VeTALKX: Back to School – Q&A with VA and Community Partners. What are your questions?

RallyPoint News — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 12:40:34 -0400

On August 31st, 1-2PM EST, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on Back-to-School resources, GI Bill, learning options, and virtual tools. Type your questions in now!

* There is no audio or video component to this Q&A. Please type your question below and VA and community experts will respond in writing.

You can ask questions to the following people:
» Nicole Hubbard - Outreach Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, VA
» Melissa Comeau - Director, Military and Veteran Caregiver Network, American Red Cross
» Sgt Ed McEvoy - National Outreach Specialist, VA
» Jahmila Boswell - Management Analyst for Outreach & Engagement, VA, VR&E
» SrA Dariell Cooper - Management and Program Analyst, VA
» PO3 Tammy Barlet - Vice President of Government Affairs, SVA
» CPO Missina Schallus - Communications Manager, Center for Women Veterans, VA
» SSgt Louiseza Sanderson - Management and Program Analyst, VBA, VA
» CMSgt Terry Warren - Chief Stakeholder Engagement, Education Service, VA
» Sgt Jay Dalrymple - Director National Cemetery Scheduling Office, VA
» SSgt Lourdes Tiglao - Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans, VA
» Jennifer Gillan - Management and Program Analyst, VA
» Sgt Christopher Vidaurre - Senior Program Manager, George W. Bush Institute

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jul 22 at 2023 3:34 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 15:34:12 -0400

THANKS FOR SHARING

Response by SGT Ruben Lozada made Jul 24 at 2023 4:58 PM

SGT Ruben Lozada — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:58:23 -0400

Good afternoon. Excellent post. Thank You for sharing this.

Response by SSgt Xavier Smith made Jul 28 at 2023 3:04 PM

SSgt Xavier Smith — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:04:46 -0400

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing!

Response by Sgt Jay Dalrymple made Aug 8 at 2023 2:19 PM

Sgt Jay Dalrymple — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:19:50 -0400

Good afternoon. My name is Jay Dalrymple and I am the Director at the VA National Cemetery Administration's Scheduling Office. My team is responsible for verifying a Veteran's eligibility for burial and scheduling burial services for all NCA National Cemeteries. We also have a Pre-Need program if Veterans are planning for their final resting place and want to confirm their eligibility for burial.

VA has a number of burial benefits available to our Veterans. You can find out more information at: https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/.

I am here to answer any burial questions you may have!

VA burial benefits and memorial items | Veterans Affairs

VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. Find out how to apply for the burial benefits you've earned, and how to plan for a burial in advance or at time of need.

Response by HN Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2023 7:15 PM

HN Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:15:19 -0400

If a veteran has exhausted their post 9/11 G.I. Bill, are there helpful programs, or straightforward (accessible) VA loans available?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2023 9:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:35:47 -0400

Was the post 911 bill extended

Response by SrA David Sitthideth made Aug 16 at 2023 9:41 PM

SrA David Sitthideth — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 21:41:28 -0400

I attended a school that was closed down and I couldn't find gainful employment that would meet the standard of living. I tried to get this resolved but they said my school was not part of the list of schools that I could receive my Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits back. Has anything changed? I'm trying to get the Vet Tech benefit so I can get a bachelor's and master's in Cyber Security. Or anything for cyber security. I want to enroll in classes come winter at Western Governor's University. Any advice?

Response by Sgt Eric Rai made Aug 16 at 2023 10:35 PM

Sgt Eric Rai — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:35:40 -0400

Service connected disabled vet. I left active duty 20 years ago. I believe I used up all of my GI Bill several years ago. I currently work full time but I'm not confident I'll be able to continue my career due to physical complications from my service connected disabilities. Could I possibly qualify for VRE?

Response by SPC Tammy Demello made Aug 16 at 2023 11:30 PM

SPC Tammy Demello — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 23:30:36 -0400

Can you send me a print application so I can get started pleas to:Tammy Demello 1434 s hope ave reedley,ca 93654 thank you I will follow up upon completion .

Response by PO2 Joe Hayes made Aug 17 at 2023 12:27 AM

PO2 Joe Hayes — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 00:27:48 -0400

Will a link be sent out to participants?

