Readers of Tom Philpott’s Military Update column sound off.

Ideas for Improving GI Bill Benefits 

I served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantryman for 20 years. Because I did not elect to take the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program, the only education package offered then, I was ineligible later to enroll in the Montgomery G.I. Bill.  After retiring in 2003 I went back to school under vocational rehabilitation benefits to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at East Carolina University.

I feel that every service man and woman should be eligible for the G.I. Bill. One should be able to buy into the benefit during an open enrollment at time of enlistment or reenlistment.  But I also feel the new program should be designed to reward retention and combat service.

The amount of education paid for by the benefit should be determined by the number of years one has paid into the fund: a four-year enlistment gets you enough to pay for two years of college. Each additional four years served would pay for an additional year of college up to six years, enough to earn a master’s degree.

Combat service and awards for valor would earn more money so a young service member with a successful four-year enlistment and multiple tours in the Global War on Terrorism would likely have enough funding for four-years of college after a four-year enlistment.

Those who hide from the war by finding cushy jobs on recruiting duty, DI duty or elsewhere would have to earn their college benefit one year at a time for each four years served.

The benefit should not be transferable to spouses or children unless the service member is deceased or severely disabled. An ex-spouse would not rate the deceased or disabled service member’s benefit.

AARON L. CLARK
USMC-Ret.
Via e-mail

Congress should eliminate the 10-year window for using GI Bill benefits. Many military retirees and veterans have not had the chance to use their GI bill benefits due to reasons beyond their control. They are too busy trying to make a life for themselves.  By the time they are back on their feet, the GI Bill door has been closed forever.

These are some of the veterans that the government lets fall by the side of the road. Given their service to country, they should never be discarded after a “period of time.” That is dishonorable.

VIC MOWERY
Cryptologic Technician Communications Chief, USN-Ret
Via e-mail

I applaud those who are attempting to care for our soldiers, both careerists and one-time service members. I am a former soldier and wife to a careerist and proud of it.

However, I do not like the GI Bill transferability concept [being pushed by Defense officials.]  A soldier earns his or her right to an education. This should not be allowed to be given away. It would be too easy to push or to guilt those who serve, and give of themselves so willingly, into giving away their own chance at an education. Too often I have seen buddies lose too much because they put themselves second.

Transferability should be allowed only after the member's death.

MARGUERITE WRIGHT
Adrian, Ga.

Sen. Webb and other lawmakers who support his bill should keep in mind that these changes will make the GI Bill significantly different than the one that members have been presented with for years.

All should be allowed to opt in or out once revisions are finalized.

N. CARLSON
Lieutenant Commander, MSC, USN
Via e-mail

I would like to see the ten-year limit on using the GI Bill extended. Perhaps, for instance, the veteran could be given a full four years from the time they initially apply for benefits to use them before they expire.

This would give the veteran more time to take advantage of their benefits on their own schedule.

Most veterans find themselves making a living and supporting their family and before they know it their GI Bill time has expired.

LEWIS CHRISTMAN
Porterville, Calif.

Are prior-service vets being left out again?

I never served in the Persian Gulf or in Iraq but I put my butt on the line for this country, serving four years in the Air Force.

I did not join until 1979 which was too late for the Vietnam-era GI bill.  And, as you know, VEAP was crap.

Come on, Congress. Think about all veterans, not just those who served in 2001 or later. We served proudly and gave our futures to the citizens of this country.  Don’t pit us against other veterans.

ROBERT HARIS
Via e-mail

I'm currently on active duty in Afghanistan. I signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill and started to make my contribution of $100 a month when I had to withdraw from the program to support my mentally handicapped sister and my mother with cancer.

Can I now participate in the GI Bill after all these years by contributing the $1200 and attend school full time when I get home?

I'm in the process of coming home to retire, after 25 years of active duty and six in the reserves. Thanks to Sen. John Warner and Jim Webb for looking after our interests.

ROBERT R. PHIPPS
Sergeant First Class
Via e-mail

If the Webb GI Bill is enacted, you would be eligible for the program without having to contribute $1200.  If it isn’t enacted, you would have no other VA education benefit, having withdrawn from the MGIB. – T.P.

REQUESTING 1099-R

I have not received my 1099-R, showing military retired pay distributions for 2007.  What can be done about?

CLIVE W. MEAIRS JR
Shell Knob, Mo.

Retirees can obtain copies of their 1099-R by signing on to the secure myPay system and accessing their account.  myPay maintains historical data for the current tax year (for retirees) and current tax year and two prior years (for annuitants).  That website address is:  https://mypay.dfas.mil

Retirees who do not have access to myPay and those who seek a hard copy of their 1099-R can call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service toll free at: 1-800-321-1080 -- Tom Philpott

Letters may be edited for clarity or length.  Write to Military Forum, P.O. Box 231111, Centreville, VA  20120-1111, send e-mail to militaryforum@aol.com or visit www.militaryupdate.com.

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