Posted on Aug 18, 2020
VetXL: Back to School – live Q&A with VA and community partners. What are your questions?
142K
488
340
45
45
0
Join us on RallyPoint, August 27th from 3-4PM EST, for a live Q&A focusing on Back to School resources, GI Bill, learning options, and virtual tools. You can ask questions in writing now or during the live event. Please note that there is no audio or visual component to this Q&A event.
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
You can ask questions, on this page, to the following people:
LTC Tony Davis, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
MCPO Eric Faulkner, Veterans Experience Office - Veterans, Family and Community Engagement
Charmain Bogue, Director, Department of Veterans Affairs - VBA Education Service
SGT Lauren Augustine, VP of Government Affairs - Student Veterans of America
CPL David Muir, SVP Veteran Staffing Network - Easterseals
LCDR Bill Ashton, Acting Division Director, Strategic Initiatives and Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison - Department of Agriculture
CPT Christine Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer - Service to School
Check out resources from Department of Education, Military Child Education Coalition, YMCA, and Cohen Veteran Network!
http://rly.pt/EdGov
Militarychild.org - https://rly.pt/2EsmUOR
YMCA - http://rly.pt/YMCA
http://rly.pt/MGHMilitaryFamilies
Veterans Experience Office-
https://rly.pt/VEO
To enable VA to be the leading customer service organization in government so that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors Choose VA. VEO implements solutions based on Veteran-centered designs and industry best practices while aligning VA services with the secretary’s priorities. The Veterans, Family and Community Engagement Directorate supports Veterans through coordination and integration of local VA and non-VA services Veteran Friendly Communities Initiative working with the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB) and leading federal advisory committees.
VBA Education Service-
http://rly.pt/EducationService
Administers VA's education programs that provide education and training benefits to eligible Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service members, Veterans, and dependents.
Student Veterans of America-
http://rly.pt/SVA
Since 2008, Student Veterans of America has worked to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. With a community network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, SVA is committed to transforming the current skills and experience of student veterans. Every day, these dedicated chapter leaders work to ensure that yesterday’s warriors have the resources at hand to succeed in their academic journey and beyond.
USDA-
USDA wants to ensure that veterans looking to return home, or start a new career on a farm or in a rural community have the tools and opportunities you need to succeed.
USDA’s veterans website serves as a one-stop navigator for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Easterseals -
Easterseals makes profound, positive differences in the daily lives of people of all ages with disabilities, special needs, military backgrounds and their families. Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) connects veterans and military spouses to employers using a veteran staffing agency model. We work with employers to fill temp-to perm, contract, and direct-hire positions.
Service to School-
Service to School (S2S) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides free college and grad school application counseling to military veterans and servicemembers.
Our goal is to help veterans gain admission to the best college for them while empowering each veteran to make informed decisions about their education.
RallyPoint Answers and Discussion Conduct: https://rly.pt/33ySsg0
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Student Veterans of America (SVA)
Education
Bachelors Degree
GI Bill
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Student Veterans of America (SVA) Education Bachelors Degree GI Bill
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 130
0
0
0
Well maybe they left me with a bad taste in my mouth but I have zero faith in the G.I. bill and getting an education from them, earned or not. After a few tours in Vietnam and a chest full of honors you'd think it would mean something wouldn't you? I started my G.I. bill after I got out and went to school for a year. It got down to school or eating so I had to withdraw from school, which they said we could do and return later. Ok, I thought, and then I get a big surprise, the VA sent it to the IRS for collection. Get that? They took it back from me, and I guess from what I was told, they don't do that and that would make me the only guy ever, to have to pay back the G.I. bill. Well I did, or they did because I did pay it back So I got screwed out of it, I never got to go back to school again, even tho I did exactly what they told me to do. You'd think after an Honorable discharge, signed personally by Pres. Nixon, what should be 4 purple hearts, 2 gallantry crosses, 2 bronze stars with articles, highest weapons proficiency scores ever at Ft. Lewis , amongst everything else I did would amount to some kind of earned esteem. Back in 1980 I was told, while spitting up chunks of damage from agent Orange to not file a claim because I'd be dead before I would see any money. All this while dealing with Malaria, healing up from wounds, only to be told when I got out I'd have to pay back my education money. It took until 3 years ago when I seen Pres. Trump give Mike Rose his long overdue of the CMOH to rebuild some faith in the VA. After 45 years, at least he got some honor and recognition from them. Anyway, I wish you luck while dealing with the VA..
