Do veterans deserve more? What else can we offer them?

2016-08-28T09:18:17-04:00

More specifically what I am looking for is a few ways to say thanks to those who made this country what it is today.
Such as zero interest VA home loans
GI bill allowance towards graduate degrees
And
Tax free retirement and active duty pay

What are your thoughts and what benefits would you consider appropriate?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 28 at 2016 9:21 AM

2016-08-28T09:21:40-04:00

Ok so here it goes....... flame suit on, Down vote ready.
NO we do not "deserve more"

We deserve what was promised to us, what we were told would be allowed, available and provided in exchange for doing the job we were hired to do.

And that IS IT. We deserve nothing but that we have earned.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Aug 28 at 2016 9:25 AM

2016-08-28T09:25:09-04:00

As for GI Bill for grad programs,mtheres a new school online that's nonprofit, http://www.uopeople.edu, with nearly free Assoc and Bach, in bus admin, comp sci, and health sci, as well as an MBA. The school ol is DETC accred, not regional accred, I also don't know if it's acceptable to the svcs, industry, and or the VA. That being said, other majors might be added eventually, also, there's apparently no tuition it's run as a nonprofit, with only admin and exam fees, though I don't think they take transfer students last I'd read. I just think such a program could alleviate, if made acceptable to the svcs, industry, and or VA, as well, a large part of the whole ed program for SVC mbrs and or vets. I have other thoughts, however I'd be eager for any ideas about that for now, whenever convenient, hope was of interest, many thanks.

UoPeople - The world's first tuition-freeAccredited Online University

Welcome to the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online, American university. Follow your dreams. Your career starts here.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 28 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-08-28T09:38:07-04:00

Let's begin by giving them all that they were promised before making more promises to be broken

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 9:39 AM

2016-08-28T09:39:16-04:00

I'm all for being state and federal tax-exempt on income if the veteran has retired from the military. Truth is that some states already exempt income tax on their retired vets.

Response by CPO William Jae made Aug 28 at 2016 9:40 AM

2016-08-28T09:40:14-04:00

FREE medical coverage for retirees and spouses.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made Aug 28 at 2016 9:44 AM

2016-08-28T09:44:39-04:00

SGT. We do get many benefits for being a veteran as it is. But they can't pay enough or afford our actually worth to the safety and security of this nation. Without our military we wouldn't be very much. If I could cherry pick two items from your list I would pick zero interest rate on homes and tax free retirement pay. i would also look at Medicare cost to retirees. I was in one of the last groups that offered free medical care for life. This goes back to 1956. As ir is by the time we pay our Medicare there is over $2400 per year. On home loans the interest is more than the prinicple to begin with and it takes a lot of extre money to pay it down so interest ia lower than the primcipal. I wouldn't even mind certain restricitions on these. When you retire for good these could kick in and then so many would not have such a hard life. Lets face it some people are better at saving than other people just like handling money some can't some can.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-08-28T09:53:17-04:00

Congress is not going to spend more money on vets; they are debating now on how much to cut. They are near passage now of legislation to make huge cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, so the fight now is to keep what we have. Many gains can come from state and local governments and through volunteer efforts.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Aug 28 at 2016 9:53 AM

2016-08-28T09:53:35-04:00

Follow through on what is there already Sgt Seth Welch

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Aug 28 at 2016 9:58 AM

2016-08-28T09:58:16-04:00

I have been pondering this very issue for many years. The answer is as complex as the Military Industry. To begin, I am an American. That term means very little to many in society today, even some that are Veterans. But for me it embodies how I was raised and who I am.
Do Veterans deserve more? More of what? The word "More", means something different to everyone.
IMHO, the broad answer to your question is NO and Yes.
They (Military Industry professionals) require an Organized, Efficient and interactive system to provide them with whatever needs they require and agreed to, they require benefits as any human being would.
For some its a job, others a lifestyle. Here lies the Direct No and Yes.

