Friday f*ckery

 Most who know me are aware that I've been in the process of pursuing another degree. I've been doing so under what is called the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.  This program is a wonderful thing for qualified vets who continued to serve after 9/11.  I've been enrolled in this particular program since roughly August, 2009. Initially, I was enrolled via an older version of the GI Bill.  Now under the Post 9/11 program, benefits include up to 100% tuition to be paid to the school being attended and a full housing allowance.  Basically Uncle Sam will send you a check based on the median cost of rent for your school's zip code AND electronically transfer your tuition to your school's financial department.  Sounds great right? 

WRONG.

Unfortunately, myself and thousands of Veterans have had to suffer the consequences of an antiquated record keeping and data system, as well as an apparently under-staffed VA.  Bottom line is Veteran's Affairs was not prepared for the transition from the old system to the new system.  This caused a backlog of benefits to be paid.  Thousands of vets, who need this program to afford books, housing, tuition, etc. have had to wait months at times for the system to catch up.  I am one of those vets who, while is thankful for having the ability to earn a living, has yet to see these benefits in full force.  Since I have been enrolled in this program, I have had to come out of pocket for more than one book and other expenses.  The email I posted is a culmination of 7 months of back and forth, not being paid, only to be overpaid, then me owing what was overpaid, prompting the need for an advance payment to cover books, etc....only to end in this letter I received.  All after doing EVERYTHING I was supposed to do...to include 12yrs in the Army, multiple deployments and many sleepless nights in the heart of Iraq.  As far as I'm concerned, Veteran's Affairs has yet to hold up their end of the bargain.

So now, not only have they again taken what was owed to me, they took extra due to a "computer error"??  Keep in mind I have yet to see a full payment since I've been enrolled in this program.

I'm hoping, one day, this program's many kinks get worked out, not for me since I'll be finishing up soon, but for the other vets who are less fortunate and truly need the benefits promised....

Ok, rant done...back to your regularly scheduled program.