Executive Order For Veterans Spouses

Military notes

ARMED FORCES

Marine Private John Michael Brindisi , son of Thomas and Joyce Brindisi of Shrewsbury, has graduated from boot camp, Parris Island and MCT, Camp Lejuene and is beginning field radio operator training at MCCES, 29 Palms, Calif.

Harold N. Keith Post 204 will hold a steak cookout from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 159 Hartwell St., West Boylston. The cost is $15 per person. Tickets are on sale at the bar.

East Side American Legion Post 201 will meet at noonat post quarters, 326 Plantation St., Worcester to travel to the Sept. 11 ceremonies being held at Institute Park.

American Legion Post 184 in Webster will have live country music and dancing from 4 to 8 p.m. We are located minutes away from Exit 1 off Interstate 395. Straight across onto Lake Parkway; at the stop sign go right and we are 1,000 feet down on the left. Doors open at 3 p.m. and admission is $8.

Military Rosary/Sept. 11 Remembrance will be held at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main St., Worcester. All are welcome. For more information call (508) 799-1051.

MONDAY

Grafton Hill American Legion Post 323 will meet at 1 p.m. at the Worcester Detachment Marine Corps League, 181 Lake Ave., Worcester.

A Disabled American Veterans Department Service Officer will be available to assist veterans and dependents in filing claims to the VA from 8 a.m. to noon at the VA Outpatient Clinic, 605 Lincoln St., Worcester. When filing a claim, veterans must bring a copy of their DD Form 214 and supporting documentation concerning their claim.

Barre American Legion Post 2 will meet at 7:30 p.m. at 450 South Barre Road, Barre.

Harold N. Keith Post 204 will meet at 7 p.m. at the post quarters, 159 Hartwell St., West Boylston. The executive board will meet at 6:30 p.m.

East Side American Legion Post 201 will meet at 7 p.m.

The New VA Benefit Changes ... - Military Spouse Scholarships

Upcoming Changes To The Post-9/11 GI-Bill For Veterans and their transferees – simplifies the tuition and fee rates for those attending a public school and creates a national maximum for those enrolled in a private or foreign school Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees; Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 annually; The Yellow Ribbon Program still exists for out-of-state fees and costs above the cap. For Active Duty Members and their transferees – creates a national rate for those active duty members enrolled in a private or foreign school pursuing a degree Pays all public school in-state tuition and fees; Private and foreign school costs are capped at $17,500 per academic year (an academic year begins August 1) Allows VA to pay MGIB (chapter 30) and MGIB-SR (chapter 1606) ‘kickers’, or college fund payments, on a monthly basis instead of a lump sum at the beginning of the term Prorates housing allowance by the student’s rate of pursuit (rounded to the nearest tenth) A student training at a rate of pursuit of 75% would receive 80% of the BAH rate Break or interval pay is no longer payable under  any  VA education benefit program unless under an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency, such as a natural disaster or strike. This means that when your semester ends (e.g. December 15th), your housing allowance is paid for the first 15 days of December only and begins again when your next semester begins (e.g. January 10th) and is paid for the remaining days of January. Students using other VA education programs are included in this change. Monthly benefits will be pro-rated in the same manner. Entitlement that previously would have been used for break pay will be available for use during a future enrollment. Allows reimbursement for more than one “license or certification” test (previously only one test was allowed).