The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides veterans with some of the most generous education benefits since President Roosevelt signed the original bill into law more than 70 years ago. Available to veterans who served after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the bill has already been used by more than 1.4 million veterans, their spouses and children. According to the Los Angeles Times, about $42 billion has gone towards the cause.
All of this would seem to suggest that veterans are receiving the educational support they are due at little cost to themselves. Unfortunately, that isn't the case.
A Times' analysis of data compiled by the Department of Education showed that veterans attending college were taking on significant student loans despite the funds supplied by the GI Bill. They found that in 2012 – the most recent year with available data – 26 percent of veterans pursuing undergraduate degrees sought private or federal education loans. Expanded over a four-year degree, or even longer, in many cases, a veteran student's debt could easily reach $25,000.
One of the primary creators of that debt are for-profit colleges, which have been targets of withering criticism for their expensive costs and poor job-placement rates. Some for-profit schools have been known to take advantage of GI Bill money and veterans eager for an education by prolonging enrollment time for a degree that may have little worth to civilian employers.
Not every for-profit college has malicious intent. Many offer great flexibility for veterans with busy schedules and can be of great help. But there are enough bad schools out there that veterans have to be cautious before attending. To determine if a school has your best interests at heart, here are some precautions to consider.
Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to determine each school's benefits. The tool provides a summary of a school's information, such as its public, private or for-profit status, as well as a sampling of complaints from fellow veterans against the school. If the school is under probation from the Department of Defense, like University of Phoenix is, a warning will display on the page.
When it comes to paperwork, be vigilant. Don't just sign your name wherever they tell you to. In fact, it's better that you exercise a healthy distrust of whatever a for-profit recruiter tells you. Any paperwork related to financial aid or use of your GI Bill money should be taken home and examined carefully. And if you're promised anything, anything at all, get it in writing.
Do your research and ask probing questions. Seth Frotman of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau told U.S. News & World Report that "Consumers should make sure they ask tough questions when choosing a school, including cost, the ability to transfer credits and whether it can qualify you for a job in the field you want." Research a school's graduation and employment statistics with sites like the Department of Education's College Scorecard to determine if a school can offer you what you need.
Your last and best resource may be other veterans who have already gone through the process. William Hubbard, Student Veterans of America's vice president of government affairs, recommended that veterans "Connect with current student veterans at the school. That's the best source of information."
When it comes to your education and life after service, remember to slow down. It's too easy to get swept up in readjustment to civilian life. Instead of immediately putting your GI Bill money into action, fully use the many resources at your disposal, plus your own good judgment, to determine which path best fits your goals.
We're approaching the end of November, and that means it's Thanksgiving time again. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are currently more than one million active-duty members of the U.S. military, and many of them are deployed overseas. Most will not be home for Thanksgiving, but that doesn't mean your deployed spouse or child can't feel like they're a part of the holiday.
A care package that reminds them of home is the perfect way to connect. But what to send?
Consider this. In a sense, Thanksgiving owes its holiday status to the military. The Times described how in 1863, on the day after the Union was victorious at the battle of Chattanooga, Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed Thanksgiving a national day of remembrance. From then on, the last Thursday in November would be "a day of Thanksgiving and Praise." In the field, Civil War soldiers celebrated with salted pork, crusty bread and yes, care packages full of small treats from home. Some things never change.
Thankfully, some other things do change, like the quality of food and the speed of delivery. In the 19th century, soldiers might not get a care package for several weeks (or even longer) after it was mailed. Nowadays, your care package can get just about anywhere in the world in one or two weeks. So, with Thanksgiving just 10 days away, here are some neat ideas for what you could surprise your loved ones with next week.
Canned food, or make substitutions. Cans of vegetables, cranberry sauce and turkey spam all keep a lot longer than the fresh food will, so even if they aren't used next Thursday, they could always be eaten later on. But if the idea of canned food isn't appealing, Army Wife 101 says to consider some non-traditional replacements. Instead of turkey, send jerky. Instead of corn, send candy corn.
