tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post2844853996243616875..comments2024-02-09T00:13:51.906-06:00Comments on Army of Dude: Here to There: Tips and Tricks for the Student VeteranAlex Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-15979731719514705872010-01-25T10:31:54.494-06:002010-01-25T10:31:54.494-06:00I graduated from a Liberal Arts College in 2000 an...I graduated from a Liberal Arts College in 2000 and most of the kids in my classes had very few experiences outside of the comfort of their small home towns. As I became more and more frustrated hearing them ramble on about subjects they thought they were so knowledgeable about, I began to speak up. <br /><br />If you pay attention closely enough, especially in the history and political science classes, you'll find tons of opportunities to jump in and share the knowledge you gained while serving in military. If you're not comfortable at first telling people you were in the military, you don't have to. For me, I simply said things like, "when I was in Iraq, enemy soldiers were surrendering by the dozens." I didn't have to mention that I was in the military.<br /><br />Finally, I became comfortable sharing that fact with people, and like you said, you have to do it with a certain degree of humility. Choose your words wisely!<br /><br />Being in college is a great time to take the time to reflect on your experiences in war and to apply what you learned there to the rest of the world. You will be amazed at how you will come to form new beliefs and philosophies. <br /><br />Enjoyed reading your story.Carlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09317977248632646700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-31161997059611671882010-01-15T19:10:08.014-06:002010-01-15T19:10:08.014-06:00Another avenue that Disabled Vets can pursue is th...Another avenue that Disabled Vets can pursue is the VAs Vocational Rehabilitation program (CH 31 I beleive), which can pay for a degree. I retired a year ago and am attending a trade school that Chapter 33 won't cover and my Ch 30 bennies weren't covering the bill. So, I went thru Voc Rehab, got approved and my tuition is paid for directly from the VA. I also receive a monthly stipend and will have all my tools (anywhere from 10-15k worth)paid for once I get a job. Vets with 20% or higher ratings should really look into this; they paid my tuition bill retroactively. YMMV. SGT Ted says "check it out".SGT Tedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00184808889760136366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-65759780714229787942010-01-12T14:21:44.625-06:002010-01-12T14:21:44.625-06:00TRACEY,
I don't know the answer to that ques...TRACEY, <br /><br />I don't know the answer to that question, but I have not heard of anyone collecting back pay on their housing allowance. The logical solution would be to issue back pay since the day you submitted your paperwork, but I don't know if that is a reasonable suggestion. I know they do that with disability claims, however.Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-83434325926793201532010-01-11T20:23:57.098-06:002010-01-11T20:23:57.098-06:00Just getting started with school under the chapter...Just getting started with school under the chapter 33...if it takes so long for the BAH do they atleast give you back pay for the wait??Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02398330603870958299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-673724734518122612010-01-08T12:21:50.478-06:002010-01-08T12:21:50.478-06:00Props for what you're doing for your fellow ve...Props for what you're doing for your fellow vets Alex. Pattie's right: you're an excellent teacher/leader.<br /><br />Thanks for everything you've done and continue to do.membrainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01527550651850993396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-24134736860499992362010-01-08T11:26:23.521-06:002010-01-08T11:26:23.521-06:00Alex,
Thanks for spreading this information regard...Alex,<br />Thanks for spreading this information regarding VA and the New GI Bill. I have some additional things to add.<br /><br />I understand that all students dealing with the VA for the education money are upset and they should be...they were promised the moon and can't get it because of the many delays and inadequate computer systems. But I do ask that you don't get mad at the people that answer the phone or the web inquiries, they are only doing the job they were told to do. They are not the ones that created the new GI Bill as complicated as it is to administrate, nor were they the ones that didn't plan well enough to anticipate the huge influx of students taking advantage of the new GI Bill. Your elected officials were the ones that created it and the Veterans Benefits Administration in Washington DC big wigs are the ones that didn't plan well enough nor give the employees that process the claims the tools to make quick and accurate decisions.<br /><br />So please do not cuss or yell at VA employees, they completely understand the student's issues but they don't have the power to fix anything. Currently they are being micro managed and working many hours of over time trying to process the education claims as dictated by DC.<br /><br />Please complain to your elected officials.