Those WIA, KIA, in service to this Country, should be the ones provided with what I am perceiving you say, "More Benefits".
Others, have gone on to be Moguls of Major Corporations and never looked back.
Others stay and Never Leave.
As for your "Tax Free retirement", I would agree with that only if you are a "Native American Indian Veteran or direct ancestor thereof."
Otherwise, taxes it is, since the beginning of this New experiment called America.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Aug 28 at 2016 10:08 AM

2016-08-28T10:08:46-04:00

Kind of agree with SGM Eric Marquez, we don't deserve "more" until the government is capable of keeping the promises it has already made to us. So far this seems to have been an unobtainable goal. Haven't kept track of GI Bill for a long time, but I used it to obtain a graduate degree; guess that capability has gone away in the current GI Bill?
A zero interest home loan probably isn't realistic. Lenders must be able to make some profit from a VA Home Loan or they simply will stop offering them. The current zero down payment home loan benefit seems to be a pretty good deal but the bureaucracy involved with getting one could certainly be streamlined.
Like the concept of tax free retirement pay. If you believe the statistics on the percentage of veterans vs the total population this could be a benefit that would be easy to implement without bankrupting the government. On the flip side, I don't agree with tax free active duty pay. Remember, the taxes you pay into Social Security and Medicare all factor into the formula that determines what your benefits will be when you retire. You want to be paying into that fund while on active duty to assure getting payments you can live on in retirement, whether or not you also have military retirement, and especially if you don't. If you pay in and then have a non-taxable retirement income you would have a pretty significant benefit from being a veteran.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 10:27 AM

2016-08-28T10:27:30-04:00

We can recognize that the Veteran's "entitlement" is earned. Unlike other entitlements provided by our country are unearned. The Veterans entitlement should have the highest priority. ... Even higher than those provided to our elected servants.

Response by GySgt John O'Donnell made Aug 28 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-08-28T10:32:03-04:00

I agree with the statements of so many of our brethren that we should get what is earned/promised, that seems hard enough to pay for (i.e. healthcare, education, etc). The problem is so many want more, but don't want to work hard for it, or for that matter "use correctly" the benefits are already given. In the end "you get what you get, because you do what you do".
We are a "warrior class" not a "welfare class", so my advice is be aware and document service-connected issues (then file appropriate claim), use education benefits (then complete the process by earning a Degree or Trade Certificate- and using it), talk positively about your service for our nation (then follow it up with actions by volunteering/giving back to your community in wherever way you can), and thank those that came before you to ensure what that was earned yesterday is maintained tomorrow(join a Veteran's Service Organization - Marine Corps League, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, etc). Like I already said, "You get what you get, because you do what you do"!!!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 10:55 AM

2016-08-28T10:55:18-04:00

I would like to see hearing and eyesight added to the medical care I can receive as a retired military member.

I was told I would receive free medical care for me and my family if I served through retirement. To get the care I receive I must have medical part B. That costs me a little over $400 per month. Still a pretty good benefit, but, still not free.

I am really not complaining, just pointing out what it is.

So, even though I am happy in my last years, I can support the sentiment of just give us what we were told we would receive.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 10:59 AM

2016-08-28T10:59:30-04:00

Some military installations participate in a program Retired At Cost Hearing Aid Program (RACHAP). It is a GREAT benefit for those that can use it. For example I used it three times for a total of 3 pair of aids. My saving? Well, I just bought a pay without having access to the program. The cost 10 times what I paid for those purchased through RACHAP. The VA could provide this program at basically no cost.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-08-28T11:20:40-04:00

We need a better health care system. There has been many news of Veterans being turned away for services. We need more psychiatric services for Vets with PTSD . More counseling as to sending them and doping them up with meds.. if sends they are not feeling safe ,they should be sent away.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 11:24 AM

2016-08-28T11:24:36-04:00

Also extension on the time a Vet can use his or her educational benefits. The 10 yes goes to fast. In my opinion this would help our Vets out.

Response by 1SG Patrick Burke made Aug 28 at 2016 11:51 AM

2016-08-28T11:51:29-04:00

Here is a way to say thanks to Veterans that is free.. Stand the heck up for the National Anthem! To those that have not known what it means to bleed for the Colors, those Colors mean everything to veterans, regardless of race, sex, national background.