Snacks are always welcome. Picking up where we left off – snacks are always appreciated overseas, particularly if they're a brand hard to find outside the U.S. Old standbys, like potato chips, pretzels, and Pop-Tarts will never be turned down by servicemembers craving to remember what a trip to the grocery store snack aisle tastes like.
Cookies. It's hard to go wrong with cookies. Or brownies, for that matter. Both treats are consistently the most popular additions to any great care package, especially if they're wrapped up fresh out of the oven, just like mom used to make. A firm airtight container will keep the taste of home intact for a longer period of time as your care package makes its way overseas.
Decorations and other small touches. Cups, plates and napkins decorated with the Thanksgiving theme are great for brightening up any mess hall feast. They bring the feel of the holiday to the table the same way plastic skeletons and fake spider webs tell the neighborhood it's time for Halloween.
Thanksgiving is a tough holiday to plan care packages around because it's a day all about hot, fresh food, but that doesn't mean you can't get creative. Non-perishable canned food or unique replacements for traditional dishes, favorite snacks, homemade baked goods and holiday-themed decorations are a great way of reminding your loved one that you care.
So don't get too anxious about crafting the perfect care package. Retired Gen. Oscar C. Decker told Marysville's This Week News that, when it comes to sending food and treats overseas, "It's not about feeding them or even about getting them what they need. It's about the soldier opening a box and knowing, 'Someone is thinking about me.'"
It's that time of year. Everyone has packed away their Halloween costumes and candy in favor of autumn wreaths and various Winter Solstice decorations. Television networks have begun to air advertisements for Christmas sales, festive music fills the shopping malls and people seem to be in an overall merrier mood. The holiday season is a time of joy for most people as families come together to celebrate. Yet, for military families, the holidays can be a challenging time. Deployments can keep even the closest of families apart when they really want to be together. Take a look at a few ways to make the holidays a little brighter when your loved one is away at service.
Invite other military families to celebrate with you
Yours is not the only family missing someone. Try to contact other military families in your area with a loved one deployed. You can invite them to your home for a large holiday celebration. This can help prevent loneliness and make the holiday extra special for everyone involved. If you are feeling really ambitious, you could arrange a group celebration on the nearest military base, where many families could spend the holidays together.
Try to schedule a video chat session near major holidays
If possible, arrange a time to video chat with your deployed loved one on or near the holiday. Not only will this brighten up your servicemember's day, it will bring a little more joy into your own celebration. Remember that your servicemember may not be able to talk on the exact date of the holiday, so try to plan ahead as much as possible.
Send your servicemember a piece of the celebration
While it is not possible to send your loved one a whole turkey or a Christmas tree, you can still send him or her a small part of the celebration. In your holiday care package, you could include the servicemember's favorite ornament or a picture of the family taken during the Thanksgiving meal. Your loved one will feel like he or she was a part of the gathering, even if there is a large distance separating them from you.
Invite other servicemembers to share in the celebration
Your deployed servicemember would be proud if you opened your home to other local servicemembers who may not have a family to celebrate the holidays with. Contact your local VA or VFW post to inquire about Adopt-a-Vet programs. They can tell you how to arrange for a veteran to celebrate the holidays with you and your family. There are also many Adopt-a-Soldier programs that will put you in contact with a local servicemember looking for a place to spend the holidays. Click here for more information on these programs.
The holidays should be a source of happiness for everyone. Deployment does not have to put a damper on things. By following the above suggestions, you can help make the season just as merry as if your loved one were still here.
At a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Thursday, President Obama awarded Capt. Florent A. Groberg the Congressional Medal of Honor. In Afghanistan in Aug. 2012, Capt. Groberg was serving as the head of a personal security detachment in the Fourth Infantry Division when the group of senior commanders he was escorting on foot through Kunar Province was approached by an individual with his back turned to the group.
Capt. Groberg's Medal of Honor citation states that the man made a sudden turn towards their formation, a suspicious bulge visible beneath his dark clothes. Rushing the man without any regard for his own safety, the captain confirmed that the bulge was a suicide vest. He selflessly tackled the bomber down and away from the security detail. Upon hitting the ground, the bomber's dead man switch detonated the vest, killing four of Capt. Groberg's fellow soldiers and wounding him desperately. The explosion triggered a second bomber's vest nearby, but it did little damage.