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I am a new student at Howard University. I handled all of my requirements with the VA and provided all the documents my school asked for months ago. They have yet to confirm they received all of the documents and because of that I havent started to receive my GI Bill funds. I have been emailing different individuals constantly, trying to get them to provide me with any type of information. Is there anything I can do through the VA to get them to process my GI Bill things quicker or to hold them more accountable? The BAH is supposed to be paying my rent. At this point it is as if they are holding back the money I am entitled to.
(0)
(0)
MSG Alan Purdie
VA can not process anything for your GI Bill until the school certifies your enrollment in classes on VA Once, a computer software program. Contact one of the Vice Presidents at your school.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
I got out in 1993 and never had a chance to use mine.. is there a chance I can use it now or something like it. Or can I at least pass it on to my wife or my children?
(0)
(0)
SPC Shay Walker
chooseyoureducationbenefits.pdf
ñà¡-O äø endstream endobj 1078 0 obj /Metadata 142 0 R/Names 1080 0 R/Pages 141 0 R/StructTreeRoot 144 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences endobj 1079 0 obj /Font/Fields[] endobj 1080 0 obj endobj 1081 0 obj
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
How will I get approved for Voc Rehab now that its virtual. I havent heard from my counselor here in NY and classes start on the 31st
(0)
(0)
MSG Alan Purdie
Contact the Regional Office nearest you https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/docs/job_aids/VRE_SCO_Handbook.pdf
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Good Evening;
I’m not sure if you can help me, but maybe you can guide me to the right people. I am QMC Monchito Bumanlag, recently retired from the US Navy Reserve Detroit NOSC in 10/1/2019, but before I did, I transferred my GI Bill to my daughter (which I thought I did). To give you some background, I joined in 1993 and got out of active duty on 1997 and immediately joined the Navy Reserve. I got the Montgomery GI Bill for the 4 years active duty which I used 1 semester worth back then. Then on October 2013 through 2015 I got activated to active duty in Africa for 2 years which earned me post 911 GI Bill.
I was told that I have to complete another 4 years in the Reserves to complete the transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill to my daughter, which I almost did. The obligation was 10/24/2019, but they retired me on 10/1/2019. I just found out about this when I checked my milconnect that my obligation wasn’t completed. It was originally that my retirement was on the 24th, but they asked me if I could move the retirement on the 1st because they have a change of command going on for that month, which I stupidly agreed. Is there anything you can do for me or point me to the right direction for help?
Now my milconnect account have this warning in their website:
You incurred a 4-year service commitment based on your transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your
eligible dependent(s). Your current service commitment end date is: 20191024 The Selected Reserve
Transfer Date from your Service Component: 20170430 indicates that you have separated or transferred
prior to fulfie.lling the service commitment required to maintain your transferred benefit for your eligible
dependent(s). Please see your personnel service office to validate that your current Projected Separation
Date is accurate. Contact information for your service can be identified within the 'Message from Your
Service Component' box within the TEB Portlet. Warning: If you fail to fulfill your service obligation for
transferability the VA will cease further benefit award for dependent(s) and initiate Recoupment of all
transferred benefits paid. Note: Guard and Selected Reserve members are required to maintain a Selected
Reserve status during the Obligatory Service Time.
Please help, and thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
V/R
Monchito Bumanlag QMC USNR (Ret)
I’m not sure if you can help me, but maybe you can guide me to the right people. I am QMC Monchito Bumanlag, recently retired from the US Navy Reserve Detroit NOSC in 10/1/2019, but before I did, I transferred my GI Bill to my daughter (which I thought I did). To give you some background, I joined in 1993 and got out of active duty on 1997 and immediately joined the Navy Reserve. I got the Montgomery GI Bill for the 4 years active duty which I used 1 semester worth back then. Then on October 2013 through 2015 I got activated to active duty in Africa for 2 years which earned me post 911 GI Bill.
I was told that I have to complete another 4 years in the Reserves to complete the transfer the Post 9/11 GI Bill to my daughter, which I almost did. The obligation was 10/24/2019, but they retired me on 10/1/2019. I just found out about this when I checked my milconnect that my obligation wasn’t completed. It was originally that my retirement was on the 24th, but they asked me if I could move the retirement on the 1st because they have a change of command going on for that month, which I stupidly agreed. Is there anything you can do for me or point me to the right direction for help?
