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Have You Signed Up for the New G.I. Bill?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Make the most of your service -- the new military G.I. Bill pays more and lets you transfer benefits. The VA is now accepting applications for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This new educational benefits package, known as Chapter 33, offers additional benefits beyond paying for tuition -- including a new housing stipend.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill goes into effect on August 1, 2009. You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001. You don't have to pay into this benefit each month; and you can transfer your benefits to your spouse or children.

What You'll Get

- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly housing stipend*
- Money for books and supplies
- Transferability of entitlement
- Kicker -- if you receive it now, you'll still get it with the new benefits

The amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post-9/11 active-duty service.
Here are the percentages that are available:

Percentage of Payment -- Amount of Military Service
100% -- 36 or more months
100% -- 30 or more consecutive days with disability-related discharge
90% -- 30 total months
80% -- 24 total months
70% -- 18 total months
60% -- 12 total months
50% -- 6 total months
40% -- 90 or more days

The Department of Veterans Affairs started accepting applications on May 1, 2009. If you are already enrolled in the Montgomery G.I. Bill and also meet the criteria for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, you have the option to transfer your remaining MGIB benefits to the new program. Although the new bill offers comprehensive benefits, you may find that the original Montgomery G.I. Bill better suits your needs.

One of the biggest additions of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is the option for service members to transfer their benefits -- if you are an active-duty service member with at least six years of experience, you can shift your G.I. Bill benefits to your spouse or children if you commit to at least four additional years of service.

You can enroll online at www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) 501-5221 to learn how you can make the most of your new benefits. Your educational options just got better -- enroll in a certificate program without paying anything, plus receive additional benefits.

*Restrictions apply

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Posted by Heather Brunson @ 3:28 PM • 0 comments

Pre-Deployment Checklist for Airmen and their Families

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

It's human nature to put off addressing issues that are painful. Many men and women in the armed services are prone to procrastination when it comes to the emotions aspects of deployment. The reality that you may have to leave your family for a year or even more – is not something most people would relish. Yet, as all military families understand, it is a reality and families should deal with the issue prior to deployment.

The Air Force Crossroads website has some tips for Air Force families (which certainly apply to all military families) facing the deployment of a wife or husband. The Air Force emphasizes that talking about deployment within the family is an effective way to minimize the sting of deployment.

One of the particularly difficult issues for military families when facing deployment is a feeling that they have no control over events. Many members of the military are ready to deploy in the sense that they have their sea bag packed and their gear in order; they have their military life ready to go, but often this preparation doesn't extend to their personal life.

Air Force Crossroads emphasizes that service members can do a number of things to prepare themselves and their family for deployments. One of the best things to do is to make sure that your Air Force spouse is aware of the resources available to her through the Airmen & Family Readiness Center; knowing about resources may help ease stress by giving an Air Force spouse a place to go for answers during his or her spouse's deployment.

The next big issue is communication between husband and wife. Airmen and women need to spend a night with their spouse and discuss the deployment in detail, and how both feel about it. Then the couple should discuss how things should be handled at home in the case of emergencies or unexpected challenges.

Pilots should also go through the house and make sure their spouse knows how to deal with common task like working the lawnmower, turning off the gas in case of an emergency or changing a flat tire. If your departing spouse had been in charge of domestic tasks like cooking and handling the bills, make sure the procedures for these chores are clear.

Click here to find out Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts

Airmen and women should also understand that when they deploy, a part of their spouse will go with them. Although your spouse may have dealt well with the ramp-up to the deployment, be sensitive that there may be a tendency on their part as well as yours, to put some distance between the both of you. Although this distancing is not ideal, it may occur and both you and your spouse should be aware of this reality.

Airmen and women also shouldn't be surprised if their spouse seems irritated or upset with the Air Force or its commanders. Although this is not a rational way to act, it's understandable that there is anger at those who have given orders which have lead to the disruption of family life. As with all things in marriage, the ability to put yourself in your spouse's shoes and to identify yourself with their situation is paramount. While you may acutely feel your sacrifice for the nation, your spouse and children are sacrificing much as well.

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