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

Dividing Veterans Based On The Wars They Fought

When you enter military service your whole world changes. From your first day in basic training you are stressed and pushed beyond what Americans in most other jobs will ever see. You are removed from family and friends and taken to the breaking point.

The pounding you take, in mind and body, changes who you are forever. The military training and, for some, the war-related injuries, either physical or mental, follow you the rest of your life. After service you return to where you were raised and find you are a stranger. Family members and friends have moved on or passed away.

I am proud to have served. I love the country. But I never expected the cards to be pre-stacked against veterans returning to civilian life.  An old military tactic called "divide and conquer" is used. Veterans from different wars or eras are broken into groups. It makes perfect tactical sense when dealing with an enemy.  But are American veterans the enemy?

Being in service during war, even a Cold War, comes with the thought that today might be the day you lose a buddy or your life. So all who serve earn the right to be called "veteran," and if it's too costly to support them maybe we should stop creating so many.

Freedom is not the responsibility and burden of only those in service. Citizens who enjoy that freedom have to ensure that we do not enter into war lightly, and that we be willing to carry the costs of doing so. That is part of being an American and a necessity for protecting our way of life.

WILLIS LINN
Shirleysburg, Pa.

Admit it. We older retirees "paid our dues" just like younger ones are doing now.  A lot of us fought more than one war. We followed orders and performed our duties to the best of our abilities with what we had to work with. Reward us equally. We earned it. Without us you wouldn't have what you have today.

LAWRENCE SLAGEL
Master Sergeant, USAF-Ret.
Via e-mail

VEAP-ERA, STILL SERVING

This is in regard to your recent column, "In Battle over GI Bills, Webb still holds the high ground." I am one of those active duty personnel who had the VEAP [Veterans' Educational Assistance Program] option. I cashed it out years ago and now have no educational benefits for when I retire.

I have almost 28 years active duty, and plan on completing 30. Do you see any other possible benefits for those in my position for educational benefits after retirement?

MARK VANTINO
Master Chief Machinist Mate
Chief of the Boat, USS Maine (SSBN 741)
Via e-mail

It appears you stand to gain GI Bill benefits under either the Webb initiative or the Graham/Burr/McCain alternative, if Congress passes either one of these bills.

The Graham bill specifically would allow VEAP-era service members who are still on active duty to buy into a much enhanced Montgomery GI Bill benefit. 

The Webb bill would allow anyone who served time on active duty since 9-11 to roll into his GI bill plan which wouldn't require the $1200 buy in required under MGIB.  – Tom Philpott

ELIGIBILITY FOR WEBB GI BILL

Is the new GI Bill going to address those who turned down the MGIB when they first joined?

I have three airmen who turned down the MGIB due to family financial reasons and would like to join now.

MELVIN "SHAWN" FOGLE
Technical Sergeant, USAF
Ramstein Air Base, Germany

If the Webb GI Bill is enacted, they would be entitled to benefits based on length of active duty served since 9-11. Three years served since 9-11 would entitle them to full benefits. – T. P.

TRANSFERABILITY IS KEY

I really wish that Congress would pass a law allowing us to pass on our GI Bill benefits to our spouses and children. That would be huge, and it wouldn't hurt retention.

As it stands now I would have to die in order for my wife to be able to use my benefits.

MARK A. McClure
Staff Sergeant
Via e-mail

You refer here to a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit for the designated survivor of a member who dies while on active duty or dies from service-related conditions within one year of discharge or release.  The deceased must either have been entitled to MGIB or who would have been entitled except for meeting the program's high school diploma or length-of-service requirement. – T. P.

RESTORING DIC

I was married to an Army veteran who received full disability benefits until his death. My children and I received Disability and Indemnity Compensation from 1988 until 2000. My children are now grown. I had remarried in 2000 and so the DIC stopped.

My husband now is leaving me, I believe for a younger woman. A friend told me I could possibly get my benefits back. Is that true?

HILDA
Via e-mail

The law allows reinstatement of DIC, for remarried survivors of members who died of service connected causes, when the remarriage ends by death or divorce. To apply to restore DIC contact your VA Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000.  Surviving spouses who remarry on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, continue to receive DIC.  – T. P.

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.

How do you feel about these issues?
Let your public officials know how you feel.