Hey Veterans, Did You Know?

… There are three major Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance benefits?

The major education assistance benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill include: •Up to 100% paid tuition. •A monthly housing stipend. •A stipend of up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.

If you attend less than full-time, you will receive a portion of the payment based on the number of units of study. These payment rates are paid according to the length of your period of service as listed in the previous question.

Tuition and fee payments will be made to the school (of your choice) for all authorized charges. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay your full resident tuition at a public school. If you are attending a private or foreign school, it will pay up to $24,476.79. The amount of authorized charges payable for the entire quarter, semester, or term will be sent directly to the school as a lump sum payment.

The monthly housing stipend will be paid based on the monthly basic allowance for housing (BAH) payable for a military member with dependents in pay grade E-5 residing in the same ZIP code for the school or campus where you take a majority of your classes.

The housing allowance is paid at a percentage based on your active-duty service.

Most colleges have a Veteran Services department that can help answer questions, or you can contact the resources listed at “How Can I get Help?” on page 5.

… Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center can connect veterans to local resources?

The Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane has prepared a comprehensive Resource Guide to help veterans and their families find resources in the Inland Northwest area. It lists organizations and services available to help veterans with a variety of issues and needs during this time of uncertainty. It can be found at the MGVAMC website at www.spokane.va.gov/docs/COVID-19_VeteranResourcesGuide.pdf.

Veteran Service Organizations with local chapters/posts include: •Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) •American Legion • Disabled American Veterans (DAV) •Combat Riders •Order of the Purple Heart •Vietnam Veterans of American •Paralyzed Veterans of American •Wounded Warrior Project – Peer Mentor Support Program •National Guard Family Readiness Program •Armed Forces American Red Cross Program/USO

Looking for help for yourself or someone you know? Checkout the Resource Guide on the VAMC website noted above or see “How Can I Get Help?” on page 5.

… A heart attack could qualify Vietnam veterans for disability benefits?

Ischemic heart disease is one of the 14 presumptive diseases associated with Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam and if you are diagnosed with it, you will qualify for medical and disability benefits (a monthly check) through the VA. Ischemic heart disease is characterized by a reduced supply of blood to the heart that leads to chest pain. To find out more, contact one of the Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) listed in “How Can I Get Help” on page 5.

… You can get freebies after getting your COVID-19 vaccine?

Free Krispy Kreme donuts: The purveyor of fried dough is offering a free iconic glazed doughnut per day to any customer who presents a valid COVID-19 vaccination card at any U.S. store through the end of the year.

Discount vaccine card lamination: Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot are all offering free COVID-19 shot record lamination. Check your local stores for details.