The FReeper Foxhole - Profiles the GI Bill Education Benefits - Dec 28th, 2002

http://www.gibill.va.gov/education/GI_Bill.htm ^

[kneezles]

We had such good support from the folks driving by. Rarely did anyone ever honk for the peacenicks!!! We only got flipped off once!!!

[kneezles]

We met some really GREAT folks that truly love and support our troops and our President. There will be more pics on the Fort Collins FReep thread later. Afterwards, we were invited to the local VFW hall for a couple of brewskies!

[SAMWolf]

Can't wait to see the pics, kneezles!

[kneezles]

Check them out on the previous posts Sam!

[MistyCA]

I will be back in a little bit....have another errand to do. :)

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Kneezles. Sassymom and you are looking good.

[SAMWolf]

If I didn't get clothes for Christmas I'd be running around nekkid.

[SAMWolf]

Current Military News
Marines Deployed

Staff Sergeant Jimmy Miles with daughters Abigail (L) and Courtney 7 enjoys a last minute hug before boarding a bus at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, December 27, 2002. Some 200 Marines of Combat Service Support Detachment mostly from the 2nd Force Service Support Group pack up their gear to leave Camp Lejeune, North Carolina today as part of support for Operation Enduring Freedom. These marines are 200 of 500 that will be departing Camp Lejeune within days. REUTERS/Randy Davey


Corporal Raul Rodriguez kisses his wife Brianne before boarding a bus at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, December 27, 2002. Some 200 Marines of Combat Service Support Detachment mostly from the 2nd Force Service Support Group pack up their gear to leave Camp Lejeune, North Carolina today as part of support for Operation Enduring Freedom. REUTERS/Randy Davey


Corporal Jeffrey Torrey relaxes as he waits to board a bus at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, December 27, 2002. Some 200 Marines of Combat Service Support Detachment mostly from the 2nd Force Service Support Group pack up their gear to leave Camp Lejeune today as part of support for Operation Enduring Freedom. These marines are 200 of 500 that will be departing Camp Lejeune within days. REUTERS/Randy Davey


Lieutenant Don Tarbell gives a talk to his troops before boarding a bus at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, December 27, 2002. Some 200 Marines of Combat Service Support Detachment mostly from the 2nd Force Service Support Group pack up their gear to leave Camp Lejeune, North Carolina today, for an unknown destination as part of support for Operation Enduring Freedom. REUTERS/Randy Davey

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks for the link, Sam. Good post.

How's everyone doing?

[SAMWolf]

Hi Victoria. Doing fine. How you doing?

[Victoria Delsoul]

Doing great, Sam. Just fantastic! :-)

[SAMWolf]

Good to hear. Made it through Christmas ok then.

[Humal]

SaMWolf,
This is another interesting article. I received my BA under the G.I. Bill as a war orphan (my father served in WWII). It was a Godsend. Without this, I would never have been able to afford to go to college.

[SAMWolf]

I'm glad to hear you were able to take advantage of the GI Bill.

Sorry it had to be under the circumstances you did though.

I thank you father for his service.

[SAMWolf]

GI Bill Available to Active-Duty Sailors
By Michael McLellan, NAVPERSCOM Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Queries received at the Education Program and Services Branch office at Navy Personnel Command suggest that many Sailors aren't aware that if they are enrolled in the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and have completed 24 months of active duty, they may begin to use their MGIB benefits. In fact, active-duty Sailors can use regular MGIB payments or MGIB Top-Up (used with tuition assistance) when taking advantage of their education benefits.

The current MGIB full-time rate is $900 per month for 36 months of benefits. While members may use MGIB after 24 months active duty, they are not fully eligible until they complete 36 full months of active duty. In other words, if for some reason a Sailor who has begun using their benefits after 24 months is discharged prior to reaching 36 months of active duty, he is liable to pay back the government.

Sailors who choose to use these benefits can file claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) by submitting a VA Form 22-1990 (available on DVA's website) by mail or online. MGIB Top-Up benefits TA claims are processed by an initial submission of the VA Form 22-1990, along with a copy of the completed TA form clearly marked "Top-Up." Subsequent Top-Up claims require only a copy of the completed TA form marked "Top-Up." No school certification is required. More information is available at VA's website .

In an effort to clarify some of the more complicated aspects of MGIB, Ms. Kathy Wardlaw, head of the Federally Legislated Education Benefits Branch, provided answers to the following questions:

Is there a difference in payment whether you are on or off active duty?

There may be if you are going to a low-cost school. In-service MGIB benefits are limited to payment of tuition and fees, or the normal rate payable, whichever is less. For example, if you are enrolled half-time in school for a three month term and the tuition and fees are $700 total, you will only be paid $700, but you will be charged 1 and 1/2 month of entitlement (3 months at 1/2 time = 1.5 months). If you were off active duty, you would be paid $450 per month for the three month term (1/2 of the full-time rate is $450), regardless of the cost of the course. Both individuals used 1.5 months of entitlement, but received different amounts. If you are going to a low cost school and plan to secure your MGIB benefits to continue your education when you get off active duty, you may want to consider this.

How is use of Top-Up charged to your MGIB entitlement?

VA will pay the portion of tuition and fees listed on the TA form that the service does not pay. Each fiscal year, they will charge one month of entitlement for each $900 paid in TA. For example, if you have been paid $1,800 in FY-03 for top-up benefits, you will be charged for two months of MGIB entitlement.

Will MGIB pay for my books while I am on active duty?

MGIB is not intended to cover all costs of schooling while you are on active duty. MGIB is limited to tuition and fees while on active duty. When benefits are used off active duty, the MGIB payment can be used for any expenses.

If I use MGIB on active duty, will it affect my ability to transfer it to my dependents?

MGIB transferability was authorized by Congress for certain members in critical skills in exchange for a four-year reenlistment. Only 18 months of benefits can be transferred to dependents. Navy has not yet implemented transferability, but one thing is important to remember: transferability is a retention tool and will not be offered to all members enrolled in MGIB.

[PhilDragoo]

Our Troops Are Awesome bump.

On behalf of Army veteran Ted Maher and his friends on Free Republic, God Bless our troops, our veterans and their families.

Mobilization now to make the world Saddam-free in 2003.

Our thoughts, our prayers, and our flag flying 24/7 lit dusk to dawn for our men and women in uniform.

[SAMWolf]

Hi PhilDragoo. Thanks for the bump.

Our Troops are awesome, they're second to none!

[MistyCA]

LMAO! I am glad someone thinks to get you clothes for Xmas then!

[MistyCA]

I am sorry about your father but glad you were able to benefit from the GI Bill for veteran's children! We appreciate your father's service and know your sacrifice was huge. It's a very sad thing, for sure.

[MistyCA]

Thank you for your post, and thanks for your support of the Foxhole. Good to see you today.