VA Loan Updates

DANBURY — Adam Sismour had to wait more than six months for his disability pay after returning home last year from tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Sismour, a 25-year-old city resident, is receiving disability benefits because of a ringing in his ears that began while serving as a machine gunner. He also developed Compartment Syndrome in his legs during training exercises that required surgery to repair. Sismour applied for his benefits last fall. His first check came in the mail last week.

“Things would have been pretty tight for me if not for the GI Bill,” said Sismour, who is taking business and criminal justice classes at Western Connecticut State University. “I signed up for that before I left the service. I applied for my disability benefits in October after getting a physical.”
(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority is offering military veterans the opportunity to apply for below-market interest rate mortgages through its HomeToOwn Loan Program.

The Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 waived first-time homebuyer requirements for veterans applying for mortgage revenue bond loans in 2007. The act currently extends only through this year.

Murray Harding, ADFA’s single-family program manager, said that while a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home in the previous three years, that requirement is being waived for veterans this year.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

Army reserve students returning from the war have some government funded services available in order to help with the adjustment period.

Kevin Hudgins, head recruiter for Chattanooga’s ROTC program, said there are a lot of programs available for the veterans who have returned from the war.

Lee Alder, the spokesperson for the U.S. Army recruiting battalion in Nashville and an Iraq War veteran, said the veteran administration affairs services handles all the programs offered to returning army soldiers.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

The Corps is broadening eligibility for Reserve enlistment bonuses and Montgomery GI Bill kickers, according to a Corps-wide message released Saturday.

The service is adding 14 military occupational specialties to its list of 30 MOSs already eligible for a $10,000 sign-on enlistment bonus and $350 monthly MGIB kicker paid in addition to the bill’s basic monthly stipend, said MarAdmin message 242/07.

The Corps augmented the list after a review found certain MOS enlistments weak. “What keys the MOS’ eligibility is the strength of the MOS,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jason Bell, Reserve promotions and incentives chief for Marine Corps Reserve Affairs.

“It’s a fluid list” that is updated about every six months, he said.

The new MOS list includes: riflemen, antitank assault guided missilemen, field wiremen, field radio operators, unit-level circuit switch operators, field artillery cannoneers, engineer equipment operators, combat engineers, bulk field specialists, M1A1 tank crewmen, main battle take repairmen, ground communications organizational repairers, drivers and logistics vehicle systems operators.

Found here.

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

This past week, the political establishment has been obsessing over who “won” and who “lost” stage one of the so-called “money primary.” But the first incumbent-free presidential election in 55 years should first and foremost be about ideas and leadership. Money buys organization, but voters want a candidate prepared to take America forward - someone who has come to grips with the unique historical times we live in, and laid out a vision, backed by a bold, specific agenda, ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities facing America and the world.

Three months from now are we going to go through this all again when the second quarter fundraising tallies are in? Shouldn’t we all now move on from the “money primary” to the “primary of ideas”?

One idea that has been missing in the debate so far, could transform America — voluntary universal national service.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

Dear Fixer: I am a disabled veteran. On Aug. 27, I had Steele Mobility come out to repair a wheelchair lift in my home. The repair call cost $722.29.I paid Steele Mobility with a personal check, which cleared my bank three days later. Subsequently, I discovered that the VA would have paid — and did pay — for the repairs.

I have been calling Steele Mobility since early September to try to get a refund of my $722.29 and can’t get a return call.

They’ve been paid twice for the same job. My income is limited to my disability checks, and I could use some help getting my refund.

Clarence Daly, Tinley Park

Dear Clarence: If Team Fixer could figure out how to get paid twice for the same job, we’d be one happy pack of reporters. But we digress. We called Steele Mobility and spoke with a man who gave his name as Dave, who agreed you were due the money. It only took 10 follow-up calls over two months till you finally got your refund — plus $25 for interest you might have earned.

Found here.

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

A two-day Gateway to Government Contracting conference at the Antlers Hilton Hotel drew businesses from across Colorado and neighboring states interested in competing for government contracts. Jovita Carranza, deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, was the keynote speaker Thursday.

Carranza, who spoke about opportunities for veteranowned businesses, talked to The Gazette before her speech.

QUESTION: Are you hearing from more and more veterans seeking to start small businesses?

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

MACON, Ga. - Sgt. Dana Kline is so good at recruiting new National Guard soldiers that he‘s set to make a small fortune — $94,000 in bonuses.

Through the program, Guard members are offered a $1,000 bonus for every person they sign up and another $1,000 when the recruit ships out to basic training. The program is credited with bringing in 25,000 new Guard members since its launch 15 months ago.

Kline, who‘s not even a full-time military recruiter, has found many of his recruits on trips to area shopping malls, unemployment offices and schools.

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

WASHINGTON — Since 1944, GI Bill educational benefits have opened the doors of opportunity for nearly 22 million veterans. Matt Stiner, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a senior at Oklahoma State University, is one of the latest additions to that 63-year-old success story.

A native of Tulsa, Okla., majoring in political science, Stiner was among only 75 college juniors to receive a prestigious $30,000 Truman Scholarship. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation honors students who are entering public service.

“VA is proud to see a veteran using the GI Bill receive such a prestigious honor,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Stiner is a perfect example of how VA’s education programs continue to work for our newest generation of combat veterans.”

(more…)

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

Coast Capital Mortgage will host a free home-buying seminar for military veterans this Wednesday, April 4, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the Thomas Park Center, 300 Geraldine Dr.

The “how-to” seminar will cover eligibility, the application process and VA loan benefits for active and veteran military personnel, according to a statement released this week.

“Among veterans, there seems to be a misconception that VA home loans involve too much paperwork and ‘red tape,’” said Chad Theriot, a loan officer hosting the session who also served in Operation Desert Storm. “But in reality, they’re not that hard to get, and they offer several advantages over conventional mortgage loans.”

The seminar is open to any active duty, national guardsmen or veterans that are currently serving or have served in any branch of the military. To register, contact Chad Theriot at 769-1676.

Found here.

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites