Benefits taken away by Congress.

[VARASITY]

What is the name of your state? Washington.
I got out of the army in 1984 and with 9 and 1/2 years active had the G.I. BILL with full nam era schooling.
An affirmative action law was put into affect and I could not get my classes because the state of Washington
allowed all minorities including exchange and non citizen students priority over me.
I had to return to work to support myself and pay child support.
I was given 10 years to use these benefits by military contract.
In 1989 Congress decided to drop all support of nam era benefits which left me with not being able to use my earned benefits.
I feel this is also a discrimination case.
Both Washington state and the government have turned a deaf ear and could care less.
Is it right that I and my family should be deprived of the future that might of come because of a state law and
a Congess who did not care?
Do I have any recourse?
I have 4 honorable discharges to prove my end of it.
The fourth comes from 3 years inactive reserve.

[SHORTY LONG]

Did you try to use your G.I. Bill under the Nam era?
If so when? Do you also have any paper work
when you filed to use your G.I. Bill? If so,
what is the date; and the reason for denying
your benefits? Have you tried in contacting
your locale Congress person for help, and or
the Viet Nam Veterans of America?

[fozzy2]

Bluntly speaking, you probably have no legal recourse. Your best bet would be to contact the VA and see if they will authorize payment to you as a special case. They almost certainly won't, but that is your best bet.

By statute (law), the "Vietnam-Era" program (chapter 34) ceased paying benefits in 1989. There was an opportunity for some to transfer their benefits to the 'new' Montgomery GI Bill though I don't recall the circumstances. The VA can't pay you unless the law allows it.

As for discrimination, the facts almost certainly won't support such a suit, it was a long time ago (legal term - "stale"), and you are going to presumably be trying to sue a state. Not likely.

The law isn't always friendly. Your benefit had a time limit. You didn't use it, you lost it.

[VARASITY]

My intention is not to file suit because there is no justice when one is not on the side that gets the lime light,
I am 2nd generation greek of which there are only 1.5 million of us as of 2000 cesus.
There are 36,000,000 blacks.
There are 39,000,000 hispanics.
I am not concidered a minority though because for all outward appearances I am white and that is how they look at you.
My children are wyandotte indian and have to show a card to get recognized.
I would like to see someone champion a cause to make all who claim minority status have to prove they're status.(i.e. how many times married out side of race,after so many marriages
such as this they have to remarry with someone of pure blood or have enough bloodline to give the blood line revival and those who choose to not heed this will have no more rights than anyone else.
Any indian decent individual will tell you they have to prove their tribal affiliation.
That way when another law gets thrown around only those who can prove status can apply
and everyone gets a fair chance.
Not just because of skin color or appearance.
I think it is time for all to be equal and not you get it today, he gets it tomorrow,because I need votes.
I just sought advice and now have said my piece,I thank you for your input and hope you understand my view,For I am not the only vet this happened to.

[VARASITY]

Yes I tried to use this benefit at EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE in edmonds washington,
Was in progress of my first quarter when I was told I had to report for next quarter
registration.approx. mid 1980's. I can get class rosters to prove it.
I went to apply only to be told (in not a nice way )that I had to stand in line because a new law said minorities now had preference and my military staus held no weight.
With not being able to register I had to drop out.
My classes were all taken. Once you cannot get your classes V.A. drops you.
I had to go back to work.
I had one more chance to try at Shoreline Community College.( Under chapter 31).Disability act.
I got hurt at work and so V.A restarted my claim but again it was short lived.
I had started an automotive course to train me in a less physical job.
I had a sponsership with Rodland Toyota,When I reported to work at Rodland I was told to pick up my tools because they had hired someone else.
Found out later the instructor had a special student he worked in my place for points with a
friend.
Without sponsership you could not get anywhere.
Being in my 30's and everyone else young no one wanted you at a dealership.
I am service connected.
I am also 50 years old now.
Yes I filed with my senator who never replied.
The Governor's said they would offer school maybe.
I am 40% disabled by V.A.
I have pain killers just to think anymore and am getting ready to be put on methadone because the pain killers have stopped doing their thing.
The governor sent the kids to school on my and others taxes but feels paying for something I earned is beyond their scope.
I just find this frustrating that no one feels they did anything wrong.
They sure know how to enjoy veteran's day off though.
Thank's for letting me waste your time and I hope I can find something to get over this feeling of being wronged.
Just saying something helped a little.

[SHORTY LONG]

VARASITY, given the length of time that has now passed (1989),
i must ask, why you did not stay on top of this? And why you
were not persisitent in contacing your Senator?

The down side is, that the statue of limitations has already run; and
the up side is, that you are receiving 40%. If by chance, you do not
know this, then, here it is: You are entitled to many things given your
40% disability. You need to contact the VA, and they will hook you
up with a VA counselor, who with assist you with employement
opportunities, and many other things. So, you will have this in
addition to the possibility of the Governor's help that you shared.

For what it is worth, i went back to school at 30, (HS drop out)
and finished my Master's at the age of 38 without any help except
the Pell Grant; and worked many many job[s], and paid child
support as well as i was an every other weekend Dad.
I am +50, <60