As some of you on here are familiar with, I returned to school, have had major problems with my GI Bill and from what I understand... its sad, but its becoming the norm to not recieve your benefits when you should be getting them... but that wag of the finger is for other posts.
IF NOT FOR a few great organizations I would not have been able to afford my books to attend this falls semester at school!
The American Legion gave me a scholarship for $300 towards books
and...
The Military Order of the Purple Heart also gave me a $300 book scholarship!
I am truly blessed! These great organizations helped me out when I truly needed it the most. I am truly grateful to both of them and if anyone is thinking of contributing or supporting they are wonderful groups that truly help us vets out when we need it most!
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
Glad to hear someone stepped up to the plate and did something for you Crosshair. I remember you mentioning about this in one of the emails you'd sent.
Is it the current administration making things harder or is it the veterans office itself or both?
And not trying to bash the current administration. But I do know he isn't as pro military as most presidents previous and I thought he's cut some areas of the military and or veteran's budget? I mean, at one point he was looking into making soldiers pay for their own medical insurance???
Again, glad you can at least attend and go to your fall classes.
What was it you're going to school for again?
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
I know the VA is understaffed and the problem is getting them to review claims in a timely fashion. I got all my enrollment done in APRIL! Went to class over summer semester, the school did not reflect my class load properly, but changed it and submitted that to the VA... it shows on the computer as being recieved July 13th but is pending review. I have a 4.0 GPA so I know I made the grade so to speak. Just have to wait for somebody to release my money... its ridiculous. All I can do is wait I have called, visited many VA offices... nothing to do but wait on some miracle guy in St Louis RPO office to click a button on his computer releasing my pay for school I have already completed.
I am not sure what administration is to blame for this, but from the vetrans I have been talking to... its sad but they are all experiencing a long wait to get the money we are suppose to get every month to live on while we go to school. Even when I get back pay... it did not help me while I really needed it.
I am getting two associates degrees, HVAC+R which is heating, ventilation, air conditioning and commercial refridgeration and I am also getting a degree in Engineering specializing in industrial complex maintenance. I hope to with these two degrees get a good job in Engineering working at a Hospital or State Building or school or such. Maybe reside onsite at a posh resort somewhere nice LOL!
I took a student mentor/ambassador position at the school and represent veterans for the student body and I think they may ask me to be a student trustee. The more active I am in the school at least I get scholarships and can try to help future veterans with the VA problems.
If anyone is e-mailing their senators or congressmen, mention something about us vets attending school its becoming a mess. My dad and other past vets have nothing but good things to say about the Montgomery GI Bill.... well, its gone downhill IMHO! sorry to rant, but when you are counting on getting money and it doesnt come the power company doesnt give a rats hiney what you are owed! My gas has been shut off for a month now, my wife has to heat water in a big capacity table top broaster oven to take a bath.... yeah... its getting old!
What can you do? I keep saying we will look back and laugh!
Thanks for the kind words guys!
Mike
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
I would like to remind myself however that the whole point of starting this thread is to send out a message of how great these two organizations are for helping out and NOT to bash the VA! LOL!!!
The American Legion & Military Order of the Purple Heart work to help us with our problems and are true champions in my book!
It is easy to become angry in my situation but in the big scheme of things these two shining beacons have selflessly helped me out immeasurably and I am totally grateful!
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
From what I have been researching the backlog waiting period is 65 days for claims adjusting to GI Bill out of the St Louis RPO! 65 DAYS! So that means if your school did not get the paperwork correct (in my case) when they finally do... its 95 days, then processing time which can be over 14 days, then wait for either the first or 15th to release payment even with direct deposit. so you could look at four or five months to get payment from a program that you personally paid into as a college fund for expenses while you are attending school... not after! Its just wrong especially to veterans.
I just signed over power of attorney for my VA claims to a congressional level military order of the purple heart officer last week, and of all the VA offices I had visited, he gave me the most hope for not only his concern and willingness to help, but had the pull to hopefully get something done!
Here I go again! LMAO.... trying to keep it focused
I need pie! LOL AH what kinda dessert are you enjoying?
__________________ Most of my life I've spent hunting,... the rest of it I've just wasted
Thanks to veteran organizations! 
