Joe Wallace

Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter/editor for Air Force Television News and the Pentagon Channel. His freelance work includes contract work for Motorola, VALoans.com, and Credit Karma. He is co-founder of Dim Art House in Springfield, Illinois, and spends his non-writing time as an abstract painter, independent publisher, and occasional filmmaker.

What Type of Military Discharge Qualifies for VA Benefits?

What type of military discharge qualifies for VA benefits? It’s a question many ask if they left the service without entering the military healthcare system or applying for VA benefits. If you decided later in life to explore your VA benefit options, knowing the current guidelines is a good place to begin. Eligibility for Department…

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VA Education Benefits For Surviving Spouses and Dependents

Surviving spouses and dependents of military veterans may be eligible for VA benefits to further their education. Below, you’ll find a variety of VA education options spouses and school-age dependents can use to help pay for college or other higher education opportunities. There are several options for spouses and college-age children who are survivors of…

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Using Military Experience on a Resume

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel like a complex process with lots of decisions to make. The good news is that plenty of resources exist to help guide you. However, it is essential to know that military experts have not written or vetted every resource. One reason it’s essential to always look…

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In-State Tuition Versus Out-of-State Tuition Under the GI Bill

There are many ways to use military benefits to pay for higher education. You may qualify for in-state tuition rates attending school using the GI Bill, Veteran Readiness and Employment, and in some cases, the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA). Learn more.

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GI Bill for Reserve and National Guard Members

Is the GI Bill offered to members of the National Guard and the Reserve? Qualifying for the GI Bill means serving a minimum time in uniform. If you meet those requirements, depending on when you joined and the type of military service you performed, you may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill or the Post-9/11…

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How much GI Bill do I have left

How Much GI Bill Do I Have Left?

If you have never used your GI Bill benefits before, you won’t need to ask how much GI Bill you have left, but those who have used the GI Bill and are starting a new semester need to know how much of the benefit remains. In some cases, they may also need to know how…

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Which GI Bill is best

Which GI Bill Is Better?

Which GI Bill is better? There is no single answer to this question as much depends on the student’s needs, circumstances, and educational goals. It’s better to compare GI Bill programs and options side-by-side to see which features are most important. Learn more.

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Colorado BAH Rates 2023

Find Colorado BAH Rates and Post 9/11 GI Bill BAH rates (MHA rates) for US Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, Buckley AFB, Colorado Springs, Denver.

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California BAH Rates 2023

California BAH rates for San Diego, Beale AFB, Camp Pendleton, Edwards AFB, Lemoore NAS, Los Angeles, Travis AFB, Vandenberg, Miramar MCAS

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Arizona BAH Rates 2023

Moving or PCSing to Arizona? Here are the Arizona BAH Rates for Davis-Monthan AFB, Luke AFB, Fort Huachuca, Yuma Proving Ground and Yuma MCAS.

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Arkansas BAH Rates 2023

Moving or PCSing to Arkansas? Here are the Arkansas BAH Rates for Little Rock AFB, Pine Bluff Arsenal, Fayetteville, Little Rock.

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Alabama BAH Rates 2023

Alabama BAH Rates 2023

Moving or PCSing to Alabama? Find Alabama BAH Rates for Montgomery, Mobile, Huntsville, Fort Rucker and Anniston Army Depot.

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when did the GI Bill start

When did the GI Bill Start?

When did the GI Bill start? Believe it or not, the GI Bill we know today is the product of a long and winding history, starting with the very first version of the program known as the GI Bill of Rights, signed into law on June 22, 1944. The Very First GI BIll The original…

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top up GI Bill

Can I Top Up the GI Bill?

Is it possible to top up the GI Bill? There are multiple types of military education benefits. While the Department of Veterans Affairs offers the GI Bill, other options exist, including the Yellow Ribbon program, John D. Fry Scholarships, and Tuition Assistance programs. And depending on the program, there are also options to “top up”…

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Using eBenefits to Manage Your GI Bill

Can you use eBenefits to manage your GI Bill? This VA/DoD partnership has changed over the years, but eBenefits is still an important resource for those who can use the portal. We’ll examine its GI Bill features below. A Brief History of eBenefits In 2007, the President’s Commission on Care for Returning Wounded Warriors recommended…

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A career in technical fields can be assisted with the GI Bill extension known as the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM scholarship

GI Bill Extension: The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

If you are pursuing higher education in an in-demand technical field, you may qualify for an extension of your federal military education benefits thanks to a program called the Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship. Technically speaking, this isn’t so much an extension of the GI Bill as it is a program meant to enhance it.

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Can I use the GI Bill to buy a home?

Can I Use the GI Bill to Buy a House?

Is it possible to use the GI Bill to buy a house? This is a common question about GI Bill benefits, and the answer confuses some…at first. The short answer is no; you typically cannot use the GI Bill to purchase a home. But why not, and what program can you use to buy a home instead of the GI Bill?

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Does the GI Bill expire?

When Does the GI Bill Expire?

One of the most frequently asked questions about the GI Bill is how much time you have to use it. How long until the GI Bill expires? Is it possible to lose your GI Bill benefit? The answer depends greatly on which GI Bill program you are using and when you signed up, as we’ll explore. Read more.

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You might wonder if you owe taxes on your GI Bill

Do I Owe Taxes on the GI Bill?

If you plan to go to college using GI Bill benefits, you might wonder if the GI Bill is taxable. Examining the tax implications of your student financial aid is essential, especially if you hope to claim federal tax credits for your education expenses. The article below is not tax advice; consider this a primer for your own tax research or when discussing your VA benefits with a tax professional. Learn more.

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Military can use American Forces Travel to save money

Veterans Travel Discounts from American Forces Travel

If you have never used American Forces Travel, you’ll find a variety of discounts, special rates, and other options for military members and their families. These official military travel discounts are available thanks to a partnership between the DoD’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation MWR department and the commercial travel company Priceline.The Department of Defense describes American Forces Travel is a one-stop travel booking site for servicemembers and their families.

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GI Bill status check

GI Bill Status: How to Check

Do you need to check the status of your application for the Post-9/11 GI Bill? There are ways to check the status of your application, and how you can do that may depend on your status as an active duty service member, veteran, military spouse or school-age dependent. Learn more.

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GI Bill After Failing a Class

In cases where you receive the GI Bill and are failing a class, you may wonder if you have to repay the VA for getting a “punitive” grade. Did you know that failing a class is, according to VA.gov, still considered academic progress? Learn more.

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Gi Bill Book Stipend

GI Bill Book Stipend

Is there a GI Bill book stipend for your program? If you plan to use your GI Bill benefits, you’ll want to know how much of your total school expenses might be covered by those benefits. Books and supplies are an important part of those calculations. Read more.

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