New GI Bill Could Bring More College Benefits

Financial Flop heard around the world. Now with the whole economy in the toilet, I wonder how this is going to alter any proposed plans for corrective measures taken to aid in college tuition for ANY military vets regardless of pre-post 9/11. I've been out since just before 9/11 (that's my birthday too actually). Family and other obligations have kept me from persuing my own interests up to this point. Now that I get a chance to persue my education, I am absolutely frightened at the idea that it won't happen at all. I must understand that we are all in this together though, I like the idea of the University of choice (whichever that be) lowering their cost to veterans. This would be an excellent idea in my opinion. Hopefully it's not a pie in the sky idea though. If the military loses retention because of it, then at least they are not spending all the money it would take to put a student through a 4 year University and possibly housing food at full price. I would love it if they did, but I understand now more than ever that money is not growing on the branches. We need the money in so many places it's not funny at all. The money saved by the military in the joint scratching of backs by the University/Government/Military could be used for bells and whistles on re-enlistment bonuses for those who decide to stay in. All that said, I hope I can go to school at all. This is a bad time for us all, in the finance department as well as hope for a good future.

G.Johnson of CA 9:30PM December 05, 2008

I have recently separated from active duty Air Force. I have served over ten and a half years and I have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and several aster locations many times. I was one out of five females in the Air Force to fly as a Combat Search and Rescue Flight Engineer, aboard the HH-60G Pave Hawk.

I separated for various reasons, one major reason to finish my schooling. It was very difficult flying in combat and trying to study at the same time.

Since enrolling with the VA, I have realized that the system is very boggled down and not user friendly. I constantly have to call and make sure my paperwork is in check or not misplaced. I also have realized that my benefits are not covering the cost of a full-time student and I am paying out of pocket. I am truly frustrated. I have even tried to apply for Federal Student Grants, with no success.

You would think after serving so much time on active duty, putting my life on the line in combat numerous times, leaving family behind, dedicating my skills and life to the Air Force, I would be able to receive some kind of break for school from the government. The very government I fought to defend.

It tears me up to see the best of the very best, leaving active duty because there is a lack of benefits, poor standards and treatment, and high ops-tempo with no relief in sight for all branches of service. It is no wonder the personnel numbers are crashing. I was one of those best of the best and in a very elite flying position, as a female.

Now I look back and think why did I give so much - for what? Why as a combat veteran, do I have to scrimp for college and try to make ends meat. I have earned the right to further my education, regardless of the cost – period.

Annette of MI 1:45PM June 30, 2008

I really hate that the reason President Bush is against this is because it means the military would have to pony up better re-enlistment bonuses and so forth. What a pompous d*ck. I actually thought of re-enlisting and you know what the government had to offer me? Not a damn thing. And I was trained in an MOS that was hurting for people at the time. . .and still is. They would take me back in a heartbeat (I was told by my recruiter). But guess what? They weren't even giving out bonuses. So don't whine about people wanting to get out and get their education if the benefits increase. Maybe if the government would take care of soldiers in the first place they wouldn't want to find any reason to get out.

Elizabeth of AR 11:21AM June 29, 2008

This is long overdue and a small payback to those that serve. the Enlisted military is Middle to lower class and carry the load for the country. If this war is so popular why did I not see Many Harvard or Yale grads in Iraq. To say it is an all volunteer force is not totally true. Many were not allowed to leave and many with 10 or more years do not want to give up a retirement they have worked for.

They should have taxed those making 500k or more. The rich know they wont have to sent their kids to war. Much like the Civil war or Vietnam you could just buy your way out or go to College. A similar path that most Neo conservative republicans took. I am a 23 retired E-9 and am very happy this is close to getting approved. I was told by several leaders in the military that they did not want to approve the transfer of benefits because they knew many would not use the full GI bill and that was built into the funding. Then they would allow transfer to kids or spouse in critical career fields. In essence, using my payment of $1200 into the GI bill fund to act as a reenlistment bounds in critical career fields. my money goes to the kids of SP Ops troops to get them to stay in the military but not my kids. If those that fight the war are so important and the wars are so important then they need support. I was a dedicated republican but no more. when saw the money that is wasted in Iraq in my two tours, it would make you sick. KBR and Hallaburton contractors making outrages wages and charging insane prices for service and young troops making a fraction of that. This is long overdue, and should allow us in the middle to make it to the next level. Thx to Senator Webb, he is the only person really looking out for the troops.

of IL 8:49AM June 27, 2008