Posted on Aug 18, 2020
VetXL: Back to School – live Q&A with VA and community partners. What are your questions?
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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
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I participated in the Montgomery GI Bill (1990-2000) I left the USN after 10 years honorable service returning to my childhood home of NYC in late 2000 with every intention of using my GI Bill
Got a job with Regional EMS; and responded to the WTC attack on 9/11, after which it was very very difficult to make a living in NYC, making it near impossible to do so and go to school.
And so by the time I was able, I got very little use out of it before it expired.
Now the question, I know we're old and that the priority are our brothers & sisters that have rotated out more recently, but with all that's going on and the need to "reinvent" oneself to get a job, is there any discussion of extending our benefits?
In contrast the "Post 9-11" bill is for life, the irony has never escaped me.
Any help is welcome, thank you,
Got a job with Regional EMS; and responded to the WTC attack on 9/11, after which it was very very difficult to make a living in NYC, making it near impossible to do so and go to school.
And so by the time I was able, I got very little use out of it before it expired.
Now the question, I know we're old and that the priority are our brothers & sisters that have rotated out more recently, but with all that's going on and the need to "reinvent" oneself to get a job, is there any discussion of extending our benefits?
In contrast the "Post 9-11" bill is for life, the irony has never escaped me.
Any help is welcome, thank you,
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MSG Alan Purdie
Post 9/11 GI Bill was created for those who served after 9/11. There are no pending bills to extend the older pre-9/11 veterans benefits.
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CPL David Muir
Scott, I can't answer about benefits but you can reach out to the Veteran Staffing Network of Easterseals for career coaching and job search training at no cost to you. If that is of interest, please visit http://www.vsnusa.org and submit your information under the job seeker tab
Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network is a non-profit staffing agency helping our nation's veterans and military spouses find long-term, meaningful employment. We serve anyone who has worn the uniform, including National Guard and Reserve members.
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Hello, I used my gibill up and need to get back in school what benefits are or there to use and howcan i apply
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I am in my first semester of grad school at San Francisco State University. The G.I. bill does not apply to me any longer and am not qualify for VOC-Rehab. Is there another way I can get financial help to pay for my grad school? Just curious
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I was on active duty for Desert Storm what education benefits are available for me?
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Charmain Bogue
In order to receive a formal review and decision of your eligibility status, please visit the following link and submit an application https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/ or contact our call center at [login to see] . Thank you for your service and best of luck with your educational goals.
How to apply for the GI Bill and related benefits | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to apply for the GI Bill and other VA education benefits as a Veteran, service member, or qualified family member. You can apply online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.
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I was on active duty for Desert Storm, what education benefits are available to me?
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Is there any education program that my spouse can use other than G.I Bill as I used my G.I Bill for my education.
Any education program for veterans spouses or any other similar categories.
Thank you in advance
Any education program for veterans spouses or any other similar categories.
Thank you in advance
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Sgt. Lauren Augustine, recognizing the great work of the SVA and as member at Walden University, I am addressing some issues that I believe SVA could play a pivotal role in the academic community. Walden has established an inside influence on the students enrollment with the various platforms associated with their academics; ie Student Aid, Veterans status (VHA, Agency leaders) and other affiliations. These affiliations have presented a conflict of interest in the decision making roles for the student distinguishing their academics from administrative actions when presented. My concerns are that the SVA at the Chapter levels may improve the academic experience if they could act as advocates and represent in their roles for student fairness and to provide a comprehensive approach to problem solving for veteran students. My question is, are the restrictions on SVA Chapters to support the veterans in their academic pursuits and to what extent can the student expect support?
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SGT Lauren Augustine
Hey Cathy, I think the best way to make sure you get all the potential questions and support you need would be to work with one of our Programs and Chapter Support team members, I've already given them a heads up you will be reaching out to me and I'll make a warm introduction by email, go ahead and sent a note to the [login to see] inbox and I'll get that introduction moving.
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SGT (Join to see)
SGT Lauren Augustine - Absolutely!!! I would be honored!!! I have met and spoke with Kevin Jenkins - SVA National. who was amazing this week and very attentive to my concerns. Thank you Lauren, this is an amazing forum and you have been extremely helpful and encouraging!!1
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SGT Lauren Augustine
Kevin is exactly who I gave the heads up to! Please do reach out, he's ready to keep up the conversation.
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I am a 100%disabled Vet. Before retirement I transferred my educational benefits to my children. I am currently enrolled in theology school pursuing my bachelor degree. Do I qualify for any educational VA benefits if so which ones and how do I apply.
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I was awarded the Lockheed Martin scholarship. It says I can use this to Pat for tuition, books, housing, etc. It is made out to my school. I have the check. My school National Aviation Academy, Clearwater, FL says it has to be applied to tuition per Post 9-11. I called VA/Post 9-11 number. I spoke with a case manager, can’t remember their title. He told me I could use it to pay my mortgage (I’m in forbearance due to Covid).
