based upon the GI Bill covering the tuition. If you have already entered a program at a private school that is not under the yellow ribbon program, the thought of transferring is null and void due to transferability of credits and having to decide to attend another university.
Active duty for six years I contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill that guaranteed an amount that I would receive. After being discharge I had a choice between the Montgomery and Post 9/11 GI Bills. At the time the post 9/11 was the best option. Now it is the other way around now that my tuition has been capped!! The really irritating issue is that I cannot go back to the Montgomery GI Bill but Congress can change my Post 9/11. I contributed and when I did I was told there would be money to cover the costs of my tuition. Which my VA statement reflected. The cap has taken part of what I was eligible for and shifted the remaining amount other places. The rug has been pulled out from undereath me halfway through my program and now I will have to take on loans to cover the costs. Bottomline, you can sugar coat this 2.0 as much as you want, but I believe it is a step backwards for the active duty members of our Armed Forces and limits their potential when they get home.
I find what most surprises me is the conflict between veterans on these issues. Many feel that they were cheated out of a promise given to them while enlisting, while another group feels that they are acting spoiled over a privilege far better then there has ever been for veterans of this country. For those who feel cheated and lied to, for those who feel that everyone should be grateful for what they have. Why not join your voices and say "We fought for our country and we deserve the best it can give us". Less then 1% of the population of this country serves in the military. That is a very small portion of people. If you listen to the words of the old veterans, little has been provided in the past in the way of benefits, and many broken promises have been made. Should we not join forces and together change things so that those who come after us never feel the same injustice? The first thing this country did to cut its deficit was to reduce the living allowance of it's military personnel. Should we not stand up for our rights? We are the ones who put our lives on the line and we deserve to fight for the best benefits possible.
We need a strong leader to help us fight for our benefits. We earned them. We made life decisions based on them. Where do we find the leader we need??
I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY ANY ONE IN THE SERVICE SHORT TIMER OR RETIREE THINKS THE BIG SHOT POLITICIANS WILL TREAT THEM ANY DIFFERENT THEN THEY TREAT THE PEOPLE THAT SENT THEM TO THEIR GOVMENT JOBS. AS MANY PEOPLE KNOW THEY GET A SALARY AND A RETIREMENT AFTER ONLY ONE 4 YEAR TERM AND FREE MEDICAL BENFITS.
THEY LIED TO US WHEN WE SERVED AND THEIR LIEING TO US NOW.
SO TRUE BERNIE,SO TRUE.
What many of the “stop complaining” crowd is missing is, that there are veterans who enrolled in a course of study based on a budget determined from what the government SAID they would pay. There are those now losing 50% of their tuition support. No grandfathering was put in place. THAT is just plain wrong. If the government wants to change eligibility later, while I think it shouldn’t reducing benefits, if it does, it should make NO changes to those already enrolled.
There definitely needs to be a full overhaul of this program. I don't much care for the way they talk about the online students either. Whether I take my classes online or in seat at a college, I am STILL getting the credits required to satisfy a full time student requirements. Therefore why should the person taking classes in a college be entitled to 100% BAH and I am not entitled to any BAH whatsoever? Is the in seat student better than me? Does he/she deserve more just because they sit in a classroom to learn while I am able to maintain my grades at home? Or do they just assume that because I'm an online student I don't actually NEED a house/apartment to live in and don't have to cover the cost of internet or anything of the likes? Do I not have bills similar to someone in a college? It's pure discrimination any way you look at it.
We veterans need to stick together. What they are doing to cheat one particular time frame of active duty from someone on another year, even a short time later, is wrong. It is pitting us against each other, which is probably what the idiots in charge want. If we are arguing amongst ourselves, then we are using up loads of energy on that instead of collectively using it against the "decision makers" in DC. "United we stand, divided we fall."
Congress will get the message once they have to defend the Constitution of the United States because no one wants to serve in the military any longer…let's see how long they last in a foreign country without their families, friends, warm home and luxury lifestyle. The military sacrifices in ways that only those who have served understand. You make the sacrifice understanding that there are guarantees at the end for and to those who retire from the military only to have those promises easily made and easily broken. When will it all end – when we no longer have people volunteering to serve.
Nobody should have EVER been able to transfer GI Bill benefits to children – period. The children didn't serve… let them get jobs and grants and loans like everyone else… or, better yet, let them join the military to get their education benefits. What a complete waste of taxpayer money… The GI Bill is supposed to take care of Vets and Vets are supposed to take care of their families.
You just said it… take care of their families. That is exactly what I did by transferring the benefits that I earned to them.
Hey what are you talking about? Did you serve in the military? The military member should be able to do whatever he wants with the education benefits he rates. If he doesn't want to use them for himself or herself then he or she should have ever right to transfer his or her GI Bill benefits to his loved ones! I assume you are with the OBAMA crowd that like to gladly hand over your hard earned benefits to the millions of illegal immigrants and to support the social welfare program that supports those to lazy to work and too stupid themselves to go to college.
Typical MSG. Out of touch wit hthe real world.
I can’t complain at all. I got all of my MGI Bill, then the school told me I qualified for an extra year of benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The military – and by extension, the government – have hooked me up big time. I can’t think of a private sector employer that would be putting this much of an investment into someone that USED to work for them. Most companies, you work for them for 30 years, you get a gold watch and a pat on the backside. I worked for the military for four years, and the benefits just keep improving.
Hey, Obama! Please stop screwing around with my veteran's education benefits. I worked hard for those. The last time I checked, I never saw you put on a uniform.
He wants to give your hard earned benefits to millions of illegal immigrants that don;t deserve to be in this country. They don't pay taxes and yet they are allowed to use our social services to support all their illegitimate children!
Who says they don’t pay taxes. Use your brand new GI Bill 2.0 and get educated you ignorant bigot.
They don’t pay taxes when the work under the table as MOST illegials do. However, they use the services our tax dollars fund. Further, when a pregnant “tourist” has a kid, they are automatically a citizen with full benefits. Maybe instead of calling people names, you should do your own research. You can lead a liberal to the truth, but you can’t make them think!
I feel your rant against the President is distasteful. I feel he has done more for Veterans and those currently serving than any past president. Maybe you should question those who have cut, watered down or completely destroyed his initiatives for Veterans. Do you really know who they are? Some have worn the uniform, while many others have not.
If I had my way, if you served, there would be no taxes other than points of purchase. There would be free health care for life. Stated benefits would last for life. When I returned from Viet Nam, I failed to use them within the ten year period, I lost them. Why? I found a job and jobs up until a certain age, then I wanted to retool myself in order to remain useful and productive. The benefits were no longer there.
You are “back in the world” now I presume. Now you must stand with those who stand with you, the President does.
Hahahaha. This post is laughable at best. Obama doing more for veterans than any other president?? You must be delusional.
He signed the 911 bill. For a start that seems good. So bow down to Rick James________!
It is almost impossible to go to school full time and work enough to support a family. The housing reduction is rediculous.
How about we scrap all "benefits" and replace it with a one time check of $1M(tax free) for each year of service….
Why should big business be the only ones making any real money off these dumb butt wars.
I like that!! My 4 years plus my husband 20 years of service – we could do just fine for the rest of our lives on $24 million.
make being an elected offical a volunteer job with NO PAY and see how many run for office. .. i see alot o fo folks yelling about unequal bebefits, but if one is a former active dity COLD WAR veteran… they get less in everyting then anyone else.
Really?!? Us vets have to suffer so that active duty spouses an have money for books?! *** is wrong with Obama?!?
I am sorry you thought you should get money to pay your rent when you are on summer break.
Right ON man! That is how it worked for me ! GET A JOB like I did during your break!
OH! No job! ? That is why you are in school ? Sorry! The degree is not worth the paper it is printed ON! Technical degrees that is! Their content was obsolete when you signed up for school!
that program was started back in the previous administration.
I don’t think that benefits should be based on active duty or reserve service. Everyone who serves their country during a time of war should recieve equal benefits! Active duty members are not any more important than reservists.
Well let's put it down to time served then. Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
As a reservist I have to contest this comment. Active duty spend more time wearing the uniform and working in places they wouldn’t have first choice to go. It does make sense that we get paid less for less active time spent. If you want those bennies go active for 3 yrs.
III. Sarah, there IS a big difference between active duty and reservists!! Active duty make serving our country their full time job! Our family spent 4 1/2 years in Guantanamo bay, all day, every day, living military ALL the time. My husband has been on 3 ships, 3 deployments and has just retired after 28 YEARS active duty! It makes total sense that full timers get full time benefits and part timers get part time benefits…it’s like that in civilian sector too.
I really don't care about not being able to transfer these benefits to dependents… they can get their own GI bill… but what irritates me is that so many people signed up for Ch 33 with the promise that it would be X amount of dollars including break pay (the rent stillf has to be paid during school breaks – sorry to all you hard azzes who want to say we are whining) Now they are breaking their committment to those who irrevokably signed up for ch.33. I KNEW this was going to be a big old CF – That is why I did not switch both my husband and I to 33 at the same time. I'm going to have a LOT of pissed off vets coming to my office about this…I guess I just have to tell them, sucks to be you!…
Here is the deal; as I said, I don't need any more education, but being able to transfer it to my daughters 20 and 17, and to my son 12, would make my life a lot easier, as I have recently fallen victim to service related health problems and cannot work at this time beyond a few hours per week as a substitute teacher. This is not the life I planned for my retirement, and this one benefit, legally transferred and properly administered would mean the world to me; but it looks as if just like the Montgomery GI Bill, I am in limbo with no place to go. (Continued above)
(Continued from below) When I was answering the mail for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs back in 1999, we had to be very firm in making people writing the Chairman understand that the VA was not the military and he had no control whatsoever over what they did or didn't do. Now we are being told that the VA is in bed with the DoD. That is most definitely a conflict of interest. (Continued above)
(Continued from below) I retired on 1 July, 2003 as a Captain in the US Navy after 25-years of active duty, in command and staff billets both ashore and at sea. I earned two masters degrees on active duty; one via the Naval War College, and the other via tuition assistance from Webster University. I don't need any more education. However, I am one of those people who joined in 1978 before the Montgomery GI Bill was instituted and it was never grandfathered to take care of people like me. Moreover, I am now told that a program being ADMINISTERED BY THE VA IS ACTUALLY A RETENTION TOOL FOR THE SERVICES. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Over? (Continued above)
OMG,, the new benefits are far better then we received as Vietnam Veterans. I truly respect each and everyone of you that has served out great country, but try being happy with what your getting, they are the best benefits ever received by any of your previous veterans.
Man, please spare us "it was harder back in Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI and Civil War" garbage. Bottom line, tnis is a different time and a veteran is a veteran despite what time era or war he fought in. We should all be sticking together and shouting for our entitlements with one loud voice to a President who never serve and is glad to take your hard earned enttitlements you rate and redistribute them to the Lazy on Welfare and millions of illegal immigrants who don't even pay taxes but take full advantage of all our social welfare programs! Wake up, smell the coffee and help support your fellow vets regardless of age, creed, color, national origin.
I see too many “kids” coming to serve, not deploying to the war seperating after 4 years and whining about the benefits they think they should be enitled to. I have served 13 years and plan on going to retirement. I have used my active duty education benefits to earn my BS degree and plan on using my GI Bill for a Master’s program, but it is looking like those 4 year “pop tarts” whining may ruin those plans. I just want enough to pay for school, I can work full time to raise my family and go to school full time to better my situation.
Man, you are missing the big picture! Don't blame the young kids that are putting their lives on the line the same as old timers for wanting educational benefits that will make them better and more productive citizens of our society. Blame the Federal Govt for screwing up the budget and putting us deep in debt. There is plenty of dollars in the overall federal budget to supporrt the veterans but instead your dear President and the congress who most have never served in the armed forces! seem fit to redistribute our hard earned benefits to the illegal immigrants and rediculous social welfare programs for lazy people in our society to lazy to get a job. Yeah, your tax money and money redistributed from cuts in our GI Bill benefits are going to support all that social welfare BS and OBAMA CARE. Wake and smeill the coffee and fight for every benefit that ALL veterans rate or just continue to "Suck it up" and be a good little follower of the Govt and get screwed
Well let's put it down to time served then. Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
Stop your bitchin'; our government spends to much on hand outs, especially unearned. I am a Vietnam vet and I was under the old G.I. Bill, I was glad to have what little I received. Anyone who thinks there should be something for their kids or dependents is nuts and is expecting someone else to pay their way. Pay your own way and stop whinin' about what you did not earn.
Man you are out of control dude. Apparently you have bought into OBAMA's socialist agenda too. You may as well put a red star on your hat and smile while you hand over your hard earned entitlements to OBAMA so he can redistribute them to the millions of illegal immigrants and lazy people on welfare. I would rather my children or wife receive my education benefits than some illegal immigrant that doesn' even pay taxes. I can do with my GI Bill benefits what I want! If I don't use them. I and every vet should be able to transfer them to their kids. Go ahead. Play into the OBAMA agenda and let them gradually take away all our benefits to support social welfare. GI BIll is just beginning.
OK, Okay, Why not just make it to where all benefits all are equal across the table that is everything from Education to Health and Disability including non-connected disability and remove the one day boots on the ground clause just out right take care of all vets and service men & women after all they did serve their Country.
My biggest issue is the processing time and not being able to get a solid time line out of the VA on when I will get my benefits. It took 3 months for the first check to arrive
Well let's put it down to time served then. Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
Well let's put it down to time served then. Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
Obama your horrible and seem to support everything that stands against the rehabilitation of vets. If bot for my education I probably would have already gone postal. Thanks again for being the best friend a haji can have.
Well let's put it down to time served then. Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
Just for comparison's sake:
Joined just before the Wars began: >3years time in the desert. Name a place in Iraq or central Afghanistan and I can give you directions.
1975-2001 Vets: Bosnia (when it "mattered"), Storm/Shield, Grenada, Panama, Northern/Southern Watch, etc.