The citation credits Capt. Groberg's heroism with minimizing the severity of the coordinated suicide attack. He saved the lives of many of his comrades and senior leaders. The New York Times reported that the extent of the injuries to his legs, which required 33 surgeries over three years, did not keep the captain from standing at attention while his president awarded him our country's greatest commendation.
"A day after Veterans Day, we honor this American veteran whose story – like so many of our vets and wounded warriors – speaks not only of gallantry on the battlefield, but resilience here at home," said Obama. Capt. Groberg retired from the Army earlier this year. Even in his life after military service, he has chosen to continue to serve, now as a civilian in the Department of Defense.
Nov. 11, otherwise known as Veterans Day, is fast approaching. This is a time for Americans to appreciate our military servicemembers, both active and veteran, for their commitment to the country. Many businesses have announced that they will be offering free or discounted services to veterans and servicemembers as a show of gratitude. Below is a list of companies participating in Veterans Day discounts.
Restaurants
- IHOP – The International House of Pancakes is offering free red, white and blue pancakes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on November 11. Proof of service is required. The restaurant will accept "US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW, etc.), photograph of yourself in US military uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, military dog tags, and citation or commendation."
- Golden Corral – Veterans and former servicemembers can get a free meal and beverage at most Golden Corral locations from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Red Lobster – Nov. 9 through Nov. 12, active-duty servicemembers and veterans can receive a free appetizer or dessert from a special menu. Proof of service is required to receive this special.
- On the Border – This tex-mex restaurant is inviting veterans and servicemembers to enjoy a complimentary "Create Your Own Combo" at their restaurants on Nov. 11.
- Applebee's – During regular business hours on Nov. 11, Applebee's will have a special Veterans Day Signature Menu. All former or active-duty servicemembers are invited to enjoy a free meal from this menu.
- Texas Roadhouse – All active, former, or retired military can come to any Texas Roadhouse location on Nov. 11 to receive a free lunch and beverage.
Services
- Western Union – When you use the promo code "HERO" on Nov. 11, Western Union will give you free money transfers to and from U.S. military bases around the world. There is no dollar limit.
- Great Clips – Veterans can receive a free haircut from any Great Clips location from Nov. 11 through Dec. 31. Veterans must come in to a store on Veterans Day to receive their free haircut card.
- Sleep Number – This mattress supplier is offering discounted products to veterans and active-duty military personnel through Nov. 15.
There are many more retailers and restaurants that are providing goods and services free or discounted for veterans and active-duty servicemembers in honor of Veterans Day. The best way to find out all the participating businesses in your area is to do a region-specific search for Veterans Days discounts in your city.
It does not matter if you are fighting on the front lines of a combat zone or working to keep your city safe, teamwork is crucial. Any seasoned military servicemember or first responder will tell you that you cannot do the job alone. You must rely on those in your unit or station house to complete the job successfully. However, sometimes people need to be reminded of the importance of teamwork. Below are a few quotes to help inspire the spirit of teamwork in your group.
"Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability." –Patrick Lencioni
This quote by American author Patrick Lencioni is perfect for first responders and servicemembers. Not only are teamwork and trust the building blocks for a successful unit or station house, but overcoming the need to be invulnerable can make team members much more prepared to face the challenges in the field.
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." –Helen Keller
These words are great to put on a sign and hang somewhere in your station house or base. Keller's quote communicates to people that it is much more productive to work in unison as opposed to individually. For service oriented individuals, such as soldiers and first responders, this quote serves as a reminder of the end goal.
"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." –Henry Ford
Henry Ford did well for himself in the automotive industry, but his words are applicable to so many more lines of work. It could demonstrate to servicemembers and first responders that all stages of the teamwork process are equally important and will ultimately lead to a successful unit.
"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." –Phil Jackson
NBA coach Phil Jackson inspired his players with the above words, but first responders and servicemembers could draw from it, too. Jackson's quote serves to remind people that not only are they important to the team on an individual level, but that the team is crucial to their personal success, as well.
"Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved." –Mattie Stepanek
The American poet Mattie Stepanek spoke these words to motivate people to work together for a bigger goal. Stepanek's verbage can be applied to both military and emergency service workers, too. The wonderful things that can be achieved by a military unit or first responder squad working as a team might be a successful mission or the saving of someone's life.
Teamwork is vital to running a successful station house or base. In the tough situations that military servicemembers and first responders are faced with every day, they must be able to rely on their team members for strength and support. By displaying some of these quotes where members of your unit will see them regularly, you can inspire a more cohesive and unified team.
Military members dedicate their lives and their careers to serving others, so it is only right that society gives back to these individuals in some way. Many businesses offer military discounts to show their gratitude to servicemembers and veterans. The most common areas that offer these discounts are restaurants, outings and services.
Restaurants
There is nothing quite as special as sharing a meal with family, especially when your servicemember has been deployed for awhile. Restaurants like Fuddrucker’s, Texas Roadhouse and Bennigan’s are three of the most popular military-friendly dining establishments. See the infographic below for the specific discounts at each location.
Outings
Military life can be stressful on both servicemembers and families. Sometimes it is nice to escape it all for a day. Park Ride Fly USA, the off-site parking lots for airports, offer great military discounts that will making getting away even easier. Sandals Resorts make a great vacation for military families, as the company offers discounted travel packages for servicemembers. For military families who would rather stay closer to home, Showcase Cinemas also offer discounted tickets to servicemembers and their families upon the presentation of a valid military ID.
Services
What better way to honor servicemembers than by providing discount services? Every servicemember and his or her family will need to go grocery shopping at some point and CostCo has them covered. The grocery chain offers military discounts on their items, making the life of military members a little easier. Apple and AT&T also want to make things easier for servicemembers by offering a discount on electronics and phone/internet services.
Military members deserve gratitude for their service, and many businesses show their appreciation by offering discounted goods and services for individuals with a military ID. For a more in-depth look at places that offer military discounts, check out the infographic below.
Leaving the military for life after service is a big step for many veterans. A future without the familiarity of uniforms, dog tags and ranks may seem daunting and a tad confusing. Among the social challenges in post-service, veterans must also confront new financial obstacles and career decisions. AFBA has outlined some helpful financial advice for servicemembers preparing to make the transition into civilian life.
Research the differences of civilian finances
Many military members are given tax breaks in a variety of different sectors. Most do not even realize this. Be prepared to begin paying taxes you did not have to pay as a soldier. You should know that civilians pay state income taxes, as well as property taxes. Use the Internet, talk to your military contacts and consult a financial advisor to find out what changes you will see and how you can prepare for them.
Get the job your deserve
Finding a civilian job is a big part of the transition from military life. Check out AFBA's video blog on tweaking your resume so that it gets more views. You can also talk to veteran career services about ways to translate your military skills into a civilian career. A good job can boost your confidence in life after service and help you face any financial challenges that may arise.
Reevaluate your budget
Your military budget will likely look very different from your new civilian one. Creating a budget is an important step toward relatively stress-free financial management. Factor in your new income, housing costs and family expenditures to avoid overspending. A financial advisor may also come in handy during this process, as he or she would have the skills to assess your financial situation from a professional perspective.
Take what you can with you
According to Military.com the Thrift Savings Plan is a "tax-advantaged way of saving for retirement." Many servicemembers participate in this plan but may not realize that they can take the balance they have saved with them upon departure from the military. Servicemembers can opt to leave the funds in the TSP to gain interest, move the funds into their new retirement plan or transfer the balance to an Individual Retirement Account.
Remember to think of your health
Typically, military health benefits do not continue once you leave service. If your spouse does not have a plan that will provide duel coverage, you should begin your search immediately for a plan of your own. Research various medical, dental and vision plans to avoid paying expensive premiums. Your new employer may offer these plans, as well, so discuss options with your human resources contact in your company.
Plan for the future
It is never too early to start planning for the future. Once you leave the military, you will need to choose a civilian life insurance and retirement plan. You might also consider enrolling your spouse in a Survivor's Benefits Plan. If you have children, it is a good idea to open a savings account for them so that they can use the money for college or other future endeavors. Setting aside an emergency fund is never a bad idea, either. Life is unpredictable and having a backup account to cover you in times of need can be a huge comfort.