<br /><br />Also, Alex is very correct in that you need to keep in constant contact with your School Certifying Officials. They are not VA employees. They are school employees and generally were forced to add the VA duties to their normal school duties. I also ask that you don't yell or cuss at them either. If you have a complaint about a school certifying official, please use the chain of command at the school. Sometimes they do have the wrong person in the job and the bosses need to be made aware of the problems. <br /><br />Use every financial aid package or student loan made available to you. It is better to have more money then not enough. Use the financial aid package until you receive your VA money and then use the VA money to pay back the loans you took out. Currently VA is 10-12 weeks behind in processing enrollments. If it has been 10 weeks from the date that the certifying official submitted the enrollment certification, contact the VA through their web inquiry system. I hate to say it, but things do get overlooked and not placed in the correct "que" to be worked.<br /><br />Once last thing to mention, the education benefits are yours and you must take ownership of those benefits. You must keep copies of every letter that the VA sends to you and you need to ensure that VA has all the information regarding your claim that is needed. If you have not submitted an application, VA can't process the enrollment certification submitted by the school. If you have changed schools or programs, you need to submit a change form to the VA; again, VA won't be able to process the enrollment certification. Do not rely on the school official to be your personal assistant, they are only required to do their job and that is to obtain the necessary information to submit the enrollment certification to the VA and report any changes to the submitted enrollment certification. <br /><br />Which reminds me....VA pays for grades that go toward your GPA and for your attendance. If you receive grades that don’t go toward your GPA, such as a "W", VA will make you pay the money back. If you stop attending class, the certifying official is required to report that to the VA. So please make good grades and attend all of your classes. Remember your professors and advisors are not aware of VA regulations and sometimes their advice doesn't agree or is in your best interest for our pocket book (VA money).<br /><br />Good grades and attendance is the key to preventing overpayments. Being proactive and planning is the key to not being a victim of the VA red tape.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-42496650935674043022010-01-02T16:07:04.418-06:002010-01-02T16:07:04.418-06:00Pattie,
You're right about the classes, I'...Pattie,<br /><br />You're right about the classes, I'd typically abscond from my homework in favor of computer games and history texts. The only classes that seemed to interest me were history and geography, and my favorite, American Wars. Everything else was too simple (English) or too frustrating (Algebra). I managed to fail English twice in four years, a crowning achievement in a lackluster high school career.<br /><br />My decision on St. Edwards is mostly due to convenience and geography. The University of Texas doesn't have a global studies/international studies major, but St. Edwards does - and it's very close to home. They don't require an Algebra credit (just college level math) and my major requires a semester abroad. You can't really beat that. I also think smaller classrooms suit me better than a large auditorium. Also, my dad is an Aggie and would never live down having a Longhorn son.Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-13387865971017420772010-01-02T15:33:28.851-06:002010-01-02T15:33:28.851-06:00Great post, as usual. Have ya noticed you've ...Great post, as usual. Have ya noticed you've a bit of the educator in you?<br /><br />Kinda surprised to hear about your GPA. I'm thinking you were the kid who spent lots of quality time on things that interested him and less on Algebra and English; "2. Where's my green at?" Just sayin'... ;)<br /><br />And I bet History saved your GPA 'cause you know way more about that than the average person anywhere.<br /><br />How did you decide on St Edwards? Guessing again but I'd bet my next check that you've thoroughly considered all the possibilities. Good habit to get into. As the VA has taught you, life can be full of complications and the greatest favor you can do yourself is to be prepared. Oh, and about 30 years into it I learned that having a Plan B is a good idea too! <br /><br />~P~Pattie Mathesonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02373955528945373904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-22774447582066799592009-12-30T16:42:02.603-06:002009-12-30T16:42:02.603-06:00Dennis,
Interesting points, and in my next post I...Dennis,<br /><br />Interesting points, and in my next post I'm looking to address the divide you mentioned, why it's there, why it's growing and reasons it should be closing.Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-83103785959494272462009-12-30T16:32:36.294-06:002009-12-30T16:32:36.294-06:00For what it's worth, here was my experience:
...For what it's worth, here was my experience:<br /><br />After 5 years enlisted in the Navy, I got out and went to community college in Saratoga, California, starting in 1979. Two years later, I transferred to CalPoly, SLO for an architecture degree. I spent the last dollar of my savings in the military six months before I graduated, the GI Bill paving most of the way to a five year undergrad degree in architecture. After moving to LA in '85, I apprenticed in architectural offices until I passed my licensing exams and with that in hand I enrolled into art school for a graduate degree (MFA), finally racking up $25k in student loan debt, not so bad considering the norm after all.<br /><br />All of this is to say, hang in there you guys. It'll work out if you fight hard and long enough.