RE: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,135109,00.html

It is only the right thing to do!

Many branches but one brotherhood!

I concur Chief.

quote:

Originally posted by USMarine40:
I concur Chief.

Top o' the mornin' to you Steve. Semper Fi!

Many branches but one brotherhood!

The same to you Ralph. Thank you.

Morning, Ralph and Steve, though it's afternoon, just, here in a sort of bright and sunny UK. Ralph, was noticing your profile photo last night--Have you found the fountain of youth?? On the GI Bill, well, don't see any reason why the benefits shouldn't be extended indefinitely. Can anybody else think of a reason for a cut off date? I sure can't.

quote:

Originally posted by TPCAT:
Morning, Ralph and Steve, though it's afternoon, just, here in a sort of bright and sunny UK. Ralph, was noticing your profile photo last night--Have you found the fountain of youth?? On the GI Bill, well, don't see any reason why the benefits shouldn't be extended indefinitely. Can anybody else think of a reason for a cut off date? I sure can't.

Mornin' Oops, afternoon Jim. Foutain of youth? Yup! Shaved 49 years off overnight. Problem is, when I look in the mirror some how the 49 years are right back there.

No, I never agreed with cut off dates for GI Bill benefits. The amounts are set by the bill you are entitled under, so it is not like the vet is going to get more money out of it. They will jsut have to be a little more "tight fisted" the longer they wait to use it.

Many branches but one brotherhood!

It is just like the Nam vets. We had the same 10 years. the only difference is that the new Montgomery is partially paid by the service member. If they are not able to complete their educational benefits, or not even use them period, they should be reimbursed for all the monies they paid in. Otherwise it is a situation whereby congress is keeping monies that does not belong to them.
When I went beck to school on the Viet benefits, I was not able to sign up until I had been off active duty for almost 6 years, and as result had lost the majority of those educational benefits. Since I did not pay into the program, other than four years of service and a tuor and a half in country, I had not a leg to stand on as to loss of benefits. However, these persons on the new bill have paid into the program and should have unlimited time to use those benies. Remember the WWII vets had unlimited funds and were even paid a monthly stipend without paying into the system. All they had to do was be accepted into an institution of higher learning and the taxpayer paid the total bill. No wonder the vast majority of WWII vets got degrees and higher degrees. the most highly educated veteran population, after service, in the history of the military.
Just like the fact that the government told us that if we were injured in the serice of our country, the VA was compelled to take care of us, LIE. The SUPREME COURT even deemed that that promise was invalid since it was not accompanied by a Congressional order or legislation to that affect. Exactly why so many legislators are Lawyers. Lawyers by definition are LIARS. Politicians by definition are ACCOMPLISHED LIARS.
Government of the People, and for the People, and by the People, went out with the trash shortly after Lincoln made his speech. Or was it just an idea not backed by accuality?
the biggest problem the People face is the overburdening Bureaucracy started by none other than the "God" of so many in the 30's, nad today, FDR.
McCarthy was right, he just looked in the wrong place. It was in the Congress, not in the media and entertainment fields, and continues in the Congress which has pulled the other two into their fold.
Since the Revolution, this Nation has treated its Vets worse than any other Nation on Earth, past or present, win or lose, and will continue to do so at the direction of the Legislative Branch, the self serving "Keepers of the Purse".

As to Veteran's benefits and programs, either make them with an indefinite period or do away them with them totally and stop LIE used as a recruiting tool.

quote:

Since the Revolution, this Nation has treated its Vets worse than any other Nation on Earth, past or present, win or lose, and will continue to do so at the direction of the Legislative Branch, the self serving "Keepers of the Purse".

Just remember MacArthur, Hoover and the Bonus Army . . . Just another broken promise from Congress . . . Anybody know if that "Bonus" from the First World War was ever paid? I've never read that it was.

quote:

Originally posted by DEANEGILMOUR:
I was not able to sign up until I had been off active duty for almost 6 years, and as result had lost the majority of those educational benefits. Since I did not pay into the program, other than four years of service and a tuor and a half in country, I had not a leg to stand on as to loss of benefits.

Remember the WWII vets had unlimited funds and were even paid a monthly stipend without paying into the system. All they had to do was be accepted into an institution of higher learning and the taxpayer paid the total bill. No wonder the vast majority of WWII vets got degrees and higher degrees. the most highly educated veteran population, after service, in the history of the military.

Mornin' Deane, I wanted to address two things if your post.

One, you must have had a lousy VA rep at teh schoiol you went to. once you were enrolled in a college it was very easy to get an extension so as not to lose your remaining benefits.

Two, WWII vets did not have it all that good. They did not have a opne check book. Thye had a "set" amount each month just like we had. What the Government did do for them was to build "quanset hut" housing on/near many campuses for the vets to live in rent free. Not that a quanset is the lap of luxery. We have one of these at Santa Rosa Community College in Santa Rosa California. BTW, most of the vets had to go attend community college to afford the first two years, and at that they or tehir wife had to work. Then they had to work while they went to the 3rd and 4th years at a four year school. And part time shcool??? Most (if not all) colleges were only full time back then. I played with a lot of the kids who lived at Santa Rosa JC, and they did not have it so good.

Just thought you would like some first hand from a "kid" who saw it.