You could have gone to each and every one of those places and still not even have the dwell time we have spent on the ground in a single 16 month deployment. I remember listening to people complain about how "rough" Korea was before Afghanistan kicked off. "So many exercises." Why not tack it up to actual wartime utilization? You get x dollars for x months spent in combat. IN COMBAT or on combat operations not minding the DFAC or passing out towels in the gym.
Lose ur **** attitude be glad you have anything and shut the f.:( up already.
Awwww sweetness? A Marine? I'm not whining it's an observation. Money for combat…not handing out combat snowcones in the MWR, pulling fleet duty for years, or sitting in an embassy. Why is that bad? It applies money to those who earned it, not RAMFs.
I was in the biggest urban battle since the fall of Saigon. I think all active duty vets deserve more than Obama has contributed. The facts are that active duty trains and fights 365 days a year.
This is it I’m a reservist been in Iraq twice 2003-2004 and volunteer to Iraq 2005-2006 18 month on each as a reservist and operation enduring freedom 2007-2009 volunteer so with that said it don’t matter if you are active national or reservist we did our time if you choose to go either of them if cuz you wanted…. So instead of pointing finger of reservist or national guard or active duty we all fight for the same cause…. And I’m from puerto Rico with that said … Suck it up and drive on an I know all of us have heard that before…. So fight for our benefits and stop pointing fingers to any VETERANS cuz is not active duty veteran of national guard veteran or reservist it’s says VETERANS
Where do we go to fight?
To everyone reading this and everyone who has commented here: THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY. Now would be the time to work together to solve our problems, not divide ourselves. Please contact your wealthy congressmen and senators by email, phone, fax, text or anyway you can, but DO contact them and eventually someone will listen when they realize the overwhelming concerns you all have, Be on the same page, but be loud, concise and proud. They are paid to listen, but they won't hear you from these pages. Their aides are also paid to listen, so please let them hear you now and often. Thank you all.
I sent an email to both of my Texas senators and my Congressman today. We have to speak up.
Steve in NC,
You are on the ball.everyone on this site shoud contact their reps in congress and senate to let them know their concerns.I am a vietnam vet. and just started getting benefits. It’s not much but it’s something. I wish that Vets from my era had the benefits that the Vets are getting now.We all will have to continue to fight to keep what when have earned protecting our country and it’s peoples freedoms.
Thank u all for puting your life on the line and on hold each and every day.
GOD BLESS AND SEMPER FI.
Make it standard across the board (100% entitlement) for all vets who served on active duty status for more than 90 consecutive days in theatre. If the vet chooses to, they may relinquish their benefits to an immediate family member. For all other contributors who did not serve 90 consecutive days in theatre, award 50% entitlement. Let me ask you this though: Since when has the government been concerned about what’s best for vets? Organizations such as the VFW would not exist if the government had the vets best interests in mind. Does it matter who is the “commander and chief” is? I mean really, the boss hasn’t even served! If this country cares about the vets as much as they say they do they would assemble a veterans committe comprised of just VETS to make vet policies. To those who say we are whinning about our “entitlements”, you have a point, but at least we put our *** on the line for our “handouts”. Can’t say the same for the majority on welfare.
My comment is that most of the schools (online) etc are for profit and there have been numerous exposes(dateline, 20/20, 60 mintues etc) on how graduates do not really find jobs based on the education they "paid for" (recieved). In some cases schools boasted how many of their graduates "got" jobs, but in fact these were most often low paying jobs the students already had while going to their college. apparently few really got jobs based on their degree. so a waste of time and money. THE GI Bill should only be for real colleges (like state universities). Yes their may be some "certificate" speciaities that might apply, but the sucess of gradutes needs to be monitored, and if the school is not sucessful in placing students in the jobs they trained for, the school should be dropped.
I opted to go to a private college because of all the budget cuts in education. Sate colleges are cutting classes, and making it almost impossible for students to graduate on time. Yes, it's happening! Stop being a sheep to the politicians. They took a benefit away, and we need to fight to get it back. What? Things are only good when congress approves it? Get over yourself, and start thinking.
From a 25 year veteran retired in 93, remember to love your country, but remain active in its governance and/or be in contact with those who govern.
Retired Medic
I am curretnly attending school and taking advantage of Ch. 33 I enjoy the extra money I get along with my retirements check. I made sure prior to my retirment that I had no major bills to pay and can aford to pay my mortgage and all my bills with the help of a part time job, 2 hrs a day. It all comes down to proper planning the thing that upset me about kids using their parents GI Bill is the fact that I have children of Veterans in my classes and they hardly ever attend school or are failing. When you give these benefits away it makes no sense.
Wait at the sam time this was being signed, Cogress slipped in a NON-REPAYMENT clause for their dependent student loans. So they go to college for FREE!! What the heck is up with this????
You guys spend or shall I say waste your time leaving these post complaining for those of you who are instead of using that frustration you have and write your senator or congressman. You want something done? Like Mommy used to say.. USE YOUR WORDS..
I too think that if we qualify for ch33 then we should be able to transfer those benefits to our children. Just because we retired shouldn't matter. We earned the benefit not just some of the benefit. Our families should benefit also since they could not benefit from the other education benefits. The only way your family benefits educationally is to be 100% disabled. So I have to be disabled to benefit my family? Hardly seems right to me when I had to be in good shape to defend my country. I am now 100% disabled and do receive education benefits for my family. Thank God. But there are alot of Vets who are not and don't have that pleasure of watching their child get an education even if they cant work. I can't go to school because of my disability so the benefits I earned will just be lost when I should be able to transfer them to my grandbaby.
Unfortunately I had the honor to serve from '87 – '04, and it seems that regardless of the administration or Congress, if you've been around awhile, you're inevitably going to get the shaft, and the BOHICA'd numerous other times.
Educational benefits are just the tip of the iceberg, wait until you get into the VA system. Government healthcare? LMFAO, oh you just have no idea what you're asking for. At this point now with the current leadership both in the military, Congress, and the current administration, I'm ashamed to say that I'm a vet, and almost enough to say I'm ashamed to be an American.
I developed a very tight budget based on the GI Bill benefits. Knowing these benefits and my expenses, I gave up a good paying full time position for part time with no set hours, in favor of continuing my education, so that I might not have to do physical labor for the rest of my life to get by. Now I find out that the housing allowance will be prorated during mandatory breaks? My housing costs won't be prorated during mandatory breaks, and I have no guarantee that I will be able to make up the difference at work.
I made a big change in my life, based on the established benefits. I carefully planned my budget to ensure that I could afford to get an education. I trusted that the system would work, and I am begining to regret that decision.
I gave up a good thing to go back to school….and now I might not be able to pay rent.
When I was retired early from the military early after sustained injuries, my wife and I had to immediately find work to offset for the lost income. When the Post 9/11 GI Bill came out it was only a no-brainer for me to be able to do what I had planned when I came in 15 years earlier. And that is what I have been doing for a year now (with a 3.9 GPA I might add). But now with these reductions, changes and shifts, I am left with having to consider either going to a lesser quality school or paying extra for the school I am in now. On top of that, this ridiculous rule about stopping BAH payments during Spring Breaks is without justification. I was able to make a decision to quit work and back to school KNOWING this GI Bill benefit would at least cover my rent. This allowed me to devote more time to my education. That was the point of the BAH in the first place. Where on earth do they have apartments or mortgages that don't ask for rent during school breaks.
Also, this issue about reducing the amount for private schools should be made with a grandfather clause. I have already devoted to this school and on a schedule based on the rules within the past program. I should not have to change my path every time there is a new rule change. And that also means if there was an extra benefit, I shouldn't be included in it as well.
At this point I wonder if writing my congressman will make ay difference.
This sucks!!!
Who do I and the other 100 vets at my school need to talk to?
It's funny to read so many comments complaints about what you are losing, and little about what you can do to prepare. If you know that you are going to be short for those breaks, budget your money so that your prepared for it. So what if you may have to get a job while you go to school. You wouldn't be the first vet that had to. I worked a full time and a part time job in order to support my family while I went to school full time working on my undergraduate and masters degrees. Why? Because I enlisted in 1979 under the VEAP, and that and VA Voc Rehab was the only way I could afford school.
As for contacting your congressmen and senators, remember… their staffers and their families have all their student loans forgiven as part of their 'perk' package. Nice to know they take care of the people that are important to them.
The whole point in joining the army was to "EARN" my university tuition so I would be able to attend university without having two full time jobs. I have a full time job as a STUDENT. So America can "win the future". Anyone who thinks they can attend a real University full time, and work a full time job is either wasting their time attending dumbed down classes or has a job sitting down watching paint dry. Personally I am not talking about people with 20 years in. If you have 20 years of experience and professional networking connections, you probably don't have any problem getting a job. If you are in your twenties and experiencing 15-20% unemployment you probably are not going to be able to find a job for TWO or THREE weeks. No one is going to hire and train you for THREE WEEKS (including Christmas).
Because of the basic humble nature of those of us who SERVE, and the complete absence of 'political' action or thinking because of our unique culture, we are sitting ducks for the boys in the air-conditioning with the pens that are mightier than our swords.
As stated elsewhere, there will be a roll-back in bennies when we're no longer inhaling the rich cordite.
The government treats no other employee group with less care and concern than it does the veteran and his family. There is money for all manner of bailing out Wall Streeters and other earmark BS. But a proven, productive veteran who is after a higher education must lose his seasonal housing benefit so another proven Veteran can get any benefits at all!
Long ago General Washington linked the likelihood of the next generation of American Men being willing to fight with how the last generation of veterans were treated.
We did nothing wrong, nothing that merits this back-of-the-hand treatment by the current administration. On the other hand, if we do not make our position abundantly clear to our families, neighbors, communities and REPRESENTATIVES, we will have failed.
Well put man, In our political correct society they care more about taking away what little benefits we get and redistributing it to the millions of poor little illegal immigrants who don't even pay taxes and take advantage of all our social welfare programs. And also they don't mind giving our benefits away to lazy idiots on welfare who don't have jobs and think it too below them to join the military.
Kathleen come on now don't put it on the President he is not the total blame for this I too served and is using the post 911 benifits I am glad that I won't have a big bill when I graduated like my nephew who owes thousands for going to school to be an Attorney come on if you are retired or served for many years be thankful your kids won't have to carry that burden of paying back student loans.
The bottom line is that there are just some greedy foolish minded people on here who are looking for a hand out. What in the world would the government give housing stipends for anyone taking online courses. You have to pay rent anyway. Go to work like everyone else to pay rent. Veterans who go to school work, including retirees. Benefits come and go. You are either in the window or you missed it.
I am happy to get benefits, I just wish everyone at the VA and the VA reps. from the schools would all get on the same page. I am getting my husband's benefits, and I understand why I don't get the housing allowance b/c he's a reservist on active duty right now, so that would essentially be double dipping, but the exclusion of the book money is crazy. I guess the new bill will fix that so I'm not even going to go into why I think it's so messed up…
But I will say the VA is still not doing what they need to do for the service members who really need them. Even though I am not suppose to get these benefits the VA drops $3,000 into our bank account…and no I didn't spend the money..I called the VA..and they won't let me give it back until they discover the error!! How crazy is that…I just transferred it to the savings and it has been sitting there..But who knows how many others they are sending money to that arn't suppose to be getting it and they are just keeping it… The 2 reps from the VA I spoke to said if I had never called I could have just kept the money and they would have never known, since my husband is listed as a reservist…Others could use the money, I'm sure, but for now I guess I'll be the "federal reserve" so to speak and keep it in savings until they ask for it back.
I don’t exactly know what people are thinking when they say that there is no difference between active duty and reservists. Reservists are only active for their drills and deployments. Other than that they are free to work civilian jobs. Some making more than two active duty soldiers combined. Active duty is always active and are only allowed to work a second job with their commander’s consent. Even then there are restrictions on when you can work. Reservists live close to their hometowns while active duty live in some cases across the world.
Why do people always assume that things should be the same between active, reserve, and national guard? If reservists and national guard want the same benefits as active duty, then maybe they should have gone active duty. As for everyone thinking that President Obama is so great, then answer this. Why, with a very unsteady job market and record home foreclosures, would you start to reduce the amount of military service members? By doing so it just creates more jobless and homeless Americans.
People need to look at the facts before taking action or posting comments.
These reported changes to the post 9/11 GI BILL didnot really catch me off guard , I expect nothing new from my government our from most congress men ,or women. who some have never did a true combat tour or serve a day in the military all it means to this dog face is I will have to be on my hustle when i'm on spring break from school and trust my GOD LIKE I DID ON MY TWO COMBAT TOURS TO IRAQ!
Keep serving and quit bitchen, many didn't get a damn thing when returned from Korea be thankful for what you have. Survive by doing what you need to to do both. Vietnam Era GI Bill gave me $425 per month got my degree while working. Guess what you need to do what you need to do to get it done. I had to and so did many others… Didn't the miltary teach you anything
I'm working full time, going to school full time and dealing with a failed hip surgery from the Army which they tried not to give me disability for and I'm only 25 years old. I've got a nice painful life ahead of me but I am going to make the best of it.
Sorry but I haven't asked for any help from my parents. They went bankrupt while I was in the Army and I was helping with their mortgage payments when I would get my tiny e-2 paycheck. So, I think you might be mistaken on how many trust fund babies there are who joined the military. The trust fund babies didn't join the military. They went straight into college after high school or still live off their parents today.
Hey, you can always use the Social Security money I put into the system but will never see. Oh wait, it's too late. That's already happening.
We need to get the baby boomers out of office so we can change things for the good and stop this pointing fingers stuff.