Life after service should be an exciting time for veterans. There are endless opportunities and new ventures to explore. Finance-related stress should not hold you back from pursuing the civilian life you want. Use the advice above to make the financial part of your transition from military service a little easier.
Halloween is right around the corner, and many families are beginning to pick out costumes for the kids. If you want your children to represent your military family well during this year's Trick-or-Treat festivities, consider dressing them up in a patriotic costume. Take a look at AFBA's top 10 favorite USA-inspired costumes.
1. Captain America
What better way to embody the American spirit than the First Avenger himself? Your sons and daughters can go as the shield-wielding hero and still represent the country you serve by wearing the star-spangled uniform.
2. Statue of Liberty
This costume is a great opportunity to test out your DIY skills. Sons or daughters of military members will be the hit of the Halloween parade as they proudly carry the torch of liberty in front of them. See how to make your own Statue of Liberty costume here.
3. Astronaut
Take your patriotism to infinity and beyond as your dress up your little guy or gal as a space pioneer. Proudly display the American flag patch on the astronaut's uniform, and get crafty by doubling the space helmet as a candy holder.
4. Olympic Athlete
Few things are more American than sports. Give your kids the chance to shine by dressing them up as gold medalists. If you are feeling creative, you could even create a Wheaties box with their face on it to serve as a Trick-or-Treat basket. Easily accessorize this costume with a reflective sweat band and light up athletic shoes to help you see them in the dark.
5. Revolutionary Patriots
Picture how adorable your little ones will look dressed up as Abe Lincoln, Ben Franklin or Betsy Ross. Colonial outfits are easily rented, and who knows? Maybe your son or daughter will even learn something about a historical figure in the process.
6. Military Dress Uniforms
Make your kids the spitting image of the servicemember in your family by putting them in their very own dress blues. Most Halloween costume shops will have a variety of military dress uniforms available. All that is left to do is let your kids pick out their favorites.
7. First Responder
Nothing is quite a patriotic as a hometown hero. Dress your little ones up as firefighters, police officers or emergency medical service workers for a good old-fashioned American Halloween.
8. Rosie the Riveter
Give your kids the chance to relive history with this costume. Rosie the Riveter was an iconic image from World War II, but your children will be equally iconic as they stroll through the neighborhood calling out, "We can do it!" Here is an affordable DIY option for this costume.
9. Field Medic
You can get creative with this costume idea. When you dress your children up as a military field medic, you get the opportunity to use the medic's bag as a candy holder. This is another outfit that most Halloween shops will have in stock.
10. Military K-9 Trainer
Want an opportunity to bring the beloved family dog along on Halloween? Dress your kids up as military K-9 trainers. This costume could consist of an all-black outfit with a patch that reads, "K-9 Handler." Accessories might include a whistle and a bag of treats for the well-behaved pup.
Halloween is an exciting time for children. While most kids might dress up as story book characters and princesses, you can give your children the opportunity to portray real life heroes. Most of the costumes above are easy to put together, and many of them will be a hit with your kids. Even though Halloween is a typically patriotic holiday, you can still use it as an opportunity to promote the feeling in the children of your military family.
When football players take the field, they are usually deep in their own thoughts and focus. They may be psyching themselves up for the game or running through assignments in their head. However, one high school football player in Louisiana recently chose to direct his attention to the veterans in attendance at the game.
Chase Hill, #83 on the Parkway High School team, left his teammates as they were rushing onto the field for the second half to individually thank all the veterans who were at the game. The Oct. 9 game in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, was dedicated to servicemembers, veterans and first responders. However, Hill took the time to shake every veteran's hand and thank them for their service.
According to KSLA 12 News, one of the people at the game took a photo of Hill's actions and posted it to the Bossier Parish Police Department Facebook page. The photo quickly went viral, receiving thousands of comments and shares, all of them praising Hill's respect for the veterans.
The Daily Caller reported that the police department praised Hill on their website, calling him a class act.