Response by PO3 Gregory Sirbu made Aug 17 at 2023 3:13 AM

PO3 Gregory Sirbu — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 03:13:12 -0400

I'm entering a certificate program at the local community college that charges tuition for attendance. I have use all of my GI Bill benefits, what additional financial support does the VA make available for veterans such as myself? I'm 68 years old and I need to upgrade my skill set to gain employment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2023 3:57 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 03:57:49 -0400

Are there anymore VA Education Benefits for someone who has used up arguably all of the GI Bill? I have used much of the GI Bill but never finished using it in its entirety. The 10-Year Delimiting Date had arrived before I could finish college.

Response by A1C Celestea Deanes made Aug 17 at 2023 4:18 AM

A1C Celestea Deanes — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:18:13 -0400

I am harassed terribly at the college I am attending despite being on the honor roll. The eeoc and admin are ineffectual or resistant it's part of the culture of the school.Its sickening.tHey have wavering respect for me. I would like to leave I have been assaulted and sex harassed. I am A mature widow of a vet a vet in my own right,disabled and on limited income.

Response by LCDR Jonathan Hammond made Aug 17 at 2023 4:47 AM

LCDR Jonathan Hammond — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 04:47:40 -0400

I retired from the Coast Guard in 2007. Since then I taught Navy JROTC for 14 years and CG JROTC for 1 year. I did not use any of my Post 9/11 GI Bill educational benefits. I am aware of the Colmery "Forever GI Bill" and I would like to transfer my unused benefit to my daughter when I anticipate her going to college in August of 2024. My questions are: is there a way that I can retain my GI Bill benefits past the 15 year expiration date; can I transfer my benefit to her and how can I appeal?

Response by SGT William (Big Sarge) Hansen made Aug 17 at 2023 9:22 AM

SGT William (Big Sarge) Hansen — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:22:55 -0400

So I recently moved to Texas from California - what paperwork do I need to fill out from the Texas side to go back to school and have a local rep?

Response by PO1 Chivas Mathews made Aug 17 at 2023 9:46 AM

PO1 Chivas Mathews — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:46:27 -0400

Thank you for your time. I am enrolled at the University of Arizona Global Campus (an online university). My current schedule does not have a traditional Summer/Fall break to allow me to attend possible internships. My academic advisor suggested that I could disenroll whenever I was selected for any internships, but I am concerned that would affect my Post 9/11 benefits/payments. So, if I needed to disenroll and re-enroll multiple times within three years, would that affect my current benefits or status?

Response by SFC Thomas Lindsey made Aug 17 at 2023 10:45 AM

SFC Thomas Lindsey — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:45:20 -0400

What could someone who transferred their GI Bill to their kids do to afford going to school, or find options for scholarships? I paid for the last few classes of my degree when I got out, it's not cheap! I can't quit the job that I have as I'm the breadwinner for the family and I work full time plus a side gig on the weekends to make life affordable in the B'more / DC area. Not sure about the option to use VR&E (I've heard stories of the difficulties with it), so I applied for a Vet Tec program. I'm eligible for the Vet Tec program (all blocks checked, I kept a month of GI Bill for myself), but would love to be even a part time student as I've never sat in a college classroom (the majority of my degree was earned while TDY or on deployments). I helped a buddy get into the VR&E program, but he's unemployed (and it was a challenge for him nonetheless).

Response by SP5 Charity Weeks made Aug 17 at 2023 11:03 AM

SP5 Charity Weeks — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:03:07 -0400

Can I use my GI Bill to pay for my son's college?

Response by PO2 Frank Stever made Aug 17 at 2023 12:48 PM

PO2 Frank Stever — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:48:08 -0400

I'm a Vietnam vet and got out of the Navy in 1972. Has my GI Bill towards education expired?

Response by SrA Will Coppage made Aug 17 at 2023 3:56 PM

SrA Will Coppage — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:56:35 -0400

I used my GI Bill for my undergraduate degree. I have two masters degrees as well. Are there additional veteran funding opportunities for me to continue my academic pursuits in music/art therapy or counseling? Thank you.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2023 7:30 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:30:52 -0400

Are there any VA Education Benefits that can be used to cover the cost of computers and/or printers needed for school? Thanks for the opportunity to post this question and attend the upcoming Q&A!