FOR ALL CONCERNED ABOUT BAH RATES: Go to the top of this page and right hand side click on this and you will read better info on how BAH rates will be calculated – but I copied the most important formula below….GOOD LUCK ALL! – •2011 GI Bill Update: Housing Stipend Changes
Virtually everyone using the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be adversely affected. The changes to the housing stipend calculation will mean that before making payments the VA must calculate each student’s payment based on three factors — their eligibility tier, rate of pursuit, and BAH locality rate. Rumor has it that it will take the VA at least 18 months to update their automated claims processes. This will surely cause a slow down in GI Bill processing time.
Oopsleft hand side of the screen……..sorry
You know I am getting really sick of these comments that we are getting too much and that we should be happy with what we get. Like I commented before I NEED housing 365 days out of the year not just while school is in session. I can understand initiating it for new Post 911 GI bill users but there should be a grandfather clause for those already using it. I don't think that my MORTGAGE company is going to let me not pay my mortgage when I'm not in school. And Spring break that is rediculous, I first thought that is was only during winter break and summer but spring break is in the middle of a semester. I have two kids and the cost of child care during breaks is too much for me to get a minimum wage job which is all I can get right now yeah my military time has made me a real asset!!! That's why I'm in school!! Hello thanks for making the recession even more difficult!!
I don’t exactly know what people are thinking when they say that there is no difference between active duty and reservists. Reservists are only active for their drills and deployments. Other than that they are free to work civilian jobs. Some making more than two active duty soldiers combined. Active duty is always active and are only allowed to work a second job with their commander’s consent. Even then there are restrictions on when you can work. Reservists live close to their hometowns while active duty live in some cases across the world.
Why do people always assume that things should be the same between active, reserve, and national guard? If reservists and national guard want the same benefits as active duty, then maybe they should have gone active duty. As for everyone thinking that President Obama is so great, then answer this. Why, with a very unsteady job market and record home foreclosures, would you start to reduce the amount of military service members? By doing so it just creates more jobless and homeless Americans.
People need to look at the facts before taking action or posting comments.
I see a lot of Vietnam Vets saying the young Vets need to grow up….really? For most of you guys you were drafted……some went because they had to. I raised my had because I volunteered. Vietnam is over stop living in the past we all came back with scars from things we saw. Seems to me that Vietnam Vets only consider what they have gone through. Really? I wrote a blank check to my country signed by my life. I gave every inch of myself because I am a man of my word and did everything I promised to my country. So when I was offered a GI Bill i took advantage of it. As you all know our economy sucks and we expect this country to keep true to the promise they made us with this new deal…..just like we did. I don't exspect any handouts. Some of us started out with these benefits. We were told we were going to get them and to strip them now is insane….I bust my ass everyday I work and go to school full time so you dumb asses that say get a job……I already have one…I have a mortgage to pay and a family to support. I do it to the best of my ability. So that BAH comes in handy. All you old Vets that are talking trash it comes from your bitter and weak ways of handling WAR! We went too some just as long others even longer! You guys need to stop talking trash and if you did not get any "bennies" sorry for ya! You guys are really the ones whining.
How about we just entitle those who have earned a Combat Action Ribbon, or Purple Heart to get a free education, and 1500.00 a month to take care of the bills. Not trying to tell the rest of you to go screw yourselves or anything, but screw reservists who enlisted and got to go to college anyway, and screw dependants who think they rate the benefits their father or mother earned by putting their life on the line. And screw everyone who can’t manage their own budget, and who is paying too **** much for their mortgage. You are the ******** who made our economy go bust, and now you are asking for more money out of the GI bill? First off, move out of your expensive house. Rent a single-wide. Secondly, shop at goodwill. There’s no shame in living within your means… If you still can’t afford to go to school… Get a frigging job. Period.
This is ridiculous, perhaps I should have been paying attention to the bills that the house and senate were passing. Just because some people are content to have things taken away on the basis that being given something is better than nothing, doesn't mean that it's right. Instead of taking away from one group to give to another, they should have boosted the amount of money for the program.Why don't these government elects take the money away from one of their other special pet projects and give it to the people who have actually sacrificed for their country?
At this point I cannot defend the government that can’t put a decent pair of combat boots on my son’s feet and is sending him to Afghanistan without a care. For Christmas I bought my son a pair of boots so he could get rid of the heal size blisters on his feet. He is a reservist and could not be issued a pair of boots since boot camp in 2005. He was still wearing the ratty boots that were issued in boot camp…and remind you that these boots deployed with him to Iraq. What is wrong with this picture???? How many pair of shoes have we as taxpayers bought the Obama family???? Not to mention how many vacations we have paid for them while our sons & daughters are being sent to war without the proper clothing.
Not sure where in the chain of command things have gone wrong but when we can focus more on the Obama’s vacations, pets etc……than we can on all of our troops something is wrong with this country. Like my son has said “We are a bunch of spoiled Americans” . All we can focus on is what we don’t have and not what we do have and the people who ultimately give us this freedom. Shame on us “Americans”. I am with John L. and I also did not vote for Obama nor did my son who was serving in Iraq during the elections. I work in local government “Town” and it ultimately ends up on our plate to pay for the shortfall of the State & National Government. Just ask you local tax payer. I am one and can tell you that I am sick of working as a Town Clerk and still have to have a second job to make ends meet. I will say the best $$$ I have spent this year was the purchase of a pair of combat/military boots for my son to wear for his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. I will work a third job if that is what it takes to make sure he leaves this country with what he NEEDS and its not just a WANT it is truly a NEED.
So don’t ever tell me “Don’t blame OBAMA”. That makes me sick! I am a very proud mother & wife of my United States Marines, both who have served overseas and are our Veterans of Desert Storm and Iraq. We need to take care of them and stop being “Spoiled Americans”….and you are right when you say OBAMA is the WORST president we have ever had……hope he will salute our flag some day with a little respect….
As a proud member of the 47% minority who did NOT vote for Obama, this comes as no surprise! This alleged CIC does not know his butt from a hole in the wall, will continue to put his croonies on the dole, and could CARE LESS for veterans or seniors!! He has NO IDEA what it means to serve wearing the uniforn, run a business, or work at a REAL job because he has NEVER done so. Unlike our veterans, HIS OATH means NOTHING to him! Remamber, he sat in Wright's church for 20 years listening to the "hate America" dialogue and "organizing the community" (organizing for what is highly suspect)! I was sure Jimmy Carter was the worst president in this country's history………….I WAS WRONG, OBAMA WINS in a walk!!
I too think passing this bill was ridiculous. Don’t blame Mr.Obama. Blame the house, the senate, and gongress. They all have college degrees, but where is the common sense.
Obama signed the post 9/11 Bill you moron…what did your boy Bush do? Send troops to Iraq without body armor…get a clue you idiot the president doesn’t even have final say on these bills…He does however have final say on if a solider goes to war without body armor…he choose yes and he choose yes to sending national guardsmen overseas..the same service he signed up for to avoid going to Vietnam…I can tell you are some ******* who knows nothing about anything!
Obama didn’t sign the original post 911 gi bill you moron bush did. Obama didn’t do anything
For anybody except those that refuse to work
I have to say that yes they have helped out with the people online which is good. But yet the problem is that like everyone that is eligible that retired before this Sep 2004 and Jul 2009. I used to help out with this and know the problems with the GI Bill. I have to agree that I'm grateful for it, but one problem for me is that (nothing against the disabled vets) but they could have as many kids and they all get benefits at 925. But yet a Reservist or National Guard that has been deployed only gets 570 or 855. I think they should even this out closer. Again nothing against the disabled vets at all or their families! But they should allow all who retired after 9/11 to transfer to their kids. Since most won't ever use that money they should give it to their kids. They deserve their money being used and not to have it sit there and sent to someone else. Seems to me that it's an easy way for them to save money and hold off on all those people.
Like the Marine said, learn to spell. You are the ones making us look bad.
@Jaun when has has any VET program been without strings attached and rings? Get used to it ‘Shipwreck’.
Nice!
I am glad to hear that there is a stipend for those taking online classes, however the amount of work that goes into an online class can be MUCH greater than a classroom! I believe that online classes rates the full housing stipend as well as those who are in seat. . After 25 years in the Corps, and being one of a select few who didn't even have a G.I. Bill (including VEAP) I am happy to have benefits after retiring a little over a year ago.
Obama only cares about himself and makin himself to some self rightous ignornt ass. If he really was lookin out for vets then why didnt we get our cola and why is he givin the militay the smallest raise in history
Im a 20 yr vet and odama is ruining this country and our military. I hate to see what some of you are complaining about. If you didnt earn it you dont deserve it. But those of us who earned it more than deserve what is rightfully ours. Obama leave our benifits alone and give us what we rightfully earned
This change is much needed for many veterans who were weren’t receiving the housing stipend for certain schools outside of their jurisdiction where the veteran needed to attend the course online. Forget the nasty comments about politics. First, vets were crying because they weren’t receiving it for online courses so we fixed it. Unfortunately, there are some veterans who depend on the housing stipend for living expenses (food, gas, rent, etc) while attending school. This assists those veterans who are not working. If you are a vet working and going to school – shame on you for sniffling. Do you honestly think you should be awarded living benefits that are attached to your school attendance – when you are NOT attending school? Was the housing stipend awarded to those who only needed it? Do we assess need prior to issuing benefits? No! I know plenty of veterans who are working full-time jobs – attending school (campus and online) and receiving the living stipend (while banking benefits). Those vets are living high right now.
If you are one of those veterans who actually need the living stipend to continue full-time through the breaks, you may need to plan to maybe attend a part-time job or save your benefits. I fully believe that if you are NOT attending school – you shouldn’t receive the benefit. Quit your whining and deal with it and thank you for your service.
PS – I am an Army Veteran with over 21 years of service. This is why I retired. I was trained to adapt and overcome however the higher I got in rank – the more I noticed the bickering among senior enlisted and officers who believe “privilege” should be giving to them for everything – while messing over the hard working soldiers.
I have to agree we should be grateful too have such a great program. But at the same time I agree that we have ro stop this wanting to rob peter to pay paul. The sharer is not take money from one guys benefits so you can give it to another that’s wrong. I believe for those in the gaited the stars should have coughed up the housing allowance instead of it coming from my gibill benefits. For this program to ever stay around and be fiscally viable we will have to find a way to fund it responsibly. I for one say we start with reducing pay and benefits to our elected officials, and eliminating their 100% retirement after one term with tax payer funded health and security.
I enlisted when I was 17 and a few days 1 year after 9/11 and received a $3000 bonus and $10,000 SLRP. People who enlisted a year later received $20,000 bonuses and $20,000 SLRP for the same unit and MOS. It is what it is. However, programs need to be fair and consistant. They should'nt be able to be changed mid career. If you enlist during post 9/11 thats what you get even if the program is changed unless you elect to change. If they change it again it shouldn't effect you unless you elect it to.
Yeah and what about all of us that were in when 9/11 happend we recieved Zero bonuses and very small renlistment bonuses so stop whining about bonuses. BTW that had to be for the Army. No Marines got 20K sign up bonuses haha
And people stop ******** about the housing, I to believe that you shouldn’t get paid for time not in school. Get a **** job stop eating out every night and drinking every weekend you don’t live in the barraks anymore.
Why will the housing allowance be cut during the periods between classes? Do we not pay rent or morgage when we aren't in session? If budget limitations and plan inequities are driving the changes, reduce the stipend and be done with it. Don't stipulate that participants wont get paid during breaks that we don't control..
I am sure you all hear it before… They give you hundred dollars take back nine-nine.
I've read a lot from just about all sides of this argument. I am a (former) paratrooper and OIF veteran that just started my 4th semester under the post 9/11 GI Bill. Does it suck that I'm going to lose about $2,000 per year with the changes? Yes. Is it still a really good deal? Yes, especially if you consider that nobody paid into it…plus I can apply to get the $1,200 back that I paid into the MGIB once I use up my benefits. Do I think that the members of congress suck (and that is keeping my language as tame as possible)? Yes. Will complaining about this, or them, change anything? No. The fact of the matter is that most people are just whiny, and today's generation will never be happy with what they have…they'll always feel like someone owes them something. If this upsets you, then I'm probably talking about you and I really don't care. Be happy with what you do have before you no longer have it
I served a total of 12 years in the military, and got nothing to show for it when I got booted out on a medical/honorable. Nothing. I learned about the P9/11 GI Bill when my job was in jeopardy. When I finally got laid off, I looked into this program. I was one of the not-so-smart folks who opted out of the Montgomery GI Bill when I went through boot camp. WIthout the P9/11 program, I wouldn't be in school, I'd be back at work full time, in another dead-end job. I went to school to change that, and I rely on my unemployment to pay the weekly bills, and my housing stipend to pay my mortgage. Not rent…mortgage—I bought a house because my employer, a defense contractor, convinced us that our jobs were solid. Now that stipend is what is keeping a roof over my head. I go to school full-time…there isn't an employer out there who will pay what I need and still allow me to go to school full-time, especially during the breaks. I also have to attend school year-round so I can graduate before my benefits run out.
I agree with you.Why do we even have to pay prior to.I mean how much money do they really get from us.Thanks for ser/sonsving.I'll retire in 3-5 years,and I'll be honest with you, the only thing I'm expecting is paycheck because it looks like there will not be anything else.I love being in but it doesn't mean/matter to average/typical american if the military existed, but if they/sons/etc got drafted then they would either complain or expect everything afterwards.
This isn't an entitlement program that's breaking the government. No one's abusing the system to make a buck. This is earning a benefit and then having it yanked. Since college graduates tend to have higher income jobs than non-college grads, the GI Bills should be viewed as entitlements that have a return in the form of higher tax revenue being generated from those higher-paying jobs.
Why aren't GI Bill provisions for 20 year retirees a lifetime benefit, e.g. not limited to 10 years after retirement?
Yea , during the 10 years I could have gone to school I worked offshore in a schedule that prohibited my going . Now that I have a chance to go the GI bill is gone for me. It’s much like social security and those that pay into over their entire working lives and then die just before being able to collect . If the benefit was earned it should have had no expiration as the money supposedly was already allocated for it.
