Epic Fail: VA 3,000 dollar giveaway for school....

[SSGArtillery]

im sure were going to be hearing about this free 3000 dollar giveaway thats been given to soldiers that werent supposed to qualify for it for education... I don't know maybe everyone will hear about this mistake soon enough.

[Floridaboy]

Epic fail has been the Federal government formulating an education plan that they didn't fund properly.

[chucksnee]

Epic fail has been the Federal government formulating an education plan that they didn't fund properly.

Exactally, it will be almost a month after I finish my class that I will get my money from the VA....and I paid almost a month in advance....so my money will be out there for nearly 5 months....before I get it back...

[Floridaboy]

I put in my paperwork last AUGUST and stll don't have a certificate of eligibility. That's OK, my congressman now knows it.

[Aitrus]

Epic Fail was the Fed Gov getting involved in education in the first place.

[MCGYVER]

Exactally, it will be almost a month after I finish my class that I will get my money from the VA....and I paid almost a month in advance....so my money will be out there for nearly 5 months....before I get it back...

Just go to the website, fill out the paperwork and get your $3,000.00 check within 5 days. Worked for me and dozens of my Soldiers and we are on active duty and not even enrolled in school. :)

[SSGArtillery]

this is the very thing i was talking about, soldiers that arent enrolled in school receiving this money.... i hope ure not seriously telling your soldiers to apply for that money because its about to get collected.

[MCGYVER]

Um, yeah, everyone is doing it. I even called the VA and told them I was active duty, not in school and asked them if I could get the money and the woman I talked to said heck yes, do it. So I did. I'm not buying the collection bit.

[MSMUROTC]

Wow, Army values at work there. Good job.

[acesfilter]

Um, yeah, everyone is doing it. I even called the VA and told them I was active duty, not in school and asked them if I could get the money and the woman I talked to said heck yes, do it. So I did. I'm not buying the collection bit.

So you're saying you can get 3 grand just for having a pulse? Awesome. :rolleyes:

[chucksnee]

So you're saying you can get 3 grand just for having a pulse? Awesome. :rolleyes:

The link has been closed since the 12th, but you can still go through your local VA office.

[SSGArtillery]

ive had access to that webpage for a few days now, some people have had issues with access to the page. the bottom line is that on January 12th and update to the eligibility for the money was made. You must be a VETERAN to apply for the money and actively enrolled in college courses. it goes further into detail.

the troubling part of this is that military veterans trying to get their money for school have been put on hold because of a backlog in requests caused by ineligible active duty personnel taking their money. you can cheat the system all you want folks but someone always get screwed because of it.

[MCGYVER]

So because some exploited a loophole they are bad people? Um, okay. Next time you can shelter some of your money from taxation by using a loophole look yourself in the mirror and call yourself some nasty names. Everybody that deserves the money will get it. Maybe a little later than they were supposed to but maybe they shouldn't have rested on their laurels when they did. Early bird gets the worm.

[MSMUROTC]

There's a difference between a loophole and flat out fraud, which is what you did.

I don't remember part of the Army values being that "if other people are doing something like it, it makes it ok."

I just think it's funny because you're one of the most in-your-face people on this forum and you just defrauded the government and don't see anything wrong about it.

[MCGYVER]

Um, if you read back a few posts, I called the damn VA and the lady said it was legit and to do it. What part of that sounds deceptive to you? Should I have assumed she was lying to me? The money is coming from the VA, if the VA says it's good to go I have to believe them. If you called the IRS and they told you to fill out a form for your stimulus check would you believe them? Yeah, probably not, they'd probably lie to you. Sheesh.

btw, I did mine before they "updated" their website so I had no way of knowing (especially since the VA employee told me it was good to hook) that it was not legit. The money will be deducted from my G.I. Bill bennies when I start to use them (eventually). No harm, no foul.

[MSMUROTC]

Some random phone operator is not the barometer of moral, ethical, legal legitimacy of what you did.

I was overpaid BAH for 12 months and fought like hell to give it back, I went in 5-6 different times to try and get them to stop it / give them back. I got answers as wildly varying as I can keep all the money and should keep drawing that amount, I can keep all the money up to the date that I reported it, etc. I knew that the right answer was that all of it had to go back, which it ultimately did.

Regardless of whether or not you'll eventually use your GI Bill, you're not supposed to have it now and should give it back, and stop telling soldiers to do what you've told them to do. That is not the intent of the program. What if you never use your GI Bill? What if they don't deduct that money from your GI Bill? At the very least, we're in a recession right now and you're just taking more money out of the government coffers

Go walk into your commander or JAG or someone and ask them about what you've done and what you should do.

I love the irony of the quote of the bottom of your posts.