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to your next post. I'm still wrapping my head around the schizoid cultural split between the world of high art creative types and the world that fights for freedom. I resist the idea that this split is real or permanent. I think that the two should become one, that the left takes freedom that they exercise for granted and that the right doesn't understand that transgression is the motor for a modernity that they are defending. I think that critical studies owes too much to Marx and that the idea of creative destruction has been taken far too literally (social justice and revolution et al) where it should be properly understood as a metaphor for personal creative revolt. It is this split that is hurting us nationally and worldwide, and the only real challenge for our time is to find a way for the two halves to fit together. <br /><br />I'm interested to see if you have any thoughts along this line.Dennisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-83000096995139032982009-12-29T21:01:16.141-06:002009-12-29T21:01:16.141-06:00Alex,
Big props to you going the CC route and tra...Alex,<br /><br />Big props to you going the CC route and transferring with a strong gpa. I recommend the same path for anybody that has been out of school for any extended period of time. <br /><br />As a matter of fact, I was in a similar situation, low gpa, pathetic SAT (I took it right before I Echo Tango Suitcased my ass out of the Army). Went the CC route and was done with my BBA in 4 years.<br /><br />However, my GI Bill experience was a little different. I had to pay my own tuition first and then get the monthly check from Uncle Sam. (I got out in 1993). So . . . I went to school year-round and kept my full-time load to a minimum my last year and a half to ensure that I used all of the benefit payments. <br /><br />Anyway, I wish you the best and hope the upcoming semester treats you well. Sorry for the crude pic, I just never changed it from when I was commenting on the housing bubble blogs.<br /><br />Be cool.DOPES 2https://www.blogger.com/profile/15396194798879650217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-11116656747195458612009-12-29T20:26:57.582-06:002009-12-29T20:26:57.582-06:00I could go on and on about the VA... I will spare ...I could go on and on about the VA... I will spare you all and resist the urge. Sucks, cause I work there.<br /><br />Just a tidbit... IRIS inquiries get a lot of attention - www.iris.va.gov - they have to be answered within 5 days. <br /><br />The system is flawed, we are just now giving up a DOS-based software system for processing awards... it is only over 40 years old!<br /><br />If any of you have a compensable disability at 20% or more, Chapt 31 Voc-Rehab is the best deal around. I went to DePaul, all tuition, books fees PAID. Even got a stipend (not as much $$$ as BAH), but still a sweet deal.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-82842679949753465162009-12-29T19:37:07.005-06:002009-12-29T19:37:07.005-06:00OH crap, I just had to look here again....and get ...OH crap, I just had to look here again....and get my blood pressure up...The college in the area I'm a cop has finc aid for those who need it. There's no guidelines for specific classes they have to take and they can even fail a few times and still collect a check--right away! <br />I think some VETS may also be able to get finca.aid to help. Worth checking. <br />Don't even start about eh VA hospitals...took me a year to get in after Iraq because my Nat Guard unit didn't know what to do. <br />OK, done venting. I'll be so happy to collect that retirement pay in a few years...CI-Roller Dudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10850472230525879415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-26346300280711118852009-12-29T18:49:31.590-06:002009-12-29T18:49:31.590-06:00Well said.
STILL waiting for my GI BILL $
SIGH......Well said. <br />STILL waiting for my GI BILL $<br />SIGH...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-16420005680839415302009-12-29T18:39:43.178-06:002009-12-29T18:39:43.178-06:00Jason,
As for the second half of your comment, th...Jason,<br /><br />As for the second half of your comment, that would be a great idea. A caseworker directly tied to the VA would take a lot of pressure off the certifying officials to do what they do best: slowly and painfully certify enrollment. They'd be better at answering detailed questions, too.<br /><br />Patrick,<br /><br />That'd be a good place to start as well. The closest thing I have heard to that are veteran only classes. An orientation with the certifying officials and maybe someone from the nearest VA regional office to explain how things go would be a great way to introduce students to the VA system and meet other veterans along the way. Entirely doable.Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-76940422364457213602009-12-29T18:34:50.464-06:002009-12-29T18:34:50.464-06:00Jason,
I suppose I should've explained that m...Jason,<br /><br />I suppose I should've explained that more clearly. Chapter 30 is a better option only if you're in CC and your housing allowance would be really low. Sometimes CC tuition is so cheap that you can recoup the losses of paying tuition up front if you live in a low BAH place (like I do). And if you've almost exhausted 36 months under Chapter 30, you can get 12 months of Chapter 33 on top of that. It all depends on your situation. I'm on Chapter 33 and happy about it.