VA brief sheds light on post-military service benefits

By Pfc. Mardicio Barrot, USAG Red Cloud Public AffairsJuly 7, 2010

VA brief sheds light on post-military service benefits
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

RED CLOUD GARRISON - Service members from Warrior Country learned about a plethora of Veterans Affairs benefits that they and their families may be eligible to receive after leaving the military during a VA benefits class held June 23 in the Education Center.

Christopher Colby, veterans' service representative for Veterans Affairs at Yongsan Garrison, provided the information to the Soldiers so they will be knowledgeable about their benefits and how to apply for them before their discharge from military service.

"What we have been doing is going out to the entire Korean peninsula and giving the benefits delivery discharge briefing to Soldiers who are on their way from a servicemember to becoming a veteran and informing them of the benefits," Colby said.

The VA administers a wide range of benefits that includes healthcare, disability compensation for service related injuries, the Montgomery G.I. Bill, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, the Home Loan Guarantee Program and more for which servicemembers may be entitled and in some instances, simply don't know about.

Colby made a point of advising Soldiers to be certain they apply for any service-related injuries before they are discharged.

"I think that all Soldiers who plan to transition out of the military should definitely apply for disability compensation for service-connected injuries," Colby said. "If a Soldier suffers from a military injury, they should immediately inform the VA before they get out of service, if they do that, then they can get service connection and VA healthcare for the rest of their life."

While the primary intent of the briefings is to inform servicemembers about their benefits being leaving the military, Colby said the briefings are also open to others.

"I feel all Soldiers definitely want to come to this class so they can be informed about the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and hear about all the benefits and money that comes along with it," Colby said. "Also, if a Soldier has a family and wants to transfer education benefits to his or her spouse or child, they can learn how to do that in this class."

Classes are held at Yongsan Garrison, Casey Garrison, Red Cloud Garrison, Humphreys Garrison, Osan Air Base, Kunsan Air Base, Camp Walker, Camp Henry, Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae and other military installations throughout Korea.

Contact the Army Career and Alumni Program Office at Camp Mobile at 730-4033 for more information and the upcoming class schedule.