Response by Jengi Miller made Aug 17 at 2023 10:12 PM

Jengi Miller — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 22:12:10 -0400

I am a surviving spouse. I have an undergraduate degree, but am considering getting my masters. I receive DIC and believe my husband had not used his GI Bill. Would I be able to use his for graduate school? Also, would it pay for a partial online and partial residency program? (I’m looking into an art therapy degree. I have a BS in psychology with a minor in sociology)

Response by Capt Antonio Cortest made Aug 19 at 2023 6:07 PM

Capt Antonio Cortest — Sat, 19 Aug 2023 18:07:06 -0400

Can I get flying lessons

Response by Angela Edwards made Aug 21 at 2023 10:08 AM

Angela Edwards — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:08:27 -0400

Hello, I am not a Veteran but I am a family member of one. How do family members or VA employees get a chance to go back to school?

Response by A1C Celestea Deanes made Aug 21 at 2023 1:47 PM

A1C Celestea Deanes — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 13:47:35 -0400

Are the benefit available during Obama administration somehow useable now as far as benefits are concerned?

Response by PO3 William Maggiora made Aug 23 at 2023 6:09 PM

PO3 William Maggiora — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 18:09:20 -0400

Can my 45 year old daughter use my VA Education benefits? I'm a Vietnam Era Veteran who has used my education benefits 40 years ago. I heard from some reputable people that my daughter could get her master degree on my old benefits. Sounds to good to be true!

Response by SGT Anthony Dunni made Aug 29 at 2023 11:43 AM

SGT Anthony Dunni — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 11:43:10 -0400

I registered for this "VeTALKX Back to School Q&A" over a week ago and the event is coming up in 2 days, Thursday, Aug 13, 2023. However, I have not received the link for the event yet. Please provide the link or how I can participate.

My email address is: [login to see]
Thanks.

Response by SGT Heather Derby made Aug 29 at 2023 10:37 PM

SGT Heather Derby — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:37:30 -0400

What other resources are available if your GI Bill is expired?

Response by SGT Heather Derby made Aug 29 at 2023 10:40 PM

SGT Heather Derby — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:40:51 -0400

I just received a letter from the VA that my GI Bill expired in 2020. Are there other educational benefits that I am eligible for?

Response by Cpl James Gouttierre made Aug 30 at 2023 8:02 PM

Cpl James Gouttierre — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:02:32 -0400

I'm a 75 yr old veteran who is interested in college courses but not necessarily for a specific degree. I tried college 50 yrs. ago and never finished, I may have 12 credit hrs.. Can I get college courses online, paid for through the GI bill?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2023 8:11 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 20:11:21 -0400

I'm planning on using my 1606 GI Bill for 12 months, and switching over to my post 9/11 and use that for 36 months. I've heard this was a possibility but have not seen anything about what the process to do this is like. I've already been approved for my 1606 GI Bill. How straight forward is it too switch and how easy is it to go over the 12 months?

Response by SP5 Paul Ruez made Aug 30 at 2023 9:10 PM

SP5 Paul Ruez — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:10:08 -0400

For those vets and or family members who are RETURNING to school as teachers I am honored to offer this line of support: https://bit.ly/WelcomeBack-to-a-New
From Paul Ruez, M.Ed.
Nam Vet and retired teacher

Welcome To the School Year.docx

Response by PO3 Timothy Hill made Aug 31 at 2023 5:32 AM

PO3 Timothy Hill — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 05:32:24 -0400

Is there a way to extend unused, expired education benefits?

Response by SPC Cathy Crenshaw Hinkle made Aug 31 at 2023 11:27 AM

SPC Cathy Crenshaw Hinkle — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:27:34 -0400

Hello, will the military pay for me to go to a Real Estate School via the VR&E Program. Not College, but a 10 week real Estate School to get my Real Estate License?

Response by PV2 Michael Crump made Aug 31 at 2023 12:30 PM

PV2 Michael Crump — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:30:35 -0400

Good evening I have been classified as unemployable 100persent can I go to school under the GI Bill for substance abuse counseling or do the VA pay for truck driving school.

Response by PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell made Aug 31 at 2023 12:45 PM

PO3 Matthew "DOC" Campbell — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:45:49 -0400

Thank you to everyone for joining us today. . Our VA and Community experts look forward to answering your questions. Please post your questions below!

Response by Cpl Roger DeVall made Aug 31 at 2023 12:59 PM

Cpl Roger DeVall — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:59:43 -0400

After serving from 91-95, I left active service and continued on with the federal government in a LEO capacity. I never realized that I was able to utilize my Mont GI Bill to help pay for my time at the federal LEO academy (about 4--5 months 96-97). Have I lost any chance of using any of my Mont GI benefits due to the passage of time? (Unfortunately back in the day they didn't exactly tell us about all the benefits we had (or access to...at the time). Is there any way to get them back, or to at least transfer to one of my sons.

