Be careful for assuming you may judge someone incorrectly.

SGT Del Lavature — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:10:18 -0400

I want to take a minute to clarify an earlier post that has created a profound amount of backlash from fellow veterans. First the question: should veterans that served their full 8 years and received an honorable discharge receive additional benefits? How the question should've been presented: Would you support a bill that would grant all veterans that served the military on multiple enlistments and were discharged honorably to receive a once a year stipend in the form of half a percent of their last known base pay on the anniversary of their ETS date?
(This has been interpreted that I'm ungrateful to the military and the VA for the benefits I already recieve) that couldn't be farther from the truth. Every year VA is looking for new ways to support veterans this was merely a suggestion. Much of the backlash and dare I say mockery came from senior NCOs and officers with well deserved retirement benefits. Benefits to which I am well aware that I don't deserve as they were earned for your full pledge to 20 years of service. I am very proud of my full 8 years I spent on active duty. Im even more proud of my two year long deployments to Iraq in support of OIF. I did everything I could to better myself as a soldier and go above and beyond. I never declined a school. So forgive me if I'm a bit offended myself as being looked down upon solely because of a question I proposed. I have thick skin I understand the military way I don't need a basic training timeout card. But please don't judge me based upon your assumption that I was just a lowly E-5 that did his 3 or 4 years for his college money and wants to suck the VA dry. I'm not looking for apologies I just wanted to clarify my previous question. Thanks for reading and thanks to those whom did respond with tact and professionalism.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 28 at 2015 8:20 PM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:20:53 -0400

SGT Del Lavature You'd probably be better off posting this in the original thread, Sarge. You can edit it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:29 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:29:01 -0400

No worries, some guys are just dicks...it shows who they are, not who you are!

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Sep 28 at 2015 10:43 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:43:45 -0400

"Would you support a bill that would grant all veterans that served the military on multiple enlistments and were discharged honorably to receive a once a year stipend in the form of half a percent of their last known base pay on the anniversary of their ETS date? "

No, I would not support that bill. There are already benefits for Soldiers who served and then chose to got out to pursue other ventures. I think the benefits provided at this point are sufficient.

It would be NICE to keep providing more benefits for any number of reasons, but I don't think that 8 years is necessarily any different than 4 years or 12 years. It would also be nice to provide universal health care; reliable, safe, fast, long-distance public transportation; etc etc etc. But that's not in the budget.

So, respectfully, I have to answer with a "No."

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 12:12 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 00:12:08 -0400

I am not sure how it would work out retroactively but I do support some of the proposed retirement changes which would give something to those who got out before 20 years. I don't think anything will change for those already out though.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 2:27 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 02:27:36 -0400

It is a legitimate question and I don't look down on you for asking it. Personally, no I would not support that bill. I still stand on the idea that if an individual expects benefits they should do the twenty. I also would encourage you if you are able, to check out the Guard or Reserve. I don't know what your situation is but it is a great way to finish out your career and have something for the future.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 29 at 2015 10:29 AM

SGT David T. — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 10:29:31 -0400

Personally I oppose this and here is why. Like you I was in over the 8 years and of course got the thank you for your service when I got out and that was about it. ACAP was a joke and didn't really provide any useful information. I never got a job using their so called advice. Now why does any of this matter? Simple, throwing money at the veteran does not fix the problem of vets having a hard time transitioning and finding meaningful employment. I would rather they take the money you propose and actually overhaul the ACAP programs to teach useful things. Lessons like no one really cares that you were in the military and deployed X number of times. How to actually write an effective resume. How to search for jobs. How to interview. Things like that. If a service member does not retire they know up front that once you ETS you are basically cut off. They do not hide that fact at all. With that being said, they need to better prepare the transitioning service member to life on the outside.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Dec 26 at 2016 8:07 PM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:07:03 -0500

The costs of establishing a department and paying the veterans would probably triple the amount that is paid out, so that's a no. I do believe that Veterans who are honorably discharged should have certain fees waived, such as Drivers Licence renewals, Fishing and Hunting licenses and admission to state and local parks. I think there are some states that do that,

Response by PO2 Dave Michniewicz made Mar 27 at 2021 10:39 AM

PO2 Dave Michniewicz — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 10:39:25 -0400

Just to add on, as my father served over 30 years his retirement pay and benefits he honorably earned, I 100% understand retired veterans who may justifiably upset. Until recent changes in the military retirement policy, active duty members now have a choice in how they
Approach reti benefits. I don’t know the exacts but I believe you can keep the traditional retirement plan or opt into to investing into a 401k equilvent so even if you served just 4 years, when you’re discharged and start civilian life you can reinvest in the new companies retirement plan. Like I said, I don’t know the exact policy but I believe that is the gist of the program. I don’t believe of any additional payouts because I knew and agreed to the terms of my contract. I do agree with the new options for retirement because I can immediately start investing in myself, like the old GI bill, even even I only served 4 years. And when I say I I mean the the military in general as I have been out coming on 21 years. This is just my opinion if I had those options when I served. I didn’t and had no problem with having to serve the full 20 and the respect, accomplishment and privileges of knowing I truly earned those benefits.