[MCGYVER]

You can love the irony all you want but the bottom line up front is that if I did something wrong it was not of my own doing but because those in positions of authority or greater knowledge than I led me down the wrong path. I went to the education counselor today and explained to her what happened and she confirmed that there was a big misunderstanding with thousands of active duty folks getting the money and it would just be deducted from their BAH (E-5 with dependants rate) once the soldiers start to use their G.I. Bill and that there won't be any other repurcussions whatsoever because the VA was not putting out good information or screening people who used the website for their status. If you honestly think that this VA money is going to be missed (at all) then you are quite naive and probably think that bailouts are a great idea as well. Good day Sir.

btw, I took an advance on MY G.I. Bill. Key word in that sentenc is "MY". It's my money and I earned it. The VA is just holding it for me and now they are holding $3,000.00 less of it.

[acesfilter]

You can love the irony all you want but the bottom line up front is that if I did something wrong it was not of my own doing but because those in positions of authority or greater knowledge than I led me down the wrong path. I went to the education counselor today and explained to her what happened and she confirmed that there was a big misunderstanding with thousands of active duty folks getting the money and it would just be deducted from their BAH (E-5 with dependants rate) once the soldiers start to use their G.I. Bill and that there won't be any other repurcussions whatsoever because the VA was not putting out good information or screening people who used the website for their status. If you honestly think that this VA money is going to be missed (at all) then you are quite naive and probably think that bailouts are a great idea as well. Good day Sir.

I dunno. Sounds to me like you already know it's wrong and you're trying to justify it through the errors of others. Well played.


btw, I took an advance on MY G.I. Bill. Key word in that sentenc is "MY". It's my money and I earned it. The VA is just holding it for me and now they are holding $3,000.00 less of it.

So as long as it's your money, it's OK to take an advance on funding which is originally intended for educational purposes; and, in turn, run out and buy stereo equipment for your car (not being literal--just using this as a random example). This is what's known as "misplaced spending". Though I'm sure you missed that...as I'm simultaneously trying to figure out what bailouts have to do with taking GI Bill money for non-college related endeavors. *scratches head*

[MSMUROTC]

Well put.

RE: the bailout comment. It's just a weak attempt at an insult. I'd be more concerned but I'm not really interested in debating a completely separate, non-Army issue ... especially to someone without values.

[JStatus330]

McGyver will you please PM me or something? Thanks man!

[JStatus330]

I'm actually in school, how do I qualify for this money?

[MCGYVER]

McGyver will you please PM me or something? Thanks man!

Tried to send you a message but didn't work. Message or email me.

[MCGYVER]

I'm actually in school, how do I qualify for this money?

Just go to the website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/advpay.htm

[MCGYVER]

Acesfilter, it can sound like whatever you want it to. Your opinion (just as your perception) are entirely yours and have no effect on me whatsoever. For you to judge me speaks volumes of your feeling of superiority and righteousness. I don't make a habit of questioning others integrity based on a whim but that's just me. Ya'll really need to stop though because you are starting to hurt my feelings, LOL.

btw, if you've ever spent your clothing allowance on anything but clothing then you are a pot calling the kettle black. If you've ever gotten more in per diem than you spent and kept it then ditto. The money is mine, regardless what it was intended for it is mine. I paid money into the account and if I don't use it that's MY prerogative. This is all BESIDE the FACT that I asked the VA before I applied for the money. You can assume any intention you want but we all know what happens when we assume.

Some day maybe I can be as squared away as you two and then "I" can judge everyone else and tell them they are pieces of shit for doing what they were told. Have a nice day.

[Scruples]

Education money taken out of the VA system by active-duty folks reduces the funds available for veterans who really need it to successfully transition into the civilian economy.

Education helps the veterans maximize their productivity potential which translates into less recession and more income to pay taxes to fund the Armed Forces including active-duty pay.

[MCGYVER]

Education money taken out of the VA system by active-duty folks reduces the funds available for veterans who really need it to successfully transition into the civilian economy.

Education helps the veterans maximize their productivity potential which translates into less recession and more income to pay taxes to fund the Armed Forces including active-duty pay.

Um, no, I call B.S. on your statement. This money we are talking about is already dedicated to the Soldiers it belongs to. There is no "reducing" of anything. The problem the VA is having is due to personnel shortages and has nothing to do with money. They are having a hard time processing all the packets. This, also, has nothing to do with the $3,000.00 payments as they were processed instantly and electronically (no humans needed) online. Your statement doesn't hold water.

[acesfilter]

Acesfilter, it can sound like whatever you want it to. Your opinion (just as your perception) are entirely yours and have no effect on me whatsoever. For you to judge me speaks volumes of your feeling of superiority and righteousness. I don't make a habit of questioning others integrity based on a whim but that's just me. Ya'll really need to stop though because you are starting to hurt my feelings, LOL.

Human beings judge each other. That's what we do. You opened the door the second you decided to post your nefarious plot on a public forum. You could have left some parts out if your intention was to make it sound less scandalous. Or...better yet..PMed that guy like he requested. So, yeah...the superiority argument is tired because everyone judges everyone for something.


btw, if you've ever spent your clothing allowance on anything but clothing then you are a pot calling the kettle black.