Response by CPO Missina Schallus made Aug 31 at 2023 1:01 PM

CPO Missina Schallus — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:01:45 -0400

Thank you for being here today, I am Missina Schallus, the Comms Manager in the VA Center for Women Veterans. Learn more about the Center at http://www.va.gov/womenvet or on Facebook and Twitter @VAWomenVets.

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Response by Sgt Christopher Vidaurre made Aug 31 at 2023 1:03 PM

Sgt Christopher Vidaurre — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:03:16 -0400

Hello All, My name is Christopher Vidaurre, I am the Senior Program Manager at the George W. Bush Institute. I am here on behalf of the Veterans Wellness Alliance to share “Check-In” Check-In is a first-of-its-kind network that unites peer-led organizations and mental and brain health service providers to connect veterans and their families with high-quality care for mental and brain health services. Please go to veterancheckin.org and fill out our short form to get connected to care. Once you fill out the form within in 72 business hours our Care Coordinator will reach out to you and find the most appropriate care and get you connected. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

https://www.veterancheckin.org

Check In

Connecting veterans with the support and services they need to live happier, healthier, more successful lives-and to make sure veterans are treated like people, not case numbers, every step of the care journey.

Response by PO3 Tammy Barlet made Aug 31 at 2023 1:04 PM

PO3 Tammy Barlet — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:04:21 -0400

Good afternoon, everyone!!! I'm Tammy Barlet, Vice President of Government Affairs for Student Veterans of America. Check out our website. https://studentveterans.org/

Student Veterans of America

Through a network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, Student Veterans of America ensures that student veterans and military-connected students achieve their greatest potential.

Response by SR Michael Soaries made Aug 31 at 2023 1:13 PM

SR Michael Soaries — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:13:59 -0400

Hi. I recently was classified %100 disability and was in volved in a flurry of activity - counseling, medication, medical in general etc. I am also in school, seminary, to get my MDiv. I heard about student loan forgiveness and in the flurry jumped inand filled out the form. after receiving a response that i was eligibile it occurred to me that I was still in school! If I went through with loan forgiveness how would I get through the rest of school? I realized I was operating without proper guidance and did not continue the process until I could get some. Can you advise? Should I apply now or wait until I complete school? I worry it would look like I am trying to scam the system but I already started the school process long before I realized i could apply for VA disability. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks

Response by Melissa Comeau made Aug 31 at 2023 1:16 PM

Melissa Comeau — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:16:35 -0400

Greetings! My name is Melissa Comeau and I am the Director of the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network at the American Red Cross. I am also the proud spouse and caregiver to a combat wounded Marine. We serve caregivers of all eras, all relationships, across all locations including Veterans that are caregivers. Please join us http://www.redcross.org/caregivers

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military Veteran Caregiver Network provides our nation’s pre- and post-9/11-era military and veteran caregivers with peer support.

Response by PO3 Tammy Barlet made Aug 31 at 2023 1:28 PM

PO3 Tammy Barlet — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:28:46 -0400

SVA’s National Headquarters oversees the provision of programs and services that empower student veterans to succeed to, through, and beyond higher education by focusing on the chapter-centric life cycle of student veterans. In order to lower technical barriers to success, SVA’s team of legislative and policy experts oversees advocacy efforts including preserving the integrity and evolution of the GI Bill. As a data-driven organization, SVA’s research arm collects, analyzes, and interprets data from national partners as well as institutions and chapters, and then tells the story of our nation’s most talented group of college students. https://studentveterans.org/

Student Veterans of America

Through a network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters, Student Veterans of America ensures that student veterans and military-connected students achieve their greatest potential.

Response by PO3 Tammy Barlet made Aug 31 at 2023 1:48 PM

PO3 Tammy Barlet — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 13:48:12 -0400

SVA's Core Functions
Programs: As a coordinating element for our chapters, we deliver chapter-centric tools and training nationwide.
Advocacy: As an organization actively engaged with policymakers in DC and on campuses across the country, we shape the national landscape for student veterans.
Research: Our peer-reviewed original research informs all of our programs and policy work, providing clear learning and measurement metrics.

Response by 1LT Peggy McCoy made Aug 31 at 2023 2:40 PM

1LT Peggy McCoy — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 14:40:26 -0400

I have been out of the Military since 1966 and only use my GI bill for a couple of classes. Have I no chance of getting any benefits now?