Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 09/17/2007

Dear Sgt Shaft
What happen with H.R. 269? I am one of the Vets that falls into the gap as discussed in your column. " The opportunity to convert to the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) was important because the benefits available were much greater than those under VEAP.

However, those individuals who were on active duty before 1985 and did not participate in VEAP were not eligible to sign up for MGIB, leaving a gap in available coverage for certain career military personnel."

Thanks!
Dan

Dear Dan
A Good friend at the Non Commissioned Officers Association tells me that the status of HR 269. And  its Senate companion bill were legislative initiatives of the 109th Congress. No action was completed and the legislation was dropped at the conclusion of that Congress. Representative Barlett has introduced