Support to expand GI Bill transfer to a former stepson....

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 15:42:44 -0500

<p>If you have any compassion for other people or take a general interest in fighting for what is right, please help me!  </p><p> </p><p>I have been through an unfortunate series of events since 2010  :(  I am stuck between the VA and the DOD and it is not a fun place to be...</p><p> </p><p>If you have a ward or are a foster parent, this could affect you in the future!  I had a stepson whom I continued to support (he's now 22) after I divorced his father.  I took sole custody and the Army supported him for 15 years... Everything was fine until I had to deal with the VA after I transferred my GI Bill benefits to him in 2010. Please read and sign my petition.  I really need help!  There is also a link to an article that was written on our case.  Thanks!!! </p><p> </p><p>The bill in congress is called HR 3600 and has 35 cosponsors.  A bill was also introduced in the senate at the beginning of this month.  </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/12/30/soldier-pushes-for-change-to-gi-bill.html</p><p> </p><p>http://www.change.org/petitions/university-of-illinois-in-chicago-christopher-is-not-responsible-for-this-debt</p><p> </p><p>I am trying to get our story out there and get it as much attention as it deserves!  Please help!  </p><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a href="http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/12/30/soldier-pushes-for-change-to-gi-bill.html" target="_blank"> Soldier Pushes for Change to GI Bill | Military.com</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">NEWPORT NEWS -- In August 2010, Sgt. 1st Class Angela Dees sent her stepson off to college, a move made possible because she transferred her benefits to him under the GI Bill.

Or that's what she th...</div></div><div style="clear: both;"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 8 at 2014 3:59 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 15:59:11 -0500

I don't see how this is your fault..

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 4:24 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:24:31 -0500

I am sick of a heavy-handed VA disputing a claimants case.  Those 9-4:30ers have what they need.   Best wishes with the VA and will check out your petition.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 4:28 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:28:45 -0500

I signed it. 

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Jan 8 at 2014 4:28 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:28:52 -0500

I'm so sorry you have to go through this SFC  Dees. I signed it!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 6:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 18:06:37 -0500

SFC Dees,<br><br>I signed the petition, too. <br><br>I once had an issue with the VA back in 2000 where they claimed I was ineligible for the Montgomery G.I. Bill because I was in for less than 36 months during my brief time in the Navy. I had signed up for the MGIB when I enlisted in the Army and gave them my $1200. Eventually, they reinstated my MGIB benefits after congress had passed a bill in late 2000 stating that a service member can receive MGIB benefits if that SM had served for less than 36 months.<br><br>Hopefully, your Congressman can get something done; this too, will change for the better.<br><br>Best of luck.<br><br><br>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 6:49 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 18:49:35 -0500

Response by TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham made Jan 8 at 2014 7:20 PM

TSgt Heather (Hartin) Nottingham — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:20:16 -0500

I am so sorry that you have had to deal with this. I have signed your petition.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 7:40 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jan 2014 19:40:05 -0500

Was your stepson in DEERs and a card carrying dependent?  If so, then I don't see where the VA can have any issue whatsoever.  I transferred my GI bill to my two daughters before I retired - so I know all about the issues with the VA handling the GI bill process.  I signed your petition - I hope for your family's sake and those of others that might be in the same situation that it works out. 

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 1:18 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 01:18:09 -0500

Signed.  Good luck!

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jan 9 at 2014 10:00 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 10:00:42 -0500

Signed and my best wishes for you both!!

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 9 at 2014 10:26 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 10:26:25 -0500

Signed it, good luck with the VA.

Had similar problem even with an immediate family member, my wife. It took us over a year to get them to recognize the transfer of benefits.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 11:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:04:02 -0500

Sounds like the college and the VA need to get their act together. You cannot even transfer your benefits if the child isn't on your DEERS. Good Luck to you and hopefully this will be resolved soon.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 9 at 2014 11:57 AM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 11:57:48 -0500

Angela,

I also hit up about 50 of my military friends on FB as well, so hopefully some of them will sign as well.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2014 9:15 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 21:15:41 -0500

What is even more frustrating is I was in the same boat as SFC Dees with a stepson since the age of 2. I too had my son enrolled in DEERS, TRICARE and claimed him on my taxes. He was not adopted but as far as the Army was concerned he was in my family. I transferred a year of my GI Bill to him and he used it in 2011. I never had the problems that SFC Dees has encountered. I really wonder why they would accept one and deny mother - seems very inconsistent and unfair.

Response by MSgt Timothy Bridgham made Jan 31 at 2014 3:47 PM

MSgt Timothy Bridgham — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 15:47:24 -0500

I signed it.  I always hated when someone somewhere screwed up but I had to pay for it.  Hope this works out for you.   Posted it to FaceBook too. 

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 11:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 11:54:03 -0500

Definitely the short end of the stick with this one, and its BS that you are being the one left holding the bill.  Signed, hopefully we can right this.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 11:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:37:50 -0500

Signed. What a selfless person you are to give your stepson from a PREVIOUS marriage your GI Bill.

Response by SFC Robert Trodahl made Feb 5 at 2014 11:46 AM

SFC Robert Trodahl — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:46:26 -0500

Signed it! Give them Hell!!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 4:34 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:34:55 -0500

SFC Dees

Read your story and signed the petition. Good luck.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Feb 5 at 2014 5:14 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:14:52 -0500

Very sorry to hear that SFC Dees, petition signed.

Good luck I'm sure every thing will work out.

Response by SFC Daniel Alcivar made Feb 5 at 2014 5:38 PM

SFC Daniel Alcivar — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 17:38:19 -0500

Remember to always read the fine print. Especially with the VA, they are there to provide the least service they can to our veterans.

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Feb 5 at 2014 8:58 PM

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 20:58:09 -0500

SFC Dees,

I signed the petition and shared it on a couple facebook groups I'm in that I'm sure plenty others will sign. I hope it all works out in your favor.

Response by SPC(P) Veronica King made Feb 5 at 2014 9:07 PM

SPC(P) Veronica King — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:07:58 -0500

signed

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 5 at 2014 9:33 PM

SSgt George Brown — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:33:36 -0500

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this, this is a political situation therefore it does not matter what is right. Unfortunately in political situations, sometimes it becomes a power trip that someone is pulling.
I also commend you for doing the right thing with your son. Thank you for being a good mother when you did not have to be. He is a blessed boy.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2014 9:54 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 21:54:32 -0500

SFC Dees,

I read your story and signed it straight away.

I'm sorry that you have to deal with this mess.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 9:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 09:36:59 -0500

I just signed it too SFC Dees. It's high time the VA did it's job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 1:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 13:17:02 -0500

I signed it, hopefully it will work. I have two step sons I plan to give mine too.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 1:22 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 13:22:28 -0500

I have my own epic VA drama right now, including a fake debt that was sent to the treasury department for collections without being sent a bill, so I MAJORLY feel you on this issue. I hope we can see a change, this kind of stuff is ridiculous!!!! Hoping your issue gets resolved.