Now my milconnect account have this warning in their website:
You incurred a 4-year service commitment based on your transfer of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to your
eligible dependent(s). Your current service commitment end date is: 20191024 The Selected Reserve
Transfer Date from your Service Component: 20170430 indicates that you have separated or transferred
prior to fulfie.lling the service commitment required to maintain your transferred benefit for your eligible
dependent(s). Please see your personnel service office to validate that your current Projected Separation
Date is accurate. Contact information for your service can be identified within the 'Message from Your
Service Component' box within the TEB Portlet. Warning: If you fail to fulfill your service obligation for
transferability the VA will cease further benefit award for dependent(s) and initiate Recoupment of all
transferred benefits paid. Note: Guard and Selected Reserve members are required to maintain a Selected
Reserve status during the Obligatory Service Time.
Please help, and thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
V/R
Monchito Bumanlag QMC USNR (Ret)
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
2 questions:
1.) There are many conflicting regarding those who retired with the Montgomery GI Bill. I have heard that it is possible to partially use your Montgomery benefits prior to switching to the Post-9/11. Is that possible, and what would be the benefits of such use?
2.) Now that many universities are now offering online only classes, does this disallow the use of the GI benefits, which normally require at least one course to be taken at a physical, brick&mortar location?
1.) There are many conflicting regarding those who retired with the Montgomery GI Bill. I have heard that it is possible to partially use your Montgomery benefits prior to switching to the Post-9/11. Is that possible, and what would be the benefits of such use?
2.) Now that many universities are now offering online only classes, does this disallow the use of the GI benefits, which normally require at least one course to be taken at a physical, brick&mortar location?
(0)
(0)
LCpl Daniel Webb
MSG Alan Purdie
So... does this only cover schools that used to be in person, then transitioned to online? Also, this only covers through Dec 21, 2020. Is there any word going forward.
So... does this only cover schools that used to be in person, then transitioned to online? Also, this only covers through Dec 21, 2020. Is there any word going forward.
(0)
(0)
MSG Alan Purdie
LCpl Daniel Webb - Correct, the legislation allows VA to pay students the in-classroom MHA if they enroll in classes converted to online for COVID19. There is nothing currently pending in congress to extend this temporary law past 21 Dec 2020. If you enroll in only online classes, you get paid the online only MHA rate of $916.50 per month (if full time). If you do not attend full time, your MHA is prorated by 10% intervals. If for example you enrolled in Penn States Online only program, you would never be paid the in-classroom MHA, even under this temporary law for COVID 19.
(0)
(0)
MSG Alan Purdie
Also, need to clarify the using MGIB then Post 9/11 GI Bill laws/rules. IF you joined the military prior to 1 August 2011, you can use MGIB for 36 months then receive up to 12 months of Post 9/11 GI Bill. If you joined the military on/after 1 August 2011, the law changed and you can use either 36 months of MGIB or 36 months of Post 9/11 GI Bill and can not switch between them. If you select MGIB and joined on/after 1 August 2011, you will never be allowed to switch over to Post 9/11 GI Bill.
(0)
(0)
LCpl Daniel Webb
I have known many people who have enlisted after 2011 and though initially electing the MGIB have switched to the Post 9/11. I know that can be done. I have seen, and others have also referenced, articles that talk about the 48 month limit, divisible in multiple ways, but I have yet to find anything that states that this is based on enlistment date. I’ll keep looking, though, as it seems I might have missed something.
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was in and out of college did not use all of my GI Bill. I was told that if did not use in ten years too bad. Has this rule changed?
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I was told that I was ineligible to use my GI Bill. What do I need to do to change this?
(0)
(0)
MSG Alan Purdie
If you were ineligible because of the character of discharge, you would have to have your discharge upgraded to become eligible to use the GI Bill.
(1)
(0)
0
0
0
Due to COVID 19, my dying school has shut down and I am no longer flight training. My post 9/11 benefits expire Feb 21’. Will be if it’s be extended?
(0)
(0)
0
0
0
I had the Montgomery GI Bill but didn’t use it in the ten year time frame. With the new forever bill, they don’t have a time limit. Not really fair, I was in during Dessert Storm even if my unit didn’t deploy I was ready, willing, and able. Can I get my bill reinstated?
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google