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A couple of answers: 1) Gary Nicholas from North Brunswick: if you've served over 3 years during the period following 9/11, you should be eligible for benefits under the new bill. For more info: www.gibill.va.gov/CH33/Post_911_Factsheet.pdf. 2) Gerry from Soho: GI Bill benefits are contingent on service characterization and length of time in service--as long as a veteran has received an honorable discharge, has completed 2-3 years of service, and has paid into the system (under the old bill), s/he is entitled to education benefits. Being discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" does not necessarily result in a dishonorable discharge--while homosexual ACTS constitute misconduct, the mere disclosure of homosexual identity should not. For more info: sldn.3cdn.net/d476216247b4d4e3c4_dlm6b4zvx.pdf.

Veterans & Servicemembers Project
www.urbanjustice.org/ujc/projects/veterans.html

While the new GI bill is for those who have served since 9/11, and does not apply to Vietnam vets who have not served recently, there is a fairly new benefit that does apply to them, the New York State Veterans Tuition Awards.

See:
http://www.veterans.state.ny.us/veterans_tuition_award.html

It's always a good idea to check with a State Veterans' Counselor or the VA when in doubt.

Incidentally, the WNYC.org website could use some help and is not Linux-friendly.

On first glance this may not appear to be the proper forum for discussing benefits for returning Peace Corps Volunteers. But I am wondering what are the assunmptions that prevent serious consideration of similar New GI Bill type benefits for RPCV’s. I served for two years in a remote desert area, and encountered danger (although not hostility) from my physical environment, all in service of my country. When I returned to the USA I received no compensation other than the very small amount that had been set aside for me as “readjustment allowance”.

Brian,

The fact that we compensate Blackwater employees 5 to 10 times more than our official millitary for doing military jobs needs to be addressed.

On a different issue recently seen on 60 minutes regarding the loss of jobs for returning guardsmen & women , in violation of federal law , including the defense
dept. ???

I served five years active duty ending in 1998 and used my old GI bill. I went back into the Navy after 9/11 for an additional five years ending in December 2007. Am I eligible for the new GI Bill?

Our Vets should get full benefits in everything. These are people who have given up their lives whatever it is they did before becoming a soldier and put their lives in danger and many have given their lives completely. They deserve everything, healthcare, education, and any other help to get them back on their feet and make a life after service. It is OWED to them and you can raise my taxes to pay for it.
That said, I am totally against war (this one in particular and was also against VietNam) and against sending people away and putting lives in danger but since it happens and the service is given then the benefits are due.

How does this work for military staff that come out as homosexual (by choice or not) before after or during their enlistment? Do they lose benefits?

As an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and a recent law school graduate, I might be able to give some advice as to veterans and education.
1. The service man or woman NEEDS to be proactive and take charge of their own education. This occurs before they ever leave the service. Ask superiors and those in the your unit about what to do before leaving the service.
2.Save money. Set aside a small amount each month while your are in for post-service education.
3. Don't get discouraged. It can be daunting. People lose paper work or qualifications change. Just remind yourself, this is a long road, not a sprint.
Happy Veterans Day to all. Keep fighting the good fight.
Alex Najemy