Wait a minute, don't 99.999% of the Guard members get money from the State they are serving for, as well as reduced tuition in said States?
And why do the spouces get free education? Why not have the service member pay something to offset it? I mean, I remember getting $100 taken out of my check for the first 12 months and receiving $20k from the MGIB. No stipend for living expenses, only money to pay tuition/books/lab fees etc. IF there was any money left over, bonus, gas money…
You all are a bunch of whiney little brats that ought to be ashamed of yourselves for looking into the horses mouth, wondering where the freaking carot is you just fed the poor guy.
Yeah they do get something from the state.That's just an excuse from the lawmakers
The V.A. also has a ton of other tuition assistance as well as Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) that every disabled vet w/ 20% or higher rating qualifies for. You get a stipend as well as 100% tuition/books/labs/equipment etc. Most States have Voc Rehab to help kick in as well.
I’m thankful for all of the Vets, my husband served 23 years, 9 months and 21 days. But because he retired in March of 2009, his dependants can’t use his benefits for school. We have 2 children in college right now and 2 more that will also attend college. We pay out of state fees and we get no financial aid because he makes too much money, so they say. If we could use his Post 9/11 education benefits we would not have to create more debt for our family by getting loans. Be thankful for what you are receiving. Because our children can’t use the benefits due to my husband retiring a few months earlier.
No you shouldn't say that be thankful I am thankful but my children will not be able to use mine either. I am using mine because mine will expire and so will my husbands. If they start with this they will take more, and more, and more and it will go back to cutting and cutting the Vet benefits I am sick of the be thankful you don't know everyone's situation and you don't know how so many depend on it we need housing 365 days a year not only when school is in session. People who haven't walked a mile in someone elses shoes shouldn't speak for what someone should be thankful for.
Hi Sarah,
California has a program where dependents of a disabled veteran rated at 0% or greater receive free tuition at any of the “State” public universities. A 0% VA rated disability can be anything from a sore toe nail to a small scar from a cat scratch. Other states offer this benefit to dependents disabled vets as well. If your state does not offer it, it might be worth moving to CA, or a state that does, as unassisted tuition for multiple kids may amout to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Blessings, Mark.
What did your children earn? Nothing is free
I respect all the Vietnam era vets and all the Korean vets but you know vets have fought for years to improve treatment of vets, to improve benefits for vets. To take a step back now is like saying yeah it's okay to take from the Vets what did they do. Many vets are maimed and disabled just like the ones from Vietnam and some are just having trouble with this recession and the job market. This IS NOT WHINING!!! It is demanding that they don't go back to treating us like crap and it's a decline that doesn't need to start, so yeah vietnam vets you fought and worked hard for what you have for the future it's not time to start letting them take it away!!
Our Government and Defense Department has made this thing so confusing, they will save lots of money because many vets will not waste their time going through the process to get this benefit. I suppose they are counting on this as well as part of savings on this program. Many of these programs only come the Vet way when they feel the pressure from public to help out the vets who sacrifice their lives and time to protect and serve this country. But, we are big, but not as big as all the voters out there they either don't care about military vets, many of Hollywood is like this but would not say so in public. It is same ol process I am afraid. Benefits increase when somehow the public things we deserve it. Because the economy is so bad still and so many out of work, so many have lost homes that a lot of that support is gone. I understand they are looking out for number #1.
why let AD members use the VA bill, they get TA and fuck you all
I guess I am one of the few people who have o complaints about the 911 GI Bill. Uncle Sam has came through with his promise and then some. BAH plus a book stipend every year for $1,000? oh so sweet. I will receive my nursing degree in December, then off to Pharmacy school to become a Pharmacist. The cost for my Nursing program is about $28,000 I would have had to get a student loan to pay for college. Thanks to the GI Bill, I didn' have to go that route. Once again, thankyou to all of the people in the VA education dept and other departments who are giving their all to try to make all Vets happy. HOOAH!
So, I want to understand them taking away part of your housing benefit for months where you only attend two weeks of school. Does it mean that they are only taking away half of the month and you still get that credit under your 36 months of benefits. This should be the case. It only makes sense if they are only counting two weeks in december to give you credit then they should only take away two weeks from the 36 months of benefits. However, I want to see how this plays out. Plus, I'll bet you we are going to be charged for the whole month. In the end, we get shortchanged on another benefit.
Good job now we get screwed i could understand the whole online stipend for vets but the stipend for active duty really above having 100 of the tuition paid ,getting tuition assistance aaand having bah really its us vets out of active that need the whole bah but now they cut our benefits ?? Yea great job on actually being fair
Being a wounded Iraqi Freedom Vet means I can work limited jobs. Which means until I finish my degree for a career chage I am officialy in the poor index. I really rely on the BAH. I do not think it is right to take away the winter break payment. All colleges stop classes so we can not control that. Just because classes have stopped for a month doesnt mean our pay should. Now I can understand not paying us over the summer that makes sense but not winter break. And everyone that brings up VEAP can quit compareing pays. I switched to the Post 9/11 because it enables me to goto school full time and actualy have the time to study and learn not freak out that I have to goto work right after or before class and worry about having time to study and get my work done. Its bad enough starting later than everyone in my age group. I shouldn't have to worry about passing due to stress over bills and lack of sleep. Just saying.
I don't understand why Guard members should receive the same benefits as active duty – NG gets to stay home all the time except during deployments and their weekend drills. They should not receive the same benefits as active duty who gets to bust ass 365 days a year.
I absolutely hate the socialist pricks the banks put in charge to run this country. It's absolutely ridiculous. BAH for online students, sounds cool, but turning off BAH for breaks? WTF over!? I guess my rent just pays itself during the time off? We're never going to be recognized by congress and we're never going to get what we were led to believe we would receive. I've had it up to my baby blues with the ambiguous nature of congressional matters and it's becoming painfully clear we're going to be left on our own to try and make ends meet. Curiously enough I noticed that the grade point average for retaining our benefits hasn't budged and inch to account for the lost home work time we're going to suffer as a result of having to get a job while in school to cover 3 months of bills total between semesters. This "they've been to war, they'll survive" mentality congress has is alarmingly convenient. I wish someone would suit congress up in combat gear and drag their useless hides through a war zone. Maybe then they'd get it. It's shameful the way the federal government acts. They wonder why retention is such an issue in this day and age… Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Whats next, turn off disability funds for disabled vets? Socialist pricks!
I swear if it is not one thing it is another. I mean cutting the break pay?! It is so funny that when you enlist, you get the sweet talk about money for school and such, but they never tell you all the rig-a-ma-role you have to go through to get it, and when you get it, someone is always trying to take it away. Wonderful way to treat the veterans of America. Nice.
Really people are complaining. We are no longer serving that means we no longer get baby sat by Uncle Sam. Post911 GI Bill gives you BAH that helps you with housing. That’s right helps. Not pays all your bills, not give you money to go party, maybe it’s time to grow up. If you ate an adult and got out if the army you don’t have to go to a full blown college and act like some frat boy. Once again grow up go to an accredited college that has night classes and allows you to work while you go to school and better yourself. Stop crying and take advantage of what uncle sam is giving you because he is not going to hold the spoon to feed you forever.
If it yet broken don’t fix it, I am so glad I did not vote for Obama
GOOD! I am a disabled vet and tend bar outside of Naval Station Mayport, and am tired of hearing retirees who have no intention of using their degree, taking one class just for the check, and then PAYING someone else to take the class. These are people who not only have a pension, but also have cushy goverment jobs, and get disability for snoring…really? All of a sudden EVERYONE has sleep apenia. I do not doubt some do, but I do doubt that they ALL do. Or the 30 year old, thrown out for higher tenure and complaining because he is not getting disability for the PTSD he received sitting at a desk in an air wing. How SAD that so many have exchanged their integrity for money. I had to fight for what little disability I get and still work full time and go to school full time and I am grateful for what I receive. And the post 9/11 military deserves a better GI Bill than the people who served during it, who's assinine idea was that?
Hello all, I get it all and will move forward….but, I'd just like to know where the date of 01 August, 2009 came from in the first place. I served like many, both in Iraq and in Afghanistan. In fact I put in just over 20 years and retired on 31 July, 2009….which by all accounts puts me a nano second short of the August "active duty" date. Fantastic right? I've submitted my request to transfer to my now college ready daughter with a hearty letter of denial. Should not it be called the Post 7/31/09 GI Bill then? Still confused….if someone out there is so enlightened to explain the date issue, I would welcome a response. And please don't ask why I didn't just extend, hahaha, as I was one week over my high year tenure it was denied aprox. 11 mos before my retirement from Fleet Manning along with my request for an extended tour in Afghanistan….just don't go there please.
CE1 (Ret.) Justin Jiles
Spent 21 and half years in the service(AF). Viet Nam vet. Get it through your skulls. You work for the Congress! They are elected by you! The Congress makes the policies affecting active and retired military. The Defense Department and service secretaries implement the policies. Since there is NO Draft you are outside the mainstream of political priorities. Don't expect the elected officials to honor commitments to active or retired military. Promises made are easily broken –it's the budget that takes prioirty over documented promises and fairness.
I have been in for 27 years and I think I’ll retire to Mexico. I have had to work hard for everything I got and fight to keep someone from stealing it from me. There seems to be enough people talking and not enough doing going on here. You know those people don’t belong to this web, so stop talking about doing something and get off your A** and do something. All of you seem to have resources, maybe some brain matter, flood your rep.s and be heard by them. The best way for any kind of enamy to beat you is to devide you and then concour you. I was always the guy who didn’t talk about how I was going to do something I just FREAKIN DID IT. Now you can pick my sugg. apart and make your self look good by pointing out misspelled words.
"reducing benefits for some in an effort to provide or expand benefits for others" That sounds like another of obamas socialist programs. Didn't he say this to Joe the Plumber? And what about Tricare for Life? the family didn't serve yet they get the benefits. No wonder everything is broke and going down the tubes. I served in the Navy for 28 1/2 years and was promised on enlistment in 1953 free medical care when I left for life – never happened.
Six people died. Do to people not engageing there brain before there mouth. Grow up. remember your oath. What other job can you get that give you the school benafits we get????
Six people are dead because people did not engage there brain before there mouth. Servise member remember your OATH before you open mouth or type. Miltary is give and take. I would rather get nothing then get something another service member does not get. We watch out for are own. REMEBER THAT WE LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND. WE ARE FAMILY!!!!
The outrage stems from the fact that the government is changing the terms of the contract after the contract has been signed. Had any service members done a bait and switch on the government after signing their enlistment papers, they would be kicked out and lose benefits. Bait and switches aren't exactly legal in this country, but one can't exactly sue the government hoping for much success.
Wow I served for only 4 years in the Marines and yes I am using the post 911 GI bill. But I cannot believe that the personnel in this blog are military men and women this is ridiculous and even embarrassing to read, everyone here is fighting and bickering over some **** benefits, don’t replace your pride and honor for a dollar . I hope I am the last person to post here, this is just to embarrassing I hope there are no civilians reading this blog WoW!!
I'm going to school under Veterans Affairs Chapter 31 and this program is unjust and unfair compared to all Veteran programs. 0$ for housing, 0$ for start up and I receive half the allowance of the GI BILL. WE ARE ALL VETERANS, WE ALL SERVED THE SAME COUNTRY! WE ALL SHOULD RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFITS.
Honestly, I feel that everyone should get the same GI Bill benefits regardless of when you served. Are the people who served post-911 any more deserving than the people who served pre-911. I also feel that retirees should be able to use their GI Bill forever not just for 10 years. Why should we have the same time limit as someone who served for three years.
I am an army spouse of 15 yrs and I am using my husbands GI Bill. The bottom line is we, Americans, have become so spoiled and lazy we want everything to be handed to us with as little work as possible. I think whatever I can get is great. HOWEVER, I CHOSE to go to school therefore it is MY responsibility to cover the expenses. (just like I did before the Bill) Suck it up and be thankful. Stop complaining. It is no wonder America is in the position it is.
The controversy of the Post 911 GI Bill is just another example of how USE LESS our countries government is. Even though anti-government violence is happening, it is no wonder why the real American people are acting out more and finally taking a stand AGAINST our so-called government.
Ron's comments above are important. H.R. 3577 Education Assistance to Realign New Eligibilities for Dependents (EARNED) Act of 2009 was brought up and then not voted on in the 111th Congress. Here's a link: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h11…
I have been hitting my Senator for the past year on this issue and will engage with my new Congressman to try and get them to bring up this bill in the future. It is a simple bill that allows all eligible for the benefit to also be allowed to transfer the eligibility. There are no additional costs associated for the government since we are all entitled to the benefit; some of us just want to pass on our authorized benefit to a dependent. See next post
I am very proud of the fact that our elected representatives and their constituents have given us this benefit in appreciation for our service. This is a wonderful privilege they have given us, but we too have given for our Nation. And in fact, our spouses and children have given to this Nation. It should be up the military member to utilize these benefits as he/she sees fit. The problem at this time is that the US Government has not made it equal for all veterans and this is what needs to be changed.
You can see from the link above that there were 28 co-sponsors and it almost made it out of committee which is the last step before it makes it to the floor of the House. What I am going to do is to print off the summary and the proposed legislation from the House Bill and write a formal letter to my Senator (again) and my new House member. (If anyone would like to get my template just send me an email to lshaffers@aol.com. Put "9/11 Letter" in subject block) I am also going to get with my veteran groups in my area to send letters as well. We can make this happen from the grassroots if we all take this energy and focus it on our elected officials.
