New GI Bill

Apply Early For Your Benefits. The National Commander of the American Legion wrote the original GI BIll and the American Legion has been pushing the revision.WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that VA has received more than 25,000 claims for education benefits during the first two weeks that Veterans and servicemembers could apply online for the new Post-9/11 GI Bill. “We are very pleased with the tremendous interest in the Post-9/11 GI Bill,” Patrick W. Dunne, VA’s under secretary for benefits, said. “The number of applications submitted in the first two weeks clearly shows the value and importance of this new benefit for Veterans.” The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. It provides eligible individuals with tuition payments to assist them in getting a college education. Many participants will also receive a housing allowance while they’re studying and a stipend for books and supplies. Under the new GI Bill, certain members of the armed forces may transfer benefits to a spouse or dependent children. With the large numbers of Veterans and servicemembers expected to apply for the new program, VA projects a 20 percent to 25 percent increase in the total number of participants in VA’s education programs. Qualified people will receive a “Certificate of Eligibility” and information about their benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Applicants may expect to receive their certificate within 24 days of submission. Under federal law VA cannot pay benefits until Aug. 1, 2009. The new education benefit is for Veterans, servicemembers, reservists, and National Guard members who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. Veterans can also apply online through the GI Bill Web site at www.GIBILL.VA.gov. Additionally, paper applications are accepted at VA regional processing offices located in Muskogee, Okla.; Atlanta; St. Louis; and Buffalo, N.Y. Veterans who apply online and provide a specific e-mail address will receive an e-mail acknowledging receipt of their claims. The number of education benefits’ applications submitted in the first two weeks is more than three times the rate of benefit applications usually received through the Veterans Online Application system (VONAPP). VONAPP is used for all education benefit programs, as well as for submission of applications for VA disability compensation and pension benefits. As a result of this unprecedented volume, some applicants experienced slow response times or error messages on Friday, May 1. VA immediately increased system capacity, and by Saturday morning, May 2, system performance was fully restored. “Because of the large number of applications expected to be received, we encourage Veterans interested in attending school this fall to apply early online,” Dunne added.Additional information about the new program and VA’s other educational benefit programs can be obtained by visiting VA’s Web site or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1 (or 1-888-442-4551).

Sergeant James R. McIlvaine, Olney, MD KIA 4/30/09

Sergeant James R. McIlvaine, was killed in Iraq April 30, 2009 serving his country in the United States Marine Corps. James was born September 24, 1982 in Olney, MD to Joanne E. Ryan and the late Michael S. McIlvaine.

Sgt McIlvaine is survived by his wife Sheryl M. McIlvaine of Twentynine Palms, CA two children Michael T. McIlvaine and Alexa N. McIlvaine both of Twentynine Palms, CA, mother and step-father Joanne E. and Mike S. Ryan of Purcellville, VA, four sisters Shannon, Ally, and Katie all of Purcellville, VA, and Airen of Frederick, MD and grandparents William and Katherine Muncy of Ocean Pines, MD and Patricia DeSimone of Olney, MD.

He began school at Olney elementary and graduated from Massanutten Military Academy. He graduated as a member of the National Honor Society and was awarded a commission to Virginia Military Institute.

After High School, he joined the Marine Corps February 28, 2001 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina May 10, 2001. He married Sheryl M. Schneider August 5, 2001. While serving in the Marine Corps Sheryl and James had their two children Michael and Alexa.

James McIlvaine was a proud and honorable husband, father, son and Marine who will be honored at Hall Funeral Home, Purcellville, VA on Wednesday, May 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. with a memorial service at 8 p.m. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery May 12, 2009 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers and gifts the family requests donations to be mailed to Middleburg Bank P.O. box 2250 Purcellville, VA 20134. Make checks payable to Sergeant James R. McIlvaine Memorial Fund. Please visit the Hall Funeral Home Web Site at http://www.hallfh.com/ to express online condolences to the family.

Joyous May Day Comrades ;)

In a few more weeks this Legion year will be over. However, a couple of Posts still have not met thier goal for 2009. And thank you for a 100% County! SMD needs only 198 for 3 Star and is currently in 1st Place.

As we settle out our membership efforts, keep in mind membership will drive how many DEC Members MCC will get next year as well as where they will go. So please check your Membership Chairman's inbox and get those memberships turned in.

The Posts listed below need a total of 81 members to reach goal:

• Post 104 needs 9 members for 3 Star
• Post 105 needs 7 members for 3 Star and has credit for up to 12
• Post 171 needs 8 members for 3 Star
• Post 268 needs 57 members for 3 Star

Thanks to the 38 guests at the Golden Bull! I appologize if I was a bit wound up. There were way more in attendance at the regular County Meetings. So now that we know they can get out to a meeting, we should see everyone who was there more often.

See you at the SMD Reception for the Department Commander tomorrow at the SMD Youth Camp.

If you are sick stay home!

Respectfully, For the Veteran!

Bob Ouellette
Commander, Montgomery County Council