<br /><br />Also, I don't know anything about financial aid so I didn't include it. Feel free to drop a link if you've mentioned it over at your house! <br /><br />Patrick,Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-67717122877747141332009-12-29T17:37:31.831-06:002009-12-29T17:37:31.831-06:00Hi, Thanks for the great posts! I have been in th...Hi, Thanks for the great posts! I have been in the same boat- battling the VA for edu bennies for nearly 5 years! I won't bore you with details of errors and personal battles, but thank god for the internet and other vets! <br />At our school, we have been talking about the idea of starting a free class at all colleges with a VA department for returning vets, and getting them in their right away. It would be about introducing all new students to anyone or anything that they would need during their pursuit of an education- create support networks, have individuals assist with vet needs or point them in the right direction (edu, medical, employment, basically all the promises we heard for so long!), plus allow some grace time to settle into school before the first check comes in... almost like a bridge or orientation class for vets. <br />Have you heard of any other programs like this? Are there? All I got when I got out of the AF was a two hour "from blue to gray" briefing, and was sent on my way. I can't imagine having to have gone through this ten or fifteen years ago. I would have given up for sure.Patrick K.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-53983218802035772902009-12-29T17:16:03.144-06:002009-12-29T17:16:03.144-06:00Alex,
I've learned a bit about those certifyi...Alex,<br /><br />I've learned a bit about those certifying officials in my area, and I think they may be similar across the country. The biggest thing for vet students to keep in mind is that they are not VA employees, but employees of the school. Secondly, most are not even veterans themselves. Lastly, they're usually the schmuck that got roped into the job from some other admin or clerical position. So, like us, they have to go through a learning process. Unfortunately for them and us, learning the VA process is a nightmare, especially when a new system is unearthed. <br /><br />I've been fortunate in both my schools to have squared away certifying officials. At the CC, my official was a veteran student worker who ended up working more than he was student'ing. Like most, he's slow, but he does a great job and he knows the ins and outs of the process. At the University, it's a different story. They're easy to work with, easy to talk to, but they just don't have access to to the information we usually want. If you think of them as just middlemen, then you'll be better off knowing why things don't run so smoothly.<br /><br />The question then is whether or not it would be a good idea for a VA case worker to be staffed at the schools? Give them a workspace and keep them off the school's bankroll, but there as a service to veterans. Would that be more headache or a solution? Is it feasible, on the VA's part, to staff one individual at each CC and University in every VA region?<br /><br />As always, good write-up. However, I'd like to see why you think Ch. 30 is more advantageous than Ch. 33, aside from the lateness. On paper, it's a no brainer to me: BAH ($2152) and Tuition>$1301 per month... also, you should mention some info about the necessity of FAFSA. If veterans live on their own, they are no doubt poor as me. Those with families might be worse off. BUT, that means they are also eligible for some pretty nice monies from Uncle Sam in the form of grants and scholarships. I know my situation is different because of children, but I was receiving $600 a semester in Pell Grants at the CC. With the same situation, I'm getting an extra 0 added to that figure, per QUARTER. <br /><br />Just my .0213 Stoplosshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12271477215225166355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-40018311649662526582009-12-29T17:13:04.156-06:002009-12-29T17:13:04.156-06:00BOHICA seems to be the best advice I can give any ...BOHICA seems to be the best advice I can give any fellow Veterans. My recent update to my Post-9/11 GI Bill Saga blog shows illustrates just how FUBAR things are on my end. I still know veterans that have not seen a single nickel; they are far worse off than I am.Anthony Martinezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08004309738562869114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-30298674773739353832009-12-29T15:01:35.748-06:002009-12-29T15:01:35.748-06:00CI,
I originally started this post as a three par...CI,<br /><br />I originally started this post as a three part series, starting with tips for the VA to improve the communications gap between bureaucrats and students. But the VA knows what they should be doing, they're just unwilling or unable to do it. 200 years and counting!Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-55796014077303878622009-12-29T09:43:06.313-06:002009-12-29T09:43:06.313-06:00When I went to college after my active Army days.....When I went to college after my active Army days...in 1977, the VA was just as screwed up. Part way through my college days, they got computerized...so things got even more screwed up.<br />My first semseter I had to sell everything of value I had to pay for gas and food etc, before my first VA check came. <br />The next place the US Military should invade= Washington DC. Get rid of all the retarded bur-o-crats and politicians that screw up things with half ass programs and laws. <br />OK, I feel better now. But the system is: "200 years of crap unchanged by progress"CI-Roller Dudehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10850472230525879415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-17243712231452719182009-12-29T04:02:46.971-06:002009-12-29T04:02:46.971-06:00As always, I welcome additional pointers and sugge...As always, I welcome additional pointers and suggestions from other veterans who have walked school hallways with assault packs on their shoulders.Alex Hortonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.com