Posted on Apr 25, 2014
What are your experiences with continuing education post your military career?
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Looking forward to going to school and continuing my education. just trying to hear opinions in GI bills and looking for the right schools.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
Any relevant job experience earned while enlisting in a branch of the military is considered military experience. I work for an essay proofreading service. according to my supervisor This can include any skills, accomplishments, responsibilities, discipline, or other experiences earned while serving in the military.
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I actually finished two years of college while on active duty attending Honolulu Community College, then the University of Hawaii when i was stationed at Hickam AFB, HI I was taking three courses at a time 4 days a week. Once I got out after 8 years I became a full time student at Roger Williams University, Bristol, RI and finished to receive My BS degree in Criminal Justice . I lived in the dorm, was Co-Captain of the Cross country team, Sports editor for our senior yearbook, wrote sports article for the college newspaper, worked as a Police Dispatcher and graduated in May 1976 and started as a Polcie Officer on the Falmouth, (MA) Police Department also in May 1976 until going the the Sherborn (MA) Police dept where I stayed and retired. I did go back into an Air Force uniform in 1981 to 1997 for another 14 years. Roger Williams College , (Now University) was and still is very pro Veteran school and even has Army ROTC on campus. I found they were trilled to have Veteran's on campus and loved the good influence We had on other students and our maturity due to our Military experience. Our Class president was a US Navy Veteran and He was editor on the 1976 yearbook as well. Vet friend of mine in school there included a classmate that was Army Special Forces in Vietnam, another a Navy vet got His BS degree and went back into the Navy as an officer. In the current day the Army ROTC provides the color Guard for the graduation ceremony and participate in other events on campus as well. RWU also has a school of Law. I very much enjoyed My time at Roger Williams University and its a very modern, impressive waterfront campus on Mount Hope Bay, This picture shows about half of the Bristol campus. If You go over the Mount Hope suspension bridge shown thee is a campus annex with more dorms, another dining hall, the equestian team stable and more soccer fields. The Bristol campus athletic center is compete with everything even an Olympic size pool which the annex over the other ride also has a pool. The school of Law also has there own dorm complex in Bristol of the campus and that also has a pool. the school provides Free shuttle buses to connect to all those facilities. The University also has a great relationship with the Town of Bristol which is a very patriotic community and has the oldest 4th of July parade in the United States first in 1778 and the next already scheduled for 2022. The main street in Bristol Center has a Re, White and Blue center line which also marks the parade route. Newport RI and the huge Navy Base there are not very far away. I very much enjoyed my time as a student there and participated in all the great campus activities. Once in a while I go back to visit the campus which is a beautiful place and there are so many great places to see and visit in the local area there. .
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Because of the people that I met, I started college as soon as I was discharged, 1972.
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, USF, in 1976. My major was Sociology.
I started Graduate school but stopped when I was hired by USPS, in 1983. I worked for the State of Florida as a Social Worker/ Group Therapist from 1976 through 1983.
I wouldn't have gone to college without a meeting, and becoming friends with, so many people who had gone to college.
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida, USF, in 1976. My major was Sociology.
I started Graduate school but stopped when I was hired by USPS, in 1983. I worked for the State of Florida as a Social Worker/ Group Therapist from 1976 through 1983.
I wouldn't have gone to college without a meeting, and becoming friends with, so many people who had gone to college.
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Make sure you go to medical and get everything that has affected you noted in your file! Since getting out, I have attended Motorcycle mechanics Institute, (which was paid for through Voc Rehab...they also pay for every tool you need!)got a nursing degree from a community college, a BS in Political Science, (the worst degree to get with zero job prospects...but very easy)and I am now in Law School. Obviously I have long ago exhausted my G.I. Bill. When I was in, they offered a "kicker" that would increase the amount you received...I didn't take part in the program, but I wish I had as it would have been about $600/month more. Take as many classes as you can while you are in though as it will save money...plus you don't want to waste your G.I. Bill on classes you could have already taken!
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SrA (Join to see)
That's awesome news, I am actually getting medically retired, and been getting a lot of info on most of the benefits out there. I am glad to hear that I can go for multiple degrees and certifications, and not be stuck with one thing. Thanks I really appreciate it.
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Your most important contact will be the "VA Certifying Official" at the school you decide to attend. In most cases they will be best equipped to answer your specific questions on your education benefits relating to your course of study to include the confusing aspects of MGIB vs. Post 9/11 if you have current entitlement to both.
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SSG Jeffrey Spencer
I was essentially on my own. I was attending at night while working full-time. No admin. No financial help. No counselors. I had to work my own way through with little or no information. The VA cut off my benefits to GI Bill in 1989 due to the appropriation law sunset and Congress did not re-authorize the bill. That left me hanging with paying for school myself, even though I still had 4 years remaining to use the benefit. Congress never addressed the issue and I have a hefty school loan I'm still paying.
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MSG Wade Huffman
SSG Spencer, sorry to hear that. Hopefully today's veterans are receiving better support from the VA ed folks. The VA requiring schools who utilize GI Bill funding to have a VA Certifying Official on staff was a huge leap forward.
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SrA (Join to see)
I am still under the MGIB and been talking to the education offices to learn more on both GI Bills. I am sorry to hear that as well SSG Spencer. I have heard many stories like that as well, trying to cover my tracks and be prepared for such a case.
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LTC Paul Mullins
I used the MGIB back in 1988 to get my undergrad and then returned to active duty as a LT. I don't know if the VA's process has changed much, but you had to be accepted to the school and then signed up for you first set of classes before submitting through the VA Certifying Official to receive your money. Getting that started for the first time took until November to get paid. The registrar was very flexible since they could verify with the Certifying Official that 1) I was entitled to the benefit 2) I had submitted the proper paperwork. Therefore they did not make me pay the tuition bill until my MGIB came in. I kept it going and went to school year round to prevent having to start it again! So, keep that in mind the first time starting it up, there could be delays between when the bill is due and when the money shows up. And you had to ceritify every month that you were still taking a full load. Good luck and enjoy school!
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