Response by SSG Drew Cook made Aug 28 at 2016 12:01 PM

2016-08-28T12:01:11-04:00

GI Bill already covers graduate degrees.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 28 at 2016 12:11 PM

2016-08-28T12:11:17-04:00

This would be a fairly good start.

http://dailycaller.com/2015/09/18/each-refugee-to-be-offered-thousands-of-dollars-in-tax-payer-assistance-and-welfare-for-years/

U.S. Government To Offer Each New Refugee Thousands Of Dollars In Social Services And Cash

Refugees receive a plethora of services and assistance when they reach the shores of the America, according to a recently released study. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops posted a

Response by Col Dona Marie Iversen made Aug 28 at 2016 12:23 PM

2016-08-28T12:23:51-04:00

Recognition, respect, and maintaining the promises when they took the Oath!

FREE trained service dogs in a timely manner- the dogs are their medicine and therapy.

Housing priority. I get so upset seeing homeless Vets on the streets, regardless of etiology. I do my best to chat with them, feed them and explore options.

Vets should have GREATER priority employment status instead of the measly 5 points.

Corp American needs to be educated on the value ADD of hiring a Vet; our Core Values, Teamwork, NEVER giving up and all the positive attributes we were taught and learned along the way.

Response by SGT Keaven Brown made Aug 28 at 2016 1:04 PM

2016-08-28T13:04:11-04:00

Anything is better than what we get now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-08-28T15:07:00-04:00

Sgt Seth Welch I would like to see a VA that actually works to help veterans instead of making it harder than it needs to be. Fix the VA before anything else.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 28 at 2016 6:37 PM

2016-08-28T18:37:04-04:00

They deserve what they were promised.

Response by PO2 Brian Harringgton made Aug 28 at 2016 8:15 PM

2016-08-28T20:15:21-04:00

HELLLLLLLLLLLL NOOOOOOOOOOOO vets don't shuold not get nothing

Response by PO2 Brian Harringgton made Aug 28 at 2016 8:15 PM

2016-08-28T20:15:42-04:00

yeah a boot up there ass

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 28 at 2016 9:27 PM

2016-08-28T21:27:57-04:00

Tax free retirement/salary? Stand by, everything would get reduced 20%.
Education? You have 10 years to do it. Recall the surveys show only few would do it after 10.
VA home loans at zero? Banks do the loans and won't do them for free.
Bottom line, most have pointed out the great difficulties in getting what we earned/promised. The other thing is if the general public struggling on minimum wage really knew what we are getting, they'd say we're fat and need to be trimmed. Be careful what you scream for.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2016 8:47 AM

2016-08-29T08:47:01-04:00

The GI Bill already pays for a graduate degree if you have enough of it left after finishing your undergrad.
The tax free retirement would be nice as I never understood why federal workers pay federal taxes on their income from the federal government.
But as far as veterans deserving more, no I do not think so. Too many people think they are entitled as it is.

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 29 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-08-29T10:38:11-04:00

I agree with we deserve what we were promised statements that many of the others made. VA home loans are not loans from the VA, it's backing of a loan by a private financial institution. They will NEVER go for an interest free loan because they make no profit on it. GI bill can already be used for higher graduate degrees. I'll save the tax discussion for another time lol.

Response by PO2 Pete Haga made Aug 30 at 2016 10:32 AM

2016-08-30T10:32:41-04:00

A lot of people in the US think that way now Vets get it all and the tax payer pays the bill would be careful what we ask for not sure the tax payers want more burden on them to start with. as far as medical care the Obama admin. did not go far enough with health care should have just nationalized it we are the only industrialized country in the world without nationalized health care would not need VA and all this insurance or Medicare or Medicaid and everyone would be covered but the insurance companies that run this country will not let that happen have to have it but half the time fights you for payment on coverage!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-08-30T15:50:01-04:00

No.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2016 5:17 PM

2016-08-31T17:17:32-04:00

wow, how much is enough for an all volunteer military? You needed a job when you found this one. You got something out of it, how much more does one need?