Military & Veteran Services Newsletter

November 5, 2017

As you prepare for the Spring semester, this is a reminder to notify your respective VA certifying official if you intend to use VA benefits next semester. This will help to ensure timely certification and payment of benefits. Additional information is available at https://veterans.wustl.edu/current-students/va-educational-benefits/.

Did You Know?

Forever GI Bill

The President signed into law the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act also known as the “Forever GI Bill,” which will bring significant changes to Veterans education benefits. The law is named after the American Legion national commander who wrote the original GI Bill language in 1944, and will allow more Veterans to use the GI Bill and more time to use it. Some of the changes will go into effect immediately, and some are written to go into effect shortly after.

Some new provisions that go into effect immediately include:

  • The 15-year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is eliminated for Veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013, and qualifying dependents (Fry children who became eligible on or after January 1, 2013 and all Fry spouses).
  • Reservists who had eligibility under the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) and lost it due to the program sunset provision will have that service credited toward the Post-9/11 GI Bill program.
  • Certain work-study is permanently authorized; previously it had to be re-approved by Congress every few years.
  • The VetSuccess on Campus program will be available to students across the country
  • VA will help Veterans to more clearly identify schools that offer them priority enrollment

Additional information about the Forever GI Bill is available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/ForeverGIBill.asp.

November is Veterans and Military Families Month

VA Secretary David Shulkin joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on November 1st for the President’s signing of a proclamation establishing November as Veterans and Military Families Month.

“Our Veterans and military families are an important part of our lives throughout the year, and by focusing for the first time nationally on a whole month of activities nationwide for Veterans and Military Families Month, we can more fully celebrate and recognize their contributions to the nation,” said Secretary Shulkin.

The proclamation is the first of many events nationwide. More information about the month’s scheduled activities is available at https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/42710/president-proclaims-november-veterans-military-families-month/.

Upcoming Events

Teen Outreach Program Veterans Day Thank You Lunch

The Teen Outreach Program at Kingdom House cordially invites all Active Military, Reservists and Veterans (and their families) to a free Thank You Luncheon on Friday, November 10, from 1-3 pm at Kingdom House. The event is hosted by United Neighborhood Centers’ Teen Outreach Program Clubs for their Day of Action. Reservations are required.

The Teen Outreach a Program provides academic enrichment, social-emotional support, life skills, college preparedness, and job readiness activities to teens so they are better prepared for a post-secondary institution and/or the workforce.

This event is happening the day of our WUVets Veterans Day event, but if you have time and want to encourage these young people in their effort to engage in community service, please consider attending.

Please RSVP at  https://goo.gl/forms/uPh44oElOXeJh7Cs2 or call 314-260-6383.

Complimentary Tickets to “Surviving Home” at St. Louis International Film Festival

The  documentary “Surviving Home” will be premiering at the St. Louis International Film Festival (SLIFF) on Saturday, November 11 at 12:30pm. In honor of Veterans Day, SLIFF is extending an invitation to all veterans to attend for free.

The film is an intimate documentary that follows four veterans over an eight-year period as they rebuild their lives after war. Interwoven with their stories are veterans’ voices from across the U.S. The film’s principal subjects had vastly different combat experiences and challenges back home, and they’ve taken equally diverse paths on their difficult journeys to recovery. A World War II veteran receives assistance from a younger generation of veterans. A Vietnam veteran and Buddhist monk travels back to his hometown in an effort to finally re-integrate. A severely burned Persian Gulf and Iraq War veteran, who lost an arm on his fourth tour of duty, still wishes he could go back into combat. And a female Iraq War veteran suffers less from the trauma of war than from the sexual assault she experienced at the hands of her “brothers.” Through perseverance, humor, inner reflection, strength, and a determination to help others, these veterans overcome many obstacles, but the road ahead continues to bend in unexpected ways. Their unique paths of healing and discovery shed light on the long-term burdens of war and reveal the miraculous power of the human spirit.

The film is an official part of the SLIFF competition and is therefore eligible for awards such as Best Documentary, Audience Award, etc. and those who attend will have the opportunity to vote for the film. Any award will go a long way toward creating momentum for more festivals and distribution.

To get complimentary tickets, please go to this website: http://www.cinemastlouis.org/sliff/2017/surviving-home.

Center for Women Veterans Cyberseminars

The Center for Women Veterans is holding a series of webinars that will provide women Veterans and the local/state/ Federal/non-government organization partners who serve them with information about the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services, especially those designated for women Veterans.

Upcoming webinars:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Strategic Partnership
  • Women Veterans Health Research
  • Community Veteran Engagement Board
  • Medical Legal Partnerships
  • State & Local Resources
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • Whole Health

Past webinars available for viewing:

  • Cultural change
  • Employment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA)

This training will be delivered virtually via Adobe Connect to view slides and phone line to hear audio. Access the summit website for additional information and to view the latest webinar schedule.

VFW Transition and Employment Services Webinars

VFW is hosting a series of webinars throughout the year to support veterans in their transition and finding employment.

Oct. 31 2 p.m. CDT — Navigating the Differences Between Civilian & Military Life & Career
Nov. 28 2 p.m. CST — Creating a Powerful Resume & Cover Letter
Jan. 9 2 p.m. CST — Driving the Interview
Feb. 6 2 p.m. CST — Secrets of Working with Recruiters & Hiring Managers
Mar. 6 2 p.m. CST — Building a Powerful Online Presence
Apr. 3 2 p.m. CST — How to Find and Work With a Mentor

Register for upcoming webinars here.