Its hard for me to feel any sympathy for those who are or will be receiving the new GI bill. So much has been added to it compared to those of us from the Vietnam era or before its not even funny. I still believe the worst part of any GI bill is the 10 year use it or lose it restriction. Many of us went to work immediately after getting out to support our families. When we finally had some time to pursue higher education through the GI Bill we quickly learned we were either out of time or just about our of time. This 10 year restriction not only needs to be eliminated, but those of us who lost our benefits through this should have them reinstated. I'm happy for the current vets and what they did and how they are being treated in general compared to those of us returning from Vietnam and how we were treated. Current vets are receiving the benefits off of Congress's disgraceful actions to Vietnam Vets.
I think the the post 911 is just fine. Under the old bill I didn't get even close to the benefits that I'm getting now. Its over the top with what they pay you in my opinion. Others were right. You should not expect uncle Sam to be your daddy and pay all your bills when your off active duty. Be glad you're getting what your getting while it last.
Well I am getting ready to retire next May. I have changed my GI Bill to the post 9-11 one. So right now I have 36 months of college time paid for. I htink that it is good to let the on-line classes get everything people that go to a college get. Most of us who do the full time on-line must do this because we work a full-time job and trying to better our life. It allows me the freedon=m to use the living epense my retirement and my VA disability to live on while I am finishing school. I think if you havent serve 20 years then you need to be grateful for what you got. I feel that the ones like me are the forgotten ones when it comes to tuff like this. I thnak God for this entitlement and will use it to its full extent.
My husband and i just got out of the military and with my Job experience we were transfered to Chicago. He is attending college here, when he was on Christmas break we did not receive a stipend. Thank God i have a great paying job nut for most they don't. If he were a signal individual without this pay during a break from school they would not make it. I see and i know first hand this Government would rather see our military benefits cut etc…than them get paid less and yes stop the lavish and grossly expensive vacations. I am sick of us working out asses off on deployments etc…so they can sit back fat dumb and happy.
Truth to power!
I know you will never make everyone happy but get it right the first time. My situation is that I went into the active Army in 1968 at 17 and being stupid at that age I declined the GI bill. Then I joined the Air National Guard in 1975 and retired after 38 years of service as a Chief and found out I have no education benefits at all. As a flight Engineer I have been involved in Bosnia, Desert Shield,Panama. I flew on the night of 9/11to carry cargo to NY. But because I did not deploy to OIF/OEF as an AGR I don' t qualify. How about that for your Gov.
How is a "spouse" of an active duty member who is not serving in the military getting a $500 raise in Book Stipend when retired military members of 20-30 years of combat service do not?….I understand it is a retention program, but if they thought a "spouse" (dependent) needed a raise, don't you think everyone needed one as well. Even $1,000 a year is not enough to come close to covering books for a full time students the way colleges and universities gouge you for books. The benefit should be focused on thosed that "actually" served. I see many " 4-year provisional contract" marriages coming to steal the benefit which will in-turnl force future cut backs in the overall program…just watch….
Yeah dude, you are totally right. It is absolutely worth all the pain and BS and hassle of being married for 4 years just to jump through all the hoops you need to in order to use the benefits. Please.
Are you serious?I’ve been married to my husband for 15 years and have not moved nearly as much as some families but I will tell you that we are just as deserving as the next person when it comes to wanting an education. You act like all”dependents”as you put it, are at home sitting on their butts all day. We hustle just like you are or did. We have mouths to feed and bills to pay and would like to be afforded the opportunities as well. Now I will give you the fact that some do abuse the system but don’t try to lump us all into one. I agree with those that said it should be fair across the board. It should! We may not “serve” in the military but we put in our fair share as well. We are the ones left at home sometimes for years on end. Because of Iraqi Freedom my husband did to back to back deployments for a total of 15 months. Guess who was at home holding down the homefront making sure the kids were taken care all by herself. ME! You have insulted military spouses who have managed to stick with their mates through these times. You are no different than us and we are no different than you. When people stop thinking that others owe them something this might be a happier United States.Thank the LORD your getting anything at all. There was a time when you weren’t getting a darn dime. I have plenty of retired military personnel young and old in my family to prove my point. With that, to not only this particular person, but to others that think like this, need to stop and THINK. Instead of arguing with each other you should try to get with active duty members and their spouses to fight Congress on this issue. Oh and did I mention their are vets that I know that are abusing this system as well. They are only going to school to supplement their own income and not going because they want to. So who’s really using who?
I agree with you that active duty comes first. The only time I can be happy with a spouse or child receiving these benefits, is when the active duty member is physically or mentally unable to attend college. In these cases, that service member should be able to pass on that benefit as it will be taking care of him/her in the long run.
I think the actual reason why active duty spouses are utilizing the GI Bill is b/c the service member is provided full Tuition Assistance while serving. So if they are planning on retiring, that should be able to obtain a B.A. by the time they’ve completed their service. Spouses have every right to the benefits that our service members are offered. Both the service members and their spouses NEED an education to fall back on when their duties are over. Is it really taking advantage for the ppl out there who just want an education so that they can be a contributing member of society and have security that they will be able to provide for their families if say the “bread winner” does not come back from a deployment? People forget that our soldiers are still risking their lives and may not make it home…Education = livelihood.
oh I’m sorry I didn’t realize my 10 years of obligated service and god knows how many combat deployments isn’t enough for my wife to get gi benefits. I mean she’s only been there for me and our family the whole time I’ve served…
The GI bill should be only for those that have served. Dependants and other should be guided to other established programs, too many people that have had to wallow in the muck and mire are being cheated out of their benifits so our politicians can take that money and buy more votes with it. What needed to be changed with the GI bill is that Veterans need to be counseled and guided on the schools they need to go to and courses they need to take for whatever their career goals are. The Focus of the GI bill should be the (GI) and his/her success.
If the service member isn't going to use the benefits, why shouldn't they get to transfer them to their dependents? The benefits are theirs to use, the money is theirs to use, it shouldn't matter who or how it gets used.
Because if you didn’t serve then you should not get it. If you want it then go and serve like the rest of us. If they are not going to use their benefits then it should go to help out the next VET. GET IT. GOT IT. GOOOOD!!!
The post 9/11 bill came out and it had no back out options. If the government can just change the benifits at any time and not allow the person to revert back to the original g.i. bill then it is a bit of a swindle, just like ppl got swindled with their hosing loans and we seen how that turned out. Education is an important foundation for a person and of any benifit our government gives, helping make vets college grads makes the most sense to me. I know alot of ppl are saying either no fair or suck it up. I say lets gather the facts, come up with something that works and is fair. Then as a unified front take it to our officials. No more complaining with out even a suggestion, thats not fair to anyone. If anyone wants to comment me with some ideals I'd love to write my senetor and get something going. ty
Check this out people. You enlisted in the military because for the most part, and lets me honest here, you didn't have a job, you were going to go to jail, you wanted to get out of your town, see the world, you were bored, yada, yada, yada. Very few people joined to serve their country. I would say maybe lifers and those who joined right after the war were patriots. For the most part we were all looking for a better life or an escape. So, you made it through basic, got some rank, got paid and did your time. You got benefits, BENEFITS, they are not guaranteed and should not be expected. They are a soft of gift for serving. You should be thankful and not whining about this or that. Geez!!! Weren't you all in the military. Doesn't anyone remember what happened when you whined.
Tiffany, your ignorance obviously knows no bounds. You said, "you were going to go to jail." This is not the 1960s. There is currently no draft in effect. There is not a person I know or work with that has a criminal record. Today's military is comprised of many highly skilled intelligent individuals. Not a bunch of people chose the military as a viable option instead of a jail sentence. You don't have to call us patriots (which many of us are, but I am not going to try and convince you), but please don't call us criminals. We deserve a little more respect than that.
Jason, just trying to make a point. I have a continueing post below this one. I was in the Army 4 years and then the Air National Guard 6 years. I was in the Army with individuals who were given the option to serve a jail sentence or enilist into the Army. Also, the Army does give waivers, or did so when I had joined in 1999, to people who had felonies. If you don't believe me ask a recruiter. I did not call you criminals or call you names, please do not do the same to me.
Tiffany sounds like you need the money more then me.
Learn how to spell please.
Figure it out people, find another way, work harder, try harder, bust your butts, get out there and really earn your education in the real world. Don't just stand in line and ask for handouts!!! My father is retired military and I have 5 brothers and sisters. None of them got my father's education benefits. You know how they got college paid for? They got scholarships and took out loans. They found a way. So did I….I enlisted and took what was given and was thankful…and it was not enough for your information so I I worked hard and got a scholarship while I was in community college. God sometimes vets can sound like spoiled rich kids. Where are why soldiers at? Where are my Marines at? Where are the men and women who would stand beside me and figure out a way to get through anything? Be grateful people that we are Vets in this country and not in another!!! Hooh!!!
Politico's only do something that will get them reelected. Don't think anything else comes into it. Reelection is all the matters to the people. So trying to analyze why they do what they do is simply, will this help me get reelected.
" As veterans, I think we should focus our energy on pushing for a more equitable and sustainable GI Bill program. "
Sustainability and equity are two words to justify screwing over the little guy.
"Keep in mind that the government has a history of improving the GI Bill during times of war and drastically cutting it back afterwards."
Until GI Bill 2.0
"Remember what came after the Vietnam War? VEAP – a program that offered vets a two-for-one matching deal, which required vets to contribute up to $2,700 to get a whopping $8,100 for school."
So what? We won this war. They didn't. That's the difference. No one said, that's right or fair, but it's the way it is.
"In my opinion, we need a consistent, fair, and fiscally sustainable GI Bill program, one that every vet can count on to help pay for their education."
I couldn't disagree with you more. The GI Bill has been astronomically SLOW to begin with (by design with this administration). Then we had hiccups with paying the debts back and now this administration is fixing what isn't broken. GIVE ME A BREAK!!
GIVE ME BACK MY BENEFITS.
AND COMPLETELY IGNORED IN THIS CONVERSATION IS THE $ 17,500 CAP ON PRIVATE SCHOOL TUITION!!!
GIVE ME BACK MY BENEFITS!!!
You have a very strong sense of entitlement. Give you back your benefits AND let you go to a $50k/year school on them?? Someone else can suffer a reduction in benefits for you to get what you want, but that doesn't matter because it's all about you. I'm willing to bet the same education/degree/program is available at a different school.
We were never promised a rose garden. What other business or organization pays for dependents college education. Lets count our blessing to be getting something from congress. The bill is not perfect but at least its a start. Did we join to get a hand out or serve our country? After 22 years of faithful service, I am just greatful that some congressman had the balls to bring this bill to the floor while others wanted to kill it.
Most of the ones who voted for the bill don"t really understand. They will never lose their pension nor benefits or be cut they usually get an increase. Lets be real IS it the vet. or active duty they really are concerned with. Let them be cut on a few things let them see the real world of the Military? Maybe they would see how hard it is and what has been done for them so that they can vote to create a plan that is fair. Why cut share some of theirs??
The first Post 911 GI Bill was created behind closed doors. Those law makers who created and passed this billl did so without any game plan. As a result, another Bill has been created with even more confusion than the last Bill. If Congress can bail out banks and car companies, they should at least support an education program for all Vets.
I was one of the people that went to bootcamp in 1984 in Orlando, FL and during one of those benefit informational lectures was told, like everyone else in the room, to NOT elect VEAP since something called MGIB was better and would be available soon. Later on after we all had left bootcamp and gotten to or first schools or duty stations we began to find out that if you had not elected VEAP when you had the chance you were not eligible to sign up for the MGIB. After many attempts during my 20 yrs of active duty I just finally accepted that I wasn't getting any education benefits (other than TA on Active duty, which I did use a lot) and retired finally in 2004. I was very happy to hear of Post 9/11 when it came about and that I WAS eligible for it!!! I plan to take as many credits as possble as long as I can before the well dries up. MY biggest disagreement with Post 9/11 was that just because I had been retired too long I couldn't transfer my benefits to my soon to be college age sons. I personally think this is the VA'a way of realizing that many retirees and their kids are too old and not interested in college so they will save lots or benefit $$$ in that area.
After reading Tom Philpot's article on 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 changes, it is clear to me that there is still much confusion about what these changes really mean. One big change involves payment of tuition to public universities/colleges, where version 1.0 paid the public tuition bill up to the highest per semester hour rate for the particular state where the school is located, version 2 now only pays the actual "in-state" tuition bill for that school, so for those students who are out-of-state and being charged a non-resident tuition rate at a public university/college will now potentially be liable for the difference between the "in-state" tuition bill that version 2 will pay and the out-of-state tuition bill that the school charges.
(con't from previous post) This scenario comes into play in those states where the per semester hour rate was high like AZ, MI, NH, NY, SC, TX, and WI. Mr. Philpott's article seems to indicate that the new $17,500 tuition cap for private schools will cover this gap – according to VA's own website FAQ – this is not true! According to VA, this new potential gap in tuition at a public school for those attending as an out-of-state student can only be addressed with the Yellow Ribbon Program (if the school participates and if the student can get it?). The timing of the change of the law also was very bad since for those students applying for the Fall 2011, the application deadlines for many schools happened before President Obama signed the bill into Law on 4 Jan 2011 – so they are now scrambling to find way to cover their out-of-state costs. This and other law changes need to be clearly articulated by the VA since several other reliable sites are apparently spreading wrong information.
I retired 31 Mar 09. My daughter is grad this June and is enrolled already at a University. This really is going to hurt.
Is there a grandfather clause?