This is pretty much impossible; unless you're the kind of Soldier who never ever replaces a uniform or pair of boots once they are deemed unservicable. At some point in the year, you would have to spend money to replace initial issue items. So even if it wasn't during the exact month you happen to receive clothing allowance, you're still using 'X' amount of dollars to maintain your initial issue. But again...that depends on what kind of Soldier you are in the first place. Ergo, this analogy is irrelevant.


The money is mine, regardless what it was intended for it is mine. I paid money into the account and if I don't use it that's MY prerogative. This is all BESIDE the FACT that I asked the VA before I applied for the money. You can assume any intention you want but we all know what happens when we assume.

Yes, yes...we got the "the money is mine" speech already. We're going in circles now. So I'm not even gonna touch any further on this statement of irony.


Some day maybe I can be as squared away as you two and then "I" can judge everyone else and tell them they are pieces of shit for doing what they were told. Have a nice day.

Please see my very first statement. And this time, read slooooowwlyyyy.

[ArmyWriter]

Um, no, I call B.S. on your statement. This money we are talking about is already dedicated to the Soldiers it belongs to. There is no "reducing" of anything. The problem the VA is having is due to personnel shortages and has nothing to do with money. They are having a hard time processing all the packets. This, also, has nothing to do with the $3,000.00 payments as they were processed instantly and electronically (no humans needed) online. Your statement doesn't hold water.

The bottom line is you played the system to your advantage and by doing so; it has caused problems for people that the money was originally intended for. You attempt to justify your actions on this forum and are not getting any support.
It has everything to do with money. Money is required to staff the VA. They are having a hard time processing all the packets because people like you have played the system. The payments may have been processed “instantly and electronically”, but the process still consumed resources.
The Army has systems in place so soldiers will know where the boundaries are. You enjoy finding the “loop-holes” in the system. You played the system.
You’re tag line says; “Do the right thing all day, every day. Do it simply because it's the right thing to do.” Did you really do the right thing?

ArmyWriter

[MCGYVER]

Armywriter, do some research (like I did) before you post some drivel. The VA is backlogged with regular requests, not anything to do with these "emergency funding requests". They have plenty of money but won't hire more people because this is just a surge and they would have to turn right around an lay those people off or fire them shortly after hiring them. If you actually READ the army times there is an article in a recent edition that explains all that I've said in much greater detail.

You claiming that I "played the system" does not make it so. It is your "opinion" and duly noted. What I hear is a lot of "WAAAAAAAAAAHHH, my vaj hurts, he got something I didn't get, WAAAAAAAAAAAHH!". Don't hate the player, hate the game. I did the right thing by calling the VA and was told by them to file for the money. It was my money anyway so you and the other little whiners on here can feel or think what you like. Doing the WRONG thing would have been not calling VA and just filing out the web form.

You seem to conveniently forget that this is, after all, my damn money. It is dedicated to me and if I don't use it then Yay for the VA, they get to keep my money. Millions of Veterans from previous decades have already generously "donated" their G.I. Bill to the V.A. and that was their choice. It's not mine though.

[ArmyWriter]

MCGYVER, I do research and I do read the Army Times and other publications. I also read your first two posts on this thread where you were eager to play the system. The problem with your prospective is you see this as a “game” and you as the “player”; a way to exploit the system. You asked: “So because some exploited a loophole they are bad people?” It depends on your definition of “bad people”. I don’t hate the player and I don’t know you well enough to consider you a bad person. Are you saying that you would have tried to return the money even if the comments about your actions had not been made?

As MSMUROTC stated, “Wow, Army values at work there. Good job.”

I wish you luck in all you do as long as what you do is honest and just. Be the best example when you choose your words and actions; others are watching you.

ArmyWriter

[MCGYVER]

Armywriter, the bottom line up front is that I never intended to deceive anyone. Hence the phone call to the VA. I find it incredibly hard to believe that based on what I stated about notifying VA and then being told by them to claim my money that any logical person could question my integrity. That's all I'm saying. The "don't hate the player" comment was tongue in cheek (facetious) as I don't talk like that.

[ArmyWriter]

Military.com Time to Start Paying VA Back (http://military-education.military.com/2010/01/time-to-start-paying-va-back/?ESRC=education.nl)

This article reports the VA will be "recovering" all of those advanced payments.

"In collaboration with the Department of Defense, VA will also notify active duty service members who may have mistakenly applied for the advance payment of their options for returning un-​​cashed checks or reimbursing deposited funds."

ArmyWriter

[MCGYVER]

I'm willing to bet that one of the repayment options is to have the money automatically deducted from your BAH when you eventually begin using your G.I. Bill. At least that's what the counselor at the Army Ed. Center told me. Of course, I have been told some bogus stuff. Not too worried about it either way.

[SSGArtillery]

I for one am dissapointed in the VA for not making it clear on who was eligible for the money, and making it easy for PVT Snuffy to get money without being informed. but i also have to point blame at soldiers who pushed soldiers into taking advantage of this free money without being informed, because if i see money on the street im gonna make sure there isnt a string pulling it from behind the corner. Now the cats out of the bag and soldiers who are now short on money are going to be left with financial problems because of a mistake made by an outside agency.