When we first heard about delays in GI Bill payments it was from Army of Dude's Alex Horton and we didn't know if it was just an isolated incident. It wasn't. It was a large systemic failure affecting thousands of vets. WLF's leadership reached out to contacts at both the VA and the White House and began working to help all those who faced financial hardship and even the need to drop out of school. We would like to thank all of you who sent us numerous names of those who needed help. We have put their information in the hands of those tasked with fixing this problem and will continue to follow up until all issues have been resolved. We would also like to thank the folks on both the VA and White House staffs who recognized this as a major problem and worked with us to devise a solution. The decision to issue immediate checks was a good first step and we will continue to see this through. We sent the following press release today, feel free to forward it to your local media. The American Legion has also been in the forefront on this effort. For immediate release: Washington DC 28 September 2009 The Warrior Legacy Foundation (WLF) has been working closely with the White House and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the delays in GI Bill payments to vets in college. We are happy to announce OUR JOINT EFFORTS HAVE LED TO a stop gap measure THAT HAS BEEN PUT INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY TO assist those affected by this problem. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki announced the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country starting October 2, 2009. This is an excellent first step and we applaud the Secretary for listening to the voices of veterans. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF WLF FOR THEIR MASSIVE EMAIL BARRAGE AND STEADFAST SUPPORT OF OUR VETERANS. WLF has directly helped dozens of warrior caught up in this mess and we will continue until all have received the benefits they earned through THEIR faithful service. We will also continue our partnership with the VA and White House to fix the systemic problems that led to this problem. WLF is committed to ensuring that the brave men and women who make this country great, are treated professionally and fairly. Veterans affected can still send an email to info @warriorlegacyfoundation.org w/ GI Bill in the subject line and we will get them in contact with the appropriate authorities in their area. Please include the school and last 4 of your social security number. David Bellavia Executive Director Warrior Legacy Foundation
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Sep 28 2009, 01:49 AM
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