This isn't about what a person should be grateful for getting, or about what other countries are getting and how lucky we should feel to be American vets. There is little reason why Congress could not grant these improvements without taking away from what got the Bill passed initially. The initial Chapter 33 gave veterans a great opportunity to get a degree from a degree-granting institution. Vets are not typical students of 18-19 years old with little financial obligation. They often have homes, and families, and cars and life does not easily allow them to go to school. For it to simply be a help, that's what Pell Grants, TA, and Loans are for.. but for the sacrifice and service to our country, benefits should be commensurate. Ever vet out there deserves what the intial Chapter 33 was to offer, and now they've changed it greatly to where it's best only if you're doing on-the-job training. I am a full-time student trying to become a doctor, which means I take some very heavy courses. I have 4 kids, with house and car payments. With daycare and income concerns and having to maintain a high GPA, the notion of getting a job equates to goal suicide. The initial structure of the Post 9/11 made it barely workable. Now, to be able to get a job for the 1 month between Fall and Spring semesters to account for the pro-rated loss of income.. who would hire for just 1 month? As a result of this change I stand to lose $4,000 a year.. And by being a payer of last resort…is that to mean that the scholarships and grants I have worked my ass of to get to help me and my family are now the primary payers so that Chap. 33 only has to pick up what remains? Every veteran has worked hard to get where they are at and to maintain it.. If these policies read the way I interpret them, then the policy makers would rather have me be a janitor in their halls with a monthly bonus for 36 months for "on-the-job-training" than be a Surgeon doing his best to save the lives of war-torn soldiers…the very thought that pushed me to this goal in the first place. So be it.. the doctor that may have saved their lives after a heart attack or whatever… very well might have been a vet.. but it if they can't get manage a way to make it even remotely possible.. there's no guilt on me when they die from something I could saved them from.
I just found out that the Early Retirement benefit for Guard members that served over 90 days in a combat zone has been withdrawn. Can anyone out there tell me why. I had planned on retiring and receiving my retirement check earlier than 60 years old. Now I can't. Congress approved this with a start date of Jan. 28 of 2008.
Many people have made comments about the current education benefit Congress provided and the President signed into law. Before a Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, Coastguardsmen, or other beneficiary complain about the amount or the transferability issues, or what type of education you can use this for, please look back to the amounts and strings attached to the other education benefit programs Congress has passed and prior Presidents have signed since the Veterans' Education and Assistance Program (VEAP). That program provided $300 a month, if you put in $100 up to $2,700, not transferable. The Montgomery GI Bill paid up to $300 a month until the early 1990s. All other programs were meant to assist in one's education, not pay the entire bill. The current Chapter 33 attempts to provide more than just the bill of tuition. As many comments have stated, that the educational benefits promised went down or went away. All amounts paid were higher than what was promised when you enlisted. Congress very rarely made any changes that were applied to a Veteran who had already separated. If you have a complaint, vote for someone who will try to make the changes you want, just complaining will not change a thing.
You know what's really sad is that we wouldn't need to be scrounging for money to increase benefits of ALL service members if we were not aiding countries who have Taliban operating out of. How much have we spent on Pakistan aid? It's about time for a real CHANGE! Lets take care of our own damn people for a couple of years and stop worrying about this damn deficit. People can call me a Libertarian, Republican, or even an extremists but in reality I just care about my brothers and sisters in arms. I have deployed twice in both shi*holes and giving me benefits then cutting them is a slap in the face. Im sure everyone knows how it feels to have something they earned taken away. Its demeaning! There are congress men and woman who are on our side, but they are by far the underdogs. The way the GI Bill is set up now is fine. 1606 for those serving but haven't deployed, 1607 for soldiers who have deployed, and 9/11 for those with a little bit more time than anyone. The only problem I see is soldiers that served on active duty for three years and havn't deployed. Why couldn't anyone figure this out before it came out anyway? AHHHHH
If you would like a broader view of the picture, consider this: Chapter 1607 REAP is going away; Chapter 30 MGIB Active Duty is going away; the cost of administering these programs is enormous both in terms of benefits paid and logistics to support the program. In March of 2013, Chapter 35 DEAs and everyone else will have to have direct deposit- no paper checks to anyone. I am also predicting that Chapter 33 break pay will come back. The new Long-Term Solution software for Chapter 33s was programmed to work with break-pay. Taking away the break-pay may not even be possible. Did somebody tell Congress? Add to this, he draw-down in Afghanistan next year will create another bottleneck of claims. Things are going to get tough all over but at least VA Secretary Shenseki has the guts to hire VETS to work it out. Want to change the VA for the better, get your tail over here and get to work!
IN REPLY TO STEVE IN NC. I SENT MY CONGRESSMAN AN EMAIL ON THIS
MATTER. YES, HE REPLIED WITH A HUGE BS LETTER ABOUT HE COULDN'T DO VERY MUCH ABOUT IT. I AGREE WITH YOU 100%. ENOUGH PEOPLE CAN MAKE A CHANGE IF WE EVER CONVINCE THES YAHOOS IN WASHINGTON WE ARE GOING TO REMEMBER THEM ON ELECTION DAY FOR THEIR DISTRICT. WHEN THEY SEE A NEW FACE TAKING THEIR POSITION MAYBE SOMEONE WILL TAKE NOTICE. ALL OF US NEED TO STICK TOGETHER ON THIS.
I served as an active duty Marine Officer for over 20 years. Retired in 2001 with no GI Bill benefits. As a VEAP era veteran, I was offered a one time opportunity to opt into the Montgomery G.I. Bill at a cost of over $2,000. At the time, didn't seem worth it. The decision was "irrevocable". I have no problem with those serving our country today getting the best benefits possible, but do have a problem with how some veterans who served their country honorably for an entire career, received zero benefits while reservists, family members, and short term service members are now being taken care of – not right. Where was the military leadership on this one?
What is DOD and congress thinking about when they past a post 9/11 benefit but deny it to a whole group of veterans that made the mistake of retiring before Aug 2009. My husband served for 26 years and now he can't transfer the education benefit to his family members. I feel he is being discrimanated against.
Your husband is recieving medical and a retirement check. Tell him to get a job and work another 20 years to put the kids through school. The government is already 13 Trillian in debt. Feel lucky that retirement and medical has NOT BEEN TAKEN AWAY. The benefits you have will have to be cut soon the same way MEDICARE has been.
I can understand most of you because I was told doing my 21 years of service that I was going to be able to give my GI bill to my child. The day is here and can't give them nothing. The Bill is being used as a reenlistment promise to the new Soldiers. When it was promise to me these new Soldiers was probably in grade school and by the time their kids use it, it probably will change again…
Let's allow just continue to allow Congress to continue to screw all Vets. It really gets my goat each and every time the Govt; we served needs money or wants money, they go after the VET benefits. LIke the one in 1985, when Congress took away our free for life medical and dental if we served our 20 + years in the uniform of our Country. No, Congress wouldn't ask Vets to served for 20 years for those benefits and then just take it away – They admitted it was promised, they know it was promised; but they took it away because they stated it was never put in writting and they did not have to honor it. Key word is HONOR / why don't more Countries trust our Government – because our own Veterans have been lied to almost as much as Congress lie to the American Indians for hundred of years. Congress has no Honor; they are too busy looking for what they can get while in office for them and their friends and set themselves up for when they are kicked or voted out of OUR OFFICE. Shame on them all – maybe we need to bring back the old tar and feather days. It would be quicker than trying to vote them all out of OUR OFFICE/House.
What I would like is a bill that allows us to use the GI Bill to pay my student loans that I have and am having to pay back since this bill went into effect right as I graduated! Right now we are stuck paying student loans and stationed in an area that has an unempolyment rate of 12%!!! Hopefully we will be relocating soon and I will be able to get a job with my degree but so far I am working for peanuts just to make my monthly student loan payment. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the job I have but I make less now than I did before I went back to school!
I joined during a time of war and am still Active Duty about to get an MEB for a service connected, they give you a settlement severance pay for those who were injured by the army, and yet you have to pay this "severance check" back with your monthly disability that you receive for being injured by the army… so basically its a loan you have no choice but to receive! So with that being said… why are we complaining about the education benefits because ultimately the majority of us did not join for the education benefits we joined to serve our country and if you did infact join for the education benefits maybe you should of just gotten a loan like the rest of the american population. Thankyou G.I Bill for even still exsisting!
They can afford to spend a trillion dollars on stimulus packages for the banks, auto industry, and wall street. So how is it they cannot afford seven billion dollars a year for the veterans who served their country to go to school? That money is important to us and if anything congress should allocate more money to fund the GI Bill. They should be able to expand the Post 911 GI bill to the National Guard and chapter 32 people without taking benefits away from those who are already using the Post 911 Gi Bill. Our government is run by a bunch of fools.
So, all name calling and alibis aside, can we take a look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we’ve done a little bit of planning before deciding to Leave the service and use the GI-Bill for school? It was put in place to offset the cost of living and schooling while also offering quite a bit of support for other training opportunities. This doesn’t negate the fact that we should all practice individual responsibility and apply it in our own situations. Save just like you would pay a bill. Except pay your savings bill first. Slow down and plan for an hour or so. What steps do you need to put in place to use this benefit while Having money in reserve for a rainy day? All in all it is still a great benefit, we don’t need hand outs, we just need to put our plans into action and stick to them.
Anyone in this string that did not serve needs to shut the H**L up. Until you've made a sacrifice like the people in the Military and their families (I am USN Retired). I served and retired in 2005. I can't transfer to my dependents now or when I was active. Just another example of the idiots in Congress looking out for themselves and VETS being treated like second class citizens.
Those who complain are the ones who always have their hand out. Be glad for what you get, because it could be worse, The BAS is bullsh++ most of us old vets really only received a small helping, and college was expensive just as it is today, instead of crying and complaining deal with it. Our country would be better off if more people were doers than complainers. This country has gone to what's in it for me instead of how can I be a better American, not just because I served that you owe me. Wake up, that is why this country is such a mess and it wount get better until we grow up and say I did my time and I feel good about it.
what i want to know what is the diffrance if you retired after 9-11 or where hurt and had to retire before why should you rate more i got hurt in the first gulf war and was forced to retire but if i was able to retire after 9-11 i would get more benafits this is bull #@%^
I just believe the GI Bill should be equal across the board, if you earned the Post 9/11 GI bill the airmen/soldier next to you is able to transfer his benefits to his family, so should everyone else. Just because you completed your 25to 30 years of service you should not be descriminated against. All rules should apply to everyone. This should make it much easier to understand. All can transfer or none can transfer.
Hardcore Look
Remember from the government’s point of view, The Active Military Member, be they Regular, Reserve, or National Guard, are an usuable asset. While the Retired, Discharged Veteran is a liability. A debt that the government has been trying to lower for decades.
They can not eliminate it as it is a recruiting tool of value to the recruiter, even today, and for getting votes for re-election. And I am refering to all of the Veteran’s benefits not just the GI Education. As the number of Veterans grow, a little cut here or there mounts up in budget savings for the government, usually to be used on some pet project else where.
Just a thought, wild I well admit, but what if the Veterans formed their own political party and ran their own slate of candidates for office? There are a lot of us out here. And as a group I would bet most of us do vote, where as the percentage of non-vet’s that vote is not that great. Like I said just a wild idea. Anyone else have some feedback on that?
Tiffany,
The town I come from in the south is a patriot town and it is considered an honor to serve. Because of my families back ground I was not able to receive grant money for high education. I only intended to stay 4 years then take the money and run. I learned how to work with people, complete over 137 semester hours of college (during my 23 years), and learned different cultures (some have better values than ours). Service members spend more than half of their time away from families; move every three to four years, miss holidays, and important anniversary dates because they are deployed, training, or just pulling staff duty. For those who give a lot, a lot is expected in return.
We gave our time, blood, sweat, and tears to maintain our status as the greatest nation in the world. All we want is what we were promised when we entered military service some 20, 30, to 40 years ago, a college educations. Most of us gave that up to protect our great country. Freedom is never FREE.
The money needs to be equally distributed to the individuals that served. Military service members need to come first, then the families. Families are a very IMPORTANT but why should family members receive more benefits than the ACTUAL service member.
What about the individuals that stuck it out till retirement. It is true that we receive a retirement check each month but it cannot sustain us and our families. I am attending college and if I did not receive the housing allowance I would not be able to maintain the high grades that I am receiving now. I put 20 hours a week in studying for the classes that I am taking to ensure that I am learning the subject in its entirety.
Tiffany, don’t forget that the reason you are allowed to write your opinions on blogs, because service members have fought and died over the past 200-300 years to maintain that freedom.
My goodness but it is discouraging to listen to all the complaining and whining about the military benefits or lack of….anyone who has ever looked over the benefit book can see that the benefits offered from the military have NEVER been equal….and they change over the years sometimes adding and sometimes subtracting….try having been of service during the only time of NO conflicts what-so-ever 1977-1982….they got nothing coming….BUT that does not diminish the fact that these men and women still served their country….listening to all the griping going on here makes me wonder what your true intentions were or are concerning your military purpose….if you were so unhappy and dissatiisfied with what you were being "given" or not "given" why didn't you get out and go into a business for yourself where you have more control over what you are being "given"….and am i correct here that some of you are actually complaining about having contributed $1200 and not getting what? benefits for your children's college costs today???
I'm hoping i've misunderstood this point…and that there isn't anyone out there who actually believes they are intitled to a college degree for yourself and your children for the discount price of $1200….I am a veteran, my son is currently enlisted in the Army and my daughter is signing up for an officer position in the Air Force….i am certain there will be inequities in ALL our benefits, but my pride is in the fact i was privileged to serve our country, that my son is proud to be of service to this country and has safely returned from Iraq and that my daughter feels this is a worthy career to embark upon….you made the choice to serve…no one twisted your arms….you made the choice to remain…..AND most of us have ALWAYS known that the military changes its policies and we hurry up and wait sometimes for no reason….love to you all
I HEARD THAT THE RESERVE AND NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIERS ARE GETTING MONEY FOR TUITION, BOOKS AND LIVING EXPENSIVES, I THINK IS THIS IS TRUE, IT IS NOT FAIR BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ACTIVE DUTY.
I AM AGREE THAT ALL ARMED FORCES SOLDIERS INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVISTS SHOULD GET MONEY FOR TUITION AND BOOKS EXPENSIVES BUT NOT FOR LIVING. LIVING IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.
