GI Bill Update

Well, thank goodness the Feds were able to find funding for the Post-911 GI Bill. Although, I still believe that every American should have educational rights, I am thankful that I get them. I did not sign up with the Minnesota National Guard for educational benefits, but now that I am going they are quite convenient!

I get 60% of my tuition paid, and 60% of my books. If I were going more than half-time, I could get a housing stipend that would pretty much cover my rent. Currently, I am only going part-time because I work full-time and have Siah to care for.

At this time, my benefit sheet states I have only 34 months of benefits left after this semester. Yet I remain eligible until January 2021. Therefore, I should consider taking more credits if only to maximize the amount I can receive from this program. And I do not think I will take any summer classes, but focus on Fall/Spring.Therefore, my intended goal for spring semester is to take at least seven credits ( probably nine).

Imagine you picked up a magazine out of your mailbox and recognized someone you knew that was missing his leg! I met Tony Larson at a party with some National Guard friends. Probably went out drinking with him several times in Saint Cloud. He and I chatted, but everyone I hung out with talked about Tony in an ecstatic manner when he wasn't there. So yeah, I hope he's okay and that all works out well.

But I am SO LUCKY that I haven't had anything similar happen to me - or worse. That car crash in New Jersey before the deployment sucked enough!

This was published on the back cover of Veterans' Health Fall 2008.

Last day on Fob Grizzly (or Fob Red Bull) - DON'T FEED THE GRIZZLIES!!

Today is my final day on this Fob. Yes I know - I am not supposed to "tell" anyone that. Fob Grizzly is not on any map - no one really knows where it is or who our predecessors where. I do.

The Fob I am on was at one time called Fob Red Lion, then Fob Spartan, and now Fob Grizzly.

I have called it Fob Red Bull these last few weeks a the 34th ID engineer company made this FOB, my company is 34th ID, and our replacement is the 34th ID. Therefore Red Bulls made this Fob and have been deployed on it longer than anyone - yet get no credit. Whatever - it is not even on the map. So WHO CARES what its 11 month name is?!?

But since it is FOB Grizzly I have been telling my comrades and officers " DON'T FEED THE GRIZZLIES!" And at least they understand. Our new MP Battalion is kinda new at.....being deployed and is clueless. Oh well. Hope they have fun. I am no longer concerned - I am going home!

Anyone reading this from the FOB or has been there - leave a comment and post a link to your site!

~Kevin