Old bill, but great idea. S. 1261: Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007

[malmapus]

I just found out about this today. Basically, I've been out of work for a while, actually left my job to start a new business and that didn't work out well. Want to hone my old skills, but can't now that I've been out for over 10 years and lost my benefits with the GI Bill.

My Father in law got into some program with the VA where he's getting money for school. He told me I should look into it, I thought he meant the GI Bill, VA told me otherwise in so many words today. But while Googleing I found this bill that went to Committee but died there.

I never really understood why we only get our GI Bill benefits for 10 years after we exit the service. Seems only fair that we give the best years of our life for this country, the benefits should be there when we need them. I mean some of the demons I still have didn't disappear after 10 years.

The more I thought about how this bill was actually introduced and then put in limbo by our own freaking party bothers me as well. Actually called Sen. Cantwell's office to get some information before I found better links and they said that it might be brought up again. Also called Congressman Skelton's too seeing as he's the Chairman for the House Armed Services Committee, will be getting a letter from his office, but I'm expecting it to be the usual "thanks for your concern."

This is something I really believe needs to be changed for all of us vets. Trying to figure out where to start to get the ball rolling. Who I need to bother, what groups to send the message out too.

It's late as I'm writing this and I'm going on lack of sleep from a 13 month old who had been having problems getting a restful night so apologies if I haven't put my thoughts together better lol.

[MADem]

1. I agree with you. Perhaps the place to start is MOAA--they're the military lobbyists.

If anything happens with that bill, it'll be MOAA that does a lot of the pushing and shoving. Call them and see how they're feeling about it.

Ike won't respond to individual pressure, but he's a friend of MOAA. That's why I say get a hold of them first and see how they feel about resurrecting this bill.

I agree with you, it's a good idea.

http://www.moaa.org/

[malmapus]

2. Thanks!

Just sent them an email to their Legislative Affairs dept.

I must have written this post at the wrong time of day, was hoping to have more attention drawn to this as I'm sure other vets are in the same boat, or even DU'rs who feel that those who serve this country deserve to not have a limit put on their educational benefits.

It's crazy, I never really put my thought into it till now. Something about seeing a bill introduced and then killed off without a thought pushed my buttons, that and I could really use that money to help me out now with some schooling.

[MADem]

3. The VETS forum is kinda slow at times--maybe you could repost it in GD

under a wider rubric (What legislation that has been tombstoned would you like to see revived?) and then post your particular favorite.

I think that bill is tailor-made for these times. So much stuff winds up in committee and never sees the light of day again.

[malmapus]

5. No-Go with MOAA

Sir,

Thank you for contacting MOAA regarding the Montgomery GI Bill. We can certainly understand your sentiments. If there were to be some sort of legislation that could extend the old GI Bill to those in your situation, we would certainly support it. The reality is, though, the chances of it happening are slim to none. It took such a long time just trying to compromise on a new GI Bill that the likelihood of Congress being willing to go back in time and make adjustments on the old one is very low.

I hope this helps answer your question, even if it wasn't the answer you were hoping for. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

xxxx xxxxxxx

MOAA

[Captain Hilts]

4. You have to lean on them. Bills about the military - such as TOTAL rip off the

Survivor's Benefit Plan was - languish for years and years and years.

There are a lot of things being batted around to make the GI Bill more versatile to meet modern needs - such as even making it transferable within a family.