I am now 73 and retired in 1991 on 32 years. Because I did not need any of the VA benefits that I earned (education and home mortgage), I take great pride in being able to make those funds available to someone who really needed (s) it. Be thankful for what you have. I could just as easily used those benefits and banked the cash freed up from other endeavors, but I did'nt. All y'all be thankful for what you have. Don't be greedy, and when you can, give back.
In the words of Yoda, "Try, There is no try, DO or DO not that is the way of the force.' While each and every service is certainly important to the cause we all know that bitching only indicates that your to bus whining to actually do something about it. Im not going to complain because i didnt even vote this last election because seeing the writing on the wall told me that there wasnt anyone that was fit to sit in the white house, and low and behold a lieing lowlife, non appreciative individual is now in the office of the President…not just the changes in the post 911 bill or any veterans benefit fo rthat matter, the politicians are not in the business of taking care of those that actually provide them the opportunity to serve their nations people, instead they get into the office and become as greedy as they can get for themselves. I wounder if the cost of providing them the lifetime of healthcare is equivalent to the paltry amount of 60,000.00 they claim to provide now for education.
That said, i will vote next election and you can bet it wont be for the O-man
I am a very happy vet. I served my country and am very glad I did. I don’t always agree with everthing that goes on, but who does? I take pride in the time I served. What ever the benifits are, are wonderful to me. I didn’t have anything before the military. They have given me so much and I am thankful for that. God bless all that have and still serve. You all are wonderful people. Just remember what is truely important and the rest shouldn’t matter.
As an AD service member, i understand what some of you are saying… however everyone cannot be pleased 100% of the time, not possible. With that being said we cannot be heartless towards one another, we all serve our country in one way or another whether your AD, Retired, NG, AR or a family member we should be sympathetic to each.
What has me scared is, with all the programs and benefits that I have served through in which have continued to be improved upon, by the time I do retire they may be cut and shaved down due to budgeting. I understand that budget requires cuts and I don't have a problem with that….only…only as long as the cuts and budgeting are across the board……meaning that those who serve at our behest get cuts to their benefits….Yes I am talking about those who work in our 3 branches of government….if you think about how much you are saving by cutting just for the weeks where school just think how much you could save by cutting those 6 figure plus benefits paid to our professional politicians….Now then I wouldn't mind if it was needed to cut them back a bit from those of us who have sacrificed traditional lives and families due to service. I am looking forward to getting on with a real life once I retire and no longer have deployments or pcs moves every other year. My thoughts as for all those who think it's okay to back out on the promises made to those of us who have served and are continuing to serve, FUCK YOU!
My Husband served 21 years and retired. We were not properly informed about the Post 9/11 "transfer of benefits to dependents while still on active duty" . But there is still help out there. When looking at colleges, check and see if they are "military friendly". We have two kids in college. My daughter gets instate tution because her Dad was in the military. Now I am not sure if you just have to serve or be retired military, but any port in a storm. I hope this helps someone out.
Ray…you have the right attitude! I believe we do have to be aware of whats going on and play our dealt hand best we can. America takes care of her military better than any other like size organisation, albeit we make mistakes and sometimes have to change things. Our collective voice is important when debating those changes but we have to understand the need better. Also, everyone has a degree of self responsibility and many of us just need to refocus our energy in getting started in goal achievement; not wait for Uncle Sam to do everything for us. Whining and expecting welfare handouts is a state of mind that abhors me and will ultimately leave the pot empty; thats why Gov't needs to make changes. I sometimes wonder what the #2 Military in the world is doing for their folks. Yea…pull your socks up!
I really wish they would let Vets transfer their GI Bill to their kids. My situation was a little different than most. I came in during the VEAP era and was told like many by my recruiter "Don't sign up for this, a better program will come along". I didn't sign up for VEAP so when they opened the GI Bill, I was informed I didn't qualify because I didn't sign up for VEAP to transfer. Basically, I was screwed, so I went through my enlistment and gained an undergrad degree through a student loan and TA. I was fortunate they opened up 100% TA for active duty when I started my master's degree but I had to finish before I retired or I would have no benefit. Well about two years before I retired, they gave the GI Bill to all post 9/11 which was great but I had already finished my degrees. My predicament now is I have a College age son but I had my retirement papers in before you could transfer your benefit. Now I sit on a benefit that I could use for only myself. It's too bad I can't transfer the benefit to my kids.
To those of you who are complaining, and those retirees who are recieving a check each month. Life is what you make of it. People still flock by the millions to live here, we have it very good. If you have kids and did not save for thier education, YOUR PROBLEM, STUPID. This GI BILL NEW is a way of enticing those who are experienced to stay in the service. Personally, I think we are getting too much now, education paid by the government is not a right . It is a priviledge, based upon the contract you signed. The clause that allowed spouses and children to use your benefits should go back to orignal when only disabled veterans could transfer them. I make $600 a month disability unable to work my given profession after 11 years service and am making ends meet. If I can do it, anyone can. I work part time recieve the MGIB and dont feel sorry for myself or anybody else, because I WAS GIVEN THE PRIVILEDGE TO FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY. Grow a pair of balls and be a man (sorry ladies, be a lady then.) If you could not stop having babies and can not afford college for them, that was your desicion to have so many kids.
To state that we as veterans can choose to be for or against these new stipulations is a fallacy. Each veteran, in their own right, has the ability to say what matters most to them and what they believe should be altered. As veterans we have earned these rights, some have lost their lives, friends, and family for the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. We are a supposed to be a nation FOR THE PEOPLE, not the individual. As American's we choose who we elect to office, we continue to put these "slime balls" back in office with each election after their initial term. If we truly want to see some of these changes take place, than it is our duty, nay, our responsibility to come together and demand action. Our forefathers came to this country as a means of escape and fought our initial wars and battles to solidify freedoms that we now over look and take for granted. I'm not going to say that we have lost site of these dreams, but more so that we have lost the unity that brought our nation out from under tyrannical rule and oppression.
Our ancestors were successful in their endeavors because they stood together, we have not shared in that success because we lack the uniformity necessary to take our complaints further than a blog post, or internet rant. If we truly want to see America through to its next success, then the answer lies in numbers, and organization. To begin our quest, how about an established peace rally, followed by public speaking. As citizens who have answered the call to duty, let us not take up arms against ourselves, but stand together on the lawns of the white house and speak out against the over payment of gov't officials, and the "immunity" that seems to be ever present in congress.
Let us take those that hold themselves above the laws that govern and put them back where they belong, amongst the people whom they have sworn to protect. If change is indeed our Commander In Chief’s principle argument, then let change begin with us.
Let us stand up for those that we protected, and show them that our fight didn’t end when we got back to America. Let us show the world that “FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE” isn’t a slogan or a long forgotten catch phrase. “Together we stand, divided we fall”. These words were spoken for a reason. Let’s come together and drive the message home that it’s not alright for our brother’s and sister’s to go hungry while congress and diplomats reap the rewards. If we begin small, we will one day stand tall, and our government will have to answer for the changes that we no longer seem to have a say on. We will unify our great country again, but now is the time for action and diplomacy, not angry words and finger pointing.
my husband retired dec 2005 after 20 years of proud enlisted service. My daughter is now in first year state college, we both work, barely make ends meet, took out loans for college and she works part time. Why cant people like us be able to transfer for childrens education and others can?! SOOO unfair, also to the one who mentioned getting thousandsof $ for reenlistment, we never got an extra cent, just another tour. It is frustrating some get the benefits and others don't for same service?!…….
As Veterans, We need to contact ALL of Our "Service Organizations". (The VFW was founded during the Great Depression to seek Early Benefits; for the Veterans of WWI !) We Need to March on Washington, as a United Front. As for those of You amongst Us, Who say We're "whining". Who are telling Us to "suck It up" ?? Have You NO Heart…No Honor… No Integrity ? Stay at Home, Drink Your Beer & "ditlle" with Your TV's remote. PATTON, was fond of quoating Fredrick the Great. For AUDACITY is what's required to manage the seemingly impossible. It's time once more that this Great Nation, Honor It's "Citizen Soldiers" – the Military & It's Veterans. Not with Medals… But with the Hope & the Means, to eck out a Decent Living… making Education and Housing, attainable. It's Only Just and Fair.
I can't afford to purchase a ticket to Washington now… To bad because I would have there.
I like the new GI Bill because I am a 100% online, distant learner. I understand how others taking "regular courses" at a university may have some issues with the reduction of some money being paid on breaks. However this will help me, and a tremendous amount of other veterans immensely.
If you are upset about not getting paid during your school break, go out and work. Now that you don’t have the burden of school, get a part time job, take more hours if possible, and handle your business. How can I work 84 hours a week and find time to go to an actual university? I can’t; therefore this new bill coming into the play in the fall is perfect for online students. Especially, full tim online students.
Hey Scorpio0679 I live in Alaska and my housing allowance through the Post 9/11 GI Bill is approximately $1800.00 a month. Well guess what, my rent for a silly little apartment is every bit of that $1800.00 and more when you factor in electricity, gas, and the not so little storage unit I have to pay for because the silly little apartment is too small to hold all my useless crap that I have accumulated over the years. So anybody who thinks that we are living off of the piddly little housing allowance that they give us is ignorant and naive to say the least. I find it quite outrageous that I had to irrevocably give up my original GI bill benefits to do this new GI bill and then a year later they go back on their word to fund it. So what if they spend 7 Billion a year on the GI Bill? They can afford to spend a trillion + dollars a year to bail out the banks and auto industry but for us veterans who need a couple billion, nope you’re not important enough. These politicians (including the president) have done nothing but screw over the working class and military in this country for far too long and something needs to be done about it.
To the guy who can’t pay rent. Get roomates and cut your rent in half. Work smarter. Not harder my friends. I am a single dad and am able to work part time, go to school full time and still have time and money to live my life. Ya, the system blows and we all may be getting screwed in one way or another but there is always a way to work around the system. Jeez, didn’t anyone learn anything from the military. Play the system or the system will play you.
Single dad? Do you live by yourself? I have family…My wife and kids live with me… As it stands, even with the BAH, we don't have extra money! I planned my life around the original 9/11 GI BILL, after very careful consideration. I wasn't even planning on going back to school with the MGIBILL, it was never and option. The 9/11 GI BILL was sold to us, and it seemed like a real way to attain a degree, so I took it. The politicians are screwing with our lives, and people aren't happy with it.
If you voted for the cheese burger in the W/H and wanted change, well you got it. You can bet he not being a VET does not give a rats azz for you or anyone else. His vacation in Hawaii should show you how much he cares about you and your sacrifices. 2012 is not far away.
Semper Fi
they need to fix the va, not the gi bill
I just started my first semster of college under VA Vocational Rehabilation Chapter 31! No books yet, counsleor said "Pay for your supplies and fax me the receipt,we'll reimburse you". Ok I asked I need a computer because alot of college work is Hybrid Learning. My counselor replies….VA hasn't paid the bill with Compaq or it's being processed. I cant get you a computer! I paid all fees out of my pocket months ago and still havent been reimburse. I find it embarssing when college youths say "Wow thats the VA guy he still doesnt have his books"! The college youths also stated you should use your federal stafford loans and get a lender it's BETTER! I just left the bookstore…….
It's true! Not only does the VA take a massively ridiculous amount of time to process certifications, half the time the schools themselves take even longer. I turned my Term 2 cert form into my universities VA office on Dec 13, 2010…. the VA just received it… TODAY! So sometime in the next 17 days I should get paid… crap
all these plans, vets in and out different times, people are gonna get more or less, things are NOT fair in life a lot of time, that's life. A lot of us went into the military to learn a trade, get paid, travel, cause of little direction out of high school, from sleepy dead towns. We went to get away, grow up, and we got paid, what else should our government and the people go broke over trying to keep giving back to us. 13 trillion in debt, with another 150 T. in unfunded gimmies, we all need to wake up!
There is a motion in the Senate from a Senator from Hawaii to admin the Transferability clause, but haven't heard anything in two months. A Vet Rep from the Denver Officer told me about this.
it dosent really matter what we think or say the govt. is going to do what they want anyway
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2010/julqtr/38c…
A WORD OF WARNING if you think you might have to dis-enroll from classes mid-semester for illness, etc as listed in the above regulation. Per the regulation, the VA is supposed to contact you to see if you have mitigating circumstances; I transferred benefits to my spouse who then had to dis-enrolled due to illness, the VA billed her for $2800+, passed it to Treasury who upped it to $3600+ for additional fees, interest, & penalties, and then passed it to a collection agency. A well-documented letter to my congressman brought the collection proceedings to a halt and we await final outcome. Consider the irony that I may have to pay $3600+ to the government for a benefit that I earned over 31 years of service. The lesson here is to keep good records and be proactive; we didn't know about this regulation and had to find it on our own; the VA didn't seem to be very aware of their own regulation either, because they didn't follow it.
I just went through a similar experience with the VA. They sent a debt to a collection agency well before the 60 day time limit we had to respond on a letter they sent to my husband.
The fact of the matter is that everyones situation is different. However i do agree with Dave when he says this debate should NOT be about "sucking it up and move on" Alot of people were promised something that the VA took away, me being one of them. I am currently in the process of separating from the military and have recently been accepted to a small christian college in MI. My wife and I have been really excited about it and we have looked over our finances many times to make sure we will be able to afford the transition to civillian life. Especially in the economys current state. This new G.I. Bill 2.0 is a slap in the face to me. I just found out it will be an extra $12,000 a year to put both my wife and myself through college not to mention the BAH reduction. So am i upset? most definitely and i understand other people feeling the same way. As for the people who say the G.I Bill is not intended to pay for you to live so be happy with what you are getting. Thats all good and well, but when people are counting on getting certain benefits because well, they were told they would get them it becomes frustrating.
