The Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) for continuing education is a wonderful revision for the veteran interested in continuing his education.

It offers sweeping new changes that the MGIB (Chapter 30) lacks;
• Pays the Vet a tuition & fees payment not to exceed the tuition & fees at the most expensive state Institution of Higher Learning in their state.
• A longer delimiting period (15 years as opposed to 10 years)
• In some cases, a generous housing allowance
• Books and tutorial stipend

However, whether intended or unintended, there is a major hole in this bill that needs attention. The hole has to do with License and Certifications Examination Fees. Under the current Chapter 30 Program, the Veteran’s Administration will pay for any (VA) qualified examination with a ceiling of $2,000.00! They will also pay for an exam that is not passed, and they will pay for it until the Vet passes! Under the new Chapter 33 Program, the Veteran’s Administration will pay for only ONE (VA) qualified examination with a maximum of $2,000.00! – And they will NOT pay for any retakes!

For example, we offer two popular classes at our college; FCC Ground Radio Operators License & Radar Endorsement and Fiber Optic Technician Course. There are a total of five tests associated with these classes in order for the Vet to get his/her License and Certification.

Chapter 30
FCC Element 1 $75.00 Paid
Element 3 $75.00 Paid
Element 8 $75.00 Paid
Fiber Optic Tech $150.00 Paid
Fiber Optic Inst. $150.00 Paid
$525.00 Paid!

Chapter 33
FCC Element 1 $75.00 Paid
Element 3 $75.00 NOT Paid!
Element 8 $75.00 NOT Paid!
Fiber Optic Tech $150.00 NOT Paid!
Fiber Optic Inst. $150.00 NOT Paid!
$ 75.00 Paid!

Under the Chapter 30 program, all of the above example test fees will be reimbursed by the VA because they are on the VA’s approved list. However, under the Chapter 33 program, even though the tests are on the approved list, the VA will only pay for ONE test…period. One other thing to consider – if the Vet needs to take a different test several years later, due to job status change, the VA will not pay for those tests because the Vet has already exercised that benefit.

This part of the “New and Improved Post 9/11 GI Bill” must be changed and it must be changed immediately! By waiting, we are causing undue financial hardships on our returning servicemen and –women!

Please join my MySpace Group, Vet’s Who Vote to show your support for this cause and join me in contacting our Senators and Representatives and requesting their attention to getting this bill amended and passed!

Respectfully,

Rick Turton
rick95603@sbcglobal.net
Viet Nam – ’70 – ‘71
Certifying Official
Aviation & Elcetronic Schools of America