Many branches but one brotherhood!

quote:

Originally posted by TPCAT:

quote:

Since the Revolution, this Nation has treated its Vets worse than any other Nation on Earth, past or present, win or lose, and will continue to do so at the direction of the Legislative Branch, the self serving "Keepers of the Purse".

Just remember MacArthur, Hoover and the Bonus Army . . . Just another broken promise from Congress . . . Anybody know if that "Bonus" from the First World War was ever paid? I've never read that it was.

Thanks for responding to that Jim, I knew there was one more thing I wanted to address.

Actually, our vets are treated much better tahn most other countries. OUr current VA medicxal fiasco is a national shame, as was the "War Bonus." But compared to the rest of the world we are treated very well. The problem I see is that compared to other entitlements in this country, we are treated shabbily.

Many branches but one brotherhood!

I think it's a great idea!! I am happy someone else is trying to make sure that the vets are taken care of. I know that my MGIB is on hold, and has been put on hold, several times for unforeseen events the Army does to you! The first time was when I deployed to Iraq, the second time was being sent to Combat Medic School, and now because I started a new job in a new city. It is just a matter of time before I start back, but the comfort in knowing it will still be there for me is rewarding. Rock on Maria Cantwell!!
My old rep from Florida (John Mica) is the same way... he has pushed for several bills and wrote several bills that were designed to help the soldiers returning from Iraq. These are the stories you rarely ever read about. It's a shame, too. Glad to see military.com is not completely bias on focusing on the bad news.

In today's world to stay competitive in the job market, a person almost has to be going back to school throughout their working life. With that in mind, I would fully agree with having no time limits for a veteran to use their educational benefits under the GI Bill. Matter of fact, I wouldn't mind if there was a clause in the bill, that if a veteran didn't use his/her benefit, that they could pass them on to their spouse or children. Have a friend of mind who retired from the Navy and has a daughter who'll be graduating from high school this year and plans to go to college. Believe me, he would certainly appreciate, since he isn't going to be using the benefit, that his daughter could use it. Either way, in the long run, America benefits.

When going to College under the GI Bill after Vietnam + a few years, I only had 4 years to complete the education while working full time nights as I was married.

I had 1 year (24 hours) to complete when thay extended the bill an additional year for Vietnam and Vietnam Era vets.

Because of that I made it through.

When you return, there is certainly a period of adjustment.

I entered the Californi State JC and University system at 26 and graduated at 31.

We must keep this and other benefits and educate our veterans up front as to what their bill provides for them so they can make conprehensive decisions.

I was fortunate, a peer counselor from El Camino had made it her mission to get all the vets she could to attend and went to my door to explain to me that i was at the point of use it or lose it. She guided me through everything including getting my benefits.

I don't remember her name, but I pray for her. As I look back, she did me a great service and many like me.

God bless her.

Semper Fidelis

I was in the Guard and received the GI bill. You have to use it while you're in the Guard, once you're out it is done. I used mine for a year and thought I could finish up and get out and go to school full time, I was wrong. Guess I should have read the contract a little better...

I hope this goes through. I was one who the 10 years ran out on. I would really like to be able to use my benefits.

quote:

Originally posted by Lil_Bit_of_196th:
I think it's a great idea!! I am happy someone else is trying to make sure that the vets are taken care of. I know that my MGIB is on hold, and has been put on hold, several times for unforeseen events the Army does to you! The first time was when I deployed to Iraq, the second time was being sent to Combat Medic School, and now because I started a new job in a new city. It is just a matter of time before I start back, but the comfort in knowing it will still be there for me is rewarding. Rock on Maria Cantwell!!
My old rep from Florida (John Mica) is the same way... he has pushed for several bills and wrote several bills that were designed to help the soldiers returning from Iraq. These are the stories you rarely ever read about. It's a shame, too. Glad to see military.com is not completely bias on focusing on the bad news.

Mornin' Angela, I applaude you returning to school.

Many branches but one brotherhood!

This friday 11 may, at 64 yrs old, after 24 yrs of military service, 10 yrs of working at a job in this area (that went to asia) and 1 heart attack, 3 heart caths, 2 angios, 3yrs of unemployment, 2 yrs of abject poverty and NO help from vet benefits....I will walk across the stage at my college that I have been attending for 2 1/2 yrs to get my degree in Electrical/Industrial technology. Now if only I can figure out how to repay 3 yrs of massive debt accumulated in the process. I DID IT!

Those benefits will be taken back by the PC govt and given to a illegal immigrant.

quote:

Originally posted by cleaneduphippy:
In today's world to stay competitive in the job market, a person almost has to be going back to school throughout their working life. With that in mind, I would fully agree with having no time limits for a veteran to use their educational benefits under the GI Bill. Matter of fact, I wouldn't mind if there was a clause in the bill, that if a veteran didn't use his/her benefit, that they could pass them on to their spouse or children. Have a friend of mind who retired from the Navy and has a daughter who'll be graduating from high school this year and plans to go to college. Believe me, he would certainly appreciate, since he isn't going to be using the benefit, that his daughter could use it. Either way, in the long run, America benefits.

About friggin' time!

I agree it should be open to all vets for as long as it takes, however that 1,200 bucks up front is a bit too much, who is paying who for what?