I'm pissed off about this, too. My wife and I planned our lives around the assurances of the original 9/11 GI BILL. They can't dangle a quarter in front of us, and then pull it away with a string. I suspect many vets will end up dropping to part time schooling, or drop out all together because of this change. Part time schooling under the 9/11 GI BILL won't get you a bachelors degree, since the benefit is only good for 36 weeks. There needs to be an amendment here. How many veterans are using the 9/11 GI BILL? I'm guessing about 300,000 – 400,000. So, they're asking 400,000 people to pan out into a crappy job market each time there's a semester break? Yeah right!
What's our recourse?
And for the record finding a job to help subside some of the financial differences and get through school, isnt the easiest thing to do in this economy.
Anyone who honestly believes that veterans should “suck it up” as it applies to the changing of this bill……. It’s because of people like YOU that the govt can go back on their word. YOU allow it. A bunch of dumb sheep that will follow whoever gets the most publicity. I DEFINITELY couldn’t go back on MY contract to serve, why can they go back on their contracts? If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have joined.
Because they are the big cheese, the green weiney, uncle sam, the boss. They can do whatever they want and feel like they can get away with it. There has to be some way to fix this bull crap. I sure the hell didn't sign up for my health.
Why in the hell are they giving spouses money for books in the first place. They didn't sign up for the service, they don't get up at 5am and do PT in the rain and mud, they don't deploy. I don't want to hear that BS about a spouse being the hardest job in the military, because it's not. I've been on both ends and I'll tell you, being a spouse (even of a deployed SM) is not as hard as actually being in those boots. Quit giving our money to those who didn't earn it.
Amen about the spouses. i too have been a mil. spouse and active duty myself. I believe that spouses should get a yearly scholarship based on their grades ( as a vet could get a failing grade and loose funding) and it should be around $1000 a year-no more. this is because alot of us vets are still going without proper funding to go to college. I became lifethreateningly ill the last 6 yrs of my gi bill-lost all that money for college, was denied a rebuttal to be allowed to get some of those benefits back due to several hospitalizations and it was denied. Now because I was not a post 9/11 vet I don't qualify for ANY funding to go to college! I am just like a non veteran. Yet I know spouses who get so much help to go to school. I am homeless to boot and am paying myself to get schooling. That is unfair and I intend on raising a stink about it-we do need to insist on stopping the waste and re-diverting the money to ACTUAL vets only. We should be proactive.
Not to be selfish, to think of the future. I would like to see the benefits actually kick in… to show something rather then the red tape and application paper case that in-sued since my Honorable discharged in "06 cause I just recently attempted to follow -up again searching assistance for service related injuries as well as injures said to be not covered under Workers Compensation Laws. I have been recently terminated while on medical restriction and the hardship is intensified by the lack of determination on whether or not I am even eligible for Unemployment compensation. The bottom line is I have served selflessly to do the right thing in hopes?… the help / the promise of the "Benefits!"
in the case of my husband, who was training and or deployed for most of his 24 years, he was rarely given the option for college. He gave 110 % as well as i did during those years and at the time he joined he was not given the GI bill. it only became an option later in his career. Our son is now college age and unable to utilize the investment my husband thought he was making in his education. It is not always the fault of the soldier that education is not used during their active duty. Given the MOS my husband held, he was told what schools to attend and given very little chance to get anything else. I feel if he served his time, served his country, served in combat overseas more than once, he should have the right to decided what to do with his GI bill invesment. Either allow him to transfer it or give him the value of the $ 1200 investment plus interest back. simple.
If this is fair then why is it that FOR PROFIT institutions such as ITT Tech, Phoenix, etc are still FULLY covered? Nonetheless for those that had their tuition covered by the original 9/11 and entered a program with the notion that they would be covered are now having the rug pulled out from under them, a grandfather clause should be legislated and the for profit schools should not have their exemption and privilage
I never expected to get this benefit dumped in my lap. I retired with 30 years of active service in 2007 so I am "entitled" to the full benefit. I already have a Bachelor of Science and 2 Master's degrees. I'm 55 years old. Do I need it. Hell no. Would I love to be able to transfer it to my spouse who traipsed around the world with me and put up with a hell of a lot over 30 years as a military spouse. Hell yes. Seems fair to me since I can go out and get another Master's degree or work towards a PHD ….and draw fully retired pay….and collect BAH while going to school. Just seems odd ….wish I could transfer it.
After 24 yrs of service I retired in early 2009. I just started using my Post 9/11 GI benefits and I find them absolutely life saving. Lets face it, the job market is not exactly screaming for new workers. So back to school I went. I have not received my first BAH installment but I did get a letter today stating that it had been reduced by $12.00 per month. I find that to be very acceptable. I am considerate of those who have come to depend on the full rates but lets face it, we need to ensure that all Vets get to use this program. I did feel shorted when I retired and discovered that all the changes that took place, in retirement and medical, after I signed my military contract reduced my take home retirement pay by $400.00 per month. The GI Bill helps to smooth out the feathers. We were a team when we were active duty; its even more important that we take care of each other now. No matter what it takes……
"this change was made to free up money to help pay for expanding the benefit to include National Guard members", lol. it's good and bad basically. now we can get at least some money for on line degree programs. I always made sure my GI bill calender stops when I'm not attending school, so the changes don't really bother me. Since I work full time I may just switch to an on line program and get half.
scorpio0679 you have no idea what is going on…. I go to a private school. You tell the 200 Vets at my school how fair it is when we all half to leave after August.
Yellow ribbon will not cover the 9k loss we just took. I am almost a junior. Its nice to see if I switch to ASU they will drop me back down to a freshman. They will not take all of my credits. So this is a total screw job. Yea you give 400k more soldiers benefits and screw the ones using them in the process nice. There really needs to be a grandfather clause put into the post 9/11 gi bill 2.0.
I encourage anyone affected negatively to right there congressman.
I'm not judging, but I would be grateful if ASU would accept me as a freshman if I wrote like that.
i think they need to give up there half off their pay to the actual Vets, They all ready made money by doing nohting, All they care about it to take more money for them, other then to give to does that are out in a middle off a war, or does that were in there shoes… Politics are just full off crap, if the president really wants to make a change he should start by redusing in side the politicions, and go down the list Politicians dont really need 4 house or 20 cars and trips around the world for free….that would defenetly change the way they think when they cant have everything.
Ol Sarge, you are right on. I served 22 years, and I deserve what they promised me in my enlistment contract, no more no less, especially at the expense of my own children/spouse and definitely not others.
A lot of people on their high horse are calling people whiners here. That's an incorrect assessment. People were promised something, and they altered their lives around that promise.
Most veterans are trying to get degrees to better their lives. I was working, and never planned on using the MGIBILL that I paid into. When the 9/11 Gi Bill came up, it seemed like a real option to earn a degree. I left my job after careful consideration, and numerous discussions with VA education counselors. I enrolled full time, and had planned to attend summer school to achieve my degree, sooner. Here we are, three semester in, and I'm worrying about finding a job in between semester breaks. Are you kidding me? Between spring and summer semester, there's probably a two week break, where am I going to work for two weeks? What's going to happen is, a lot of veterans will end up having to drop school, because financial obligations will end up trumping their lives, and they'll need to work full time. My bills don't go away on semester breaks! I planned my schooling around the assurances of the original 9/11 Gi Bill!
Tuition assistance? Are you kidding me? When did you have time as a combat soldier to go to school while serving active duty? Try telling your unit about attending school while your battle buddies are going to field trainings, preparing for combat. Let's see… Do I want to take classes or miss out on training that will save my life?
No one's getting over but the senators and politicians!
I didn't complain when my battle buddies were blowing up around me, and I didn't stop doing my job. I signed up during a time of war, and I resigned myself to combat for my enlistment period. They didn't even have POST 9/11 Gi Bill when I was serving!
People planned their lives around the assurances of BAH, in order for them to attend school full time. Damn right I'm pissed off!
You can't use the 9/11 Gi Bill unless you're in a degree program!
So, for the people who think I'm whining! Get over yourselves, jerks!
The CH 31 Prgram is not going well for me. ALso, Do not go GCU (Grand Canyon Online) online school in AZ. In addition, I am waiting for my CH 31 VA payments for tuition to them from the CH 31 program none yet since mid-last year. Also, the VA Regional office in Oakland put me 3/4 rate when I am taking 12 units per semester. I was full time rate. Just blind-sided me with the down grade rate and they change counselors all the time between Oakland and Sacramento VA office. I am always guessing with no transparency at all. Wish it was smooth but, they are not for the VETs or some I see. You can tell when they talk to you trying to hang you up.
The CH 31 Prgram is not going well for me. ALso, Do not go GCU (Grand Canyon Online) online school in AZ. In addition, I am waiting for my CH 31 VA payments for tuition to them from the CH 31 program none yet since mid-last year. Also, the VA Regional office in Oakland put me 3/4 rate when I am taking 12 units per semester. I was full time rate. Just blind-sided me with the down grade rate and they change counselors all the time between Oakland and Sacramento VA office. I am always guessing with no transparency at all. Wish it was smooth but, they are not for the VETs or some I see. You can tell when they talk to you trying to hang you up.
Looking for ideas!
I am the spouse of a veteran and am currently conducting a policy analysis on the G.I. Bill 2.0. I am focused on the changes made to the BAH. Additionally, I am planning to take action to help bring awareness to the gap in services in regards to the loss of break pay.
If anyone has any useful ideas or suggestions on ways I can take action, I would greatly appreciate the help.
And of course, thank you for your service to our country.
All you former National Guard AGR soldiers and airman… do not get to excited about the 9/11 GI Bill 2.0 just yet. I am a retired AGR soldier with 3 years of regular active duty and 18 years of AGR. I was AGR the day 9/11 happened and retired from the military 26 months later (AGR). I was just notified by the VA that my service does not qualify me for benefits. I am appealing and will let the blog know the results of the appeal.
We asked the business men where you were from and what type of business they were doing because of the delays and the vagrancy. They can hold out with all kinds of supply orders and acess. We had those things also but what looked like melanies men took them. then they continued to intimidate us and injury is quite obvious. There is no sense talking to them about this because they just say they don't know what I am talking about andwow youre losing me I don't know what you are talking about! plus their legion trying to influence the populace with their associations and intimidation! If I live or die they still will have to face the facts to their people. If the world is hurt we all have ourselves to blame. After I made this statement their kids said I don't care if I die, or Iam not afraid o die. Are they being threatened? You have ruined the bigger share of my life 58 years the best are gone. Dieing is sometimes a blessed thing for the relief of a soul to exhausted and hurt to continue on. really it is! Yet the brat continues. You already know you would have a difficult time convincing mine and others tha t I am a bad brat!!!
The saying heavy handedness mean some one who is a thief like willingness to amnipulate other people.
I am glad for this oportunity to tell you another side of this story about benefits, the women who said she had trouble getting benefits for her and her children. Market is business and it takes sacrifices to keep up business .. the service is an aid to our countries business. It is for the benefit of all in the interior . What do you think it did when so many said they were american and you and I know they were not. ones with legion materials and the roo.too much of it.No One country can do it all. . Sometimes legion persons take men and force their intentions . at gun point while we see. that does scare businessmen what else is there. another why give one what belongs to another! It is not the being female. It is the caluse many have. kidnapping is wrong! condoning it is wrong! skidrow!!!nasty stuff! It is the responsibility of there own to control their legion without endangering others. deception is caluseness.. We had so much waiting. I wish it were better!
If they think an area is distressed they sometimes do offer help in ways to help people home. sometimes itis for a short time.untill the business clears his dealings. isn't this true? I am more concerned as any business man or women with recovering what was taken from me so I can go home. I don't mind working I love good work. But they deliberately took things that would cause certain circumstances beyond the controll of anyone. identity is connected to all facits of your life. That is being under the iron too long. Iron by definition is some one elses philosophy on living.mls we know how to live I told them I was a good person I knew how to live.
truthfully it is youre companies that finance education,I just did not want to be far from home with out reason nor hurt the ones I loved and would work with. We do pay for these things. we were in the processes of setting aside funds for these things when I was rudely whisked away from them. I know there is a lot of uneasiness untill we have agreed and signatures sealed by many of us. I have felt badly for our partners in all of this. I don't know how he managed but I expect we will survive. mls by the way thank you!!
All I can say I don't see a whole lot of good in this new bill I'm getting more screwed than before…
I cant complain. Got an AA degree my last two years on active duty. Got my BS using VOC REHAB. Last year I enrolled in Post 9-11 and I am geting another AA in Industrial Electronics and Electricity. People you have got to use these benifits now, don't wait. Congress can and will change their minds. What is promised today may not be around later. Last year I received full BAH for 7 hours per semester, now it will be cut in half. But all in all still better than getting a loan. Do not stop saving for your kids education because who knows what the political enviroment may be years from now.
There are some of us that went to war in 1991-1992 We were suppose to carry-out a nearly perfect war, we did our best since the last mejor war we were involved was NUM , We went trough hell to set a print for future wars in the Midle Est, back then there was nothing set up greed veterans. I fougt a war like those from post 9/11 and I can trasnsfer my GI Bill to my dependents. I could not use it my self due to my disavilities so where is my money I payed in to it?
I don't care if there is people going to school that have to work 3/2 jobs. I went to IRAQ and SERVED my country which they did not do! I signed up to get these benefits! You were told you would get this and then there is a cut. Well what-else are they going to cut further down the line the BAH rates lower, only 500 a year for school books, or will its be only 15,000 for a whole year. I was so happy with what I got and didn't complain at all. I was happy to get the money during the week-half break. I'd rather them cut the book money! I wish I could of keep the Gi Bill 1.0 and this new one just decline the benefits for online school since I don't plan on doing that. But during that break that I get in between my semesters I'll take an online class, and hopefully I will get at least a little extra money.
VETS SHOULD GET THE SAME AS SALARY BENIFITS AS CONGRESS DOES THE VET DOES THE BLEEDING/DIEING/SUFFERING FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIFE FORE YOUR FREEDOM CONGRESS IS TREATED LIKE ROYALITY