I go talk to my school and they ask for an email stating that I can use the Lockheed Martin scholarship to pay for housing. Because the Post 9-11 covers all of my tuition.
I ask the VA/Lost 911 people to put it in a letter I email. They tell me they can’t do this.
I really need access to these funds. If I’m not able to receive the scholarship monies, then what is the point in applying?!?
Please someone em help me rectify this issue. Something great is turning into a major frustration for me. Thank you.
I go talk to my school and they ask for an email stating that I can use the Lockheed Martin scholarship to pay for housing. Because the Post 9-11 covers all of my tuition.
I ask the VA/Lost 911 people to put it in a letter I email. They tell me they can’t do this.
I really need access to these funds. If I’m not able to receive the scholarship monies, then what is the point in applying?!?
Please someone em help me rectify this issue. Something great is turning into a major frustration for me. Thank you.
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MSG Alan Purdie
VA won't give you a letter stating this - they will not get involved with this internal situation at your school.
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SrA Andres Alejo
Why not? They are under the incorrect assumption that VA policy is to take all scholarships and apply towards tuition. This is not a tuition only based scholarship. I need the policy that states what the rule is to show to my financial aid person. Why would the VA not help me with this? How else am I supposed to get assistance on this?
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MSG Alan Purdie
Your state SAA might be able to assist your with this: http://www.nasaa-vetseducation.com/Contacts.aspx
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can Veterans use Chapter 31 (VocRehab) benefits to pay for a Master degree? Asking fora friend that has been job searching within his field of experience for the past 3 years without success. Looking for something in a new field that has high probability of hiring and will also allow him to work without exacerbating his service-connected medical condition disabilities. I keep getting stories about the VA simply dissaproving benefits for a Masters degree or having to convince a counselor. Everyone I spoke so far tells me the same thing: getting past convincing a counselor to sign off on approving the submission of a Masters degree program packet is just something unheard of in this lifetime.
Is it possible or not?... can a counselor really deny before submitting it? why wold they? (is it like the DA4187's that even if the Commander disapproves, they still have to be moved up the chain for approval/dissaproval?)... again, asking for a friend! lol
Is it possible or not?... can a counselor really deny before submitting it? why wold they? (is it like the DA4187's that even if the Commander disapproves, they still have to be moved up the chain for approval/dissaproval?)... again, asking for a friend! lol
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SA Robert Parker
While it may be difficult to obtain, I can attest to the fact that it can happen. I am currently using VR&E benefits to pursue my Master's in Education to teach high school social sciences. I had to see a VR&E counselor and attend some orientation but in the end my counselor heard my request, accessed my situation fairly, and ultimately decided to approve my application. The VR&E program was the best decision of my post active duty life. They have been helpful, attentive, and diligent in supporting my goals and my education.
So, tell your friend no to be discouraged by the claims that it is "unheard of" because they simply are not true. I am living proof of that. They just have to try and let the counselor make the decision.
So, tell your friend no to be discouraged by the claims that it is "unheard of" because they simply are not true. I am living proof of that. They just have to try and let the counselor make the decision.
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SFC Osvaldo Vazquez
That’s is great to hear!... however, from what we know (me and everyone else I ever spoke to) this is more of the exception to the rule. I spoke to a VRE counselor that is no longer there. Retired a while back and he did said that the counselors are the gatekeepers and many times, like “old school senior NCOs” like to think they can make those decisions for veterans and many of those times they chose to not approve rather than give the benefit of the doubt. I been retired for 3 years now (medical retired after my 4th deployment injuries) and have been thru 3 surgeries and just recently got cleared to even begin exercising. Many times I really do t understand why would the VA simply not approve for a veteran to go to school, after all it is less expensive than Payo g 100% DV pay forever in lieu of paying for the veteran to be able to go do something more fitting for their medical condition.
Well, keeping the faith and hopefully things work out “for my friend” lol
~1763380:SA Robert Parker]
Well, keeping the faith and hopefully things work out “for my friend” lol
~1763380:SA Robert Parker]
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MSG Alan Purdie
Voc Rehab is an EMPLOYMENT program - If a veteran is employable with their current education, Voc Rehab will assist them in finding employment. That retired VR&E Counselor is only partially right. Yes the Case Managers are gatekeepers of the program - which is not an education program. I've been working with VR&E since 2007 and used Voc Rehab myself. So if a veteran needs additional training/schooling to make a veteran employable within the limitations of their disabilities, VR&E will pay for any level of degree needed. It's all on a case by case basis. Your GI Bill is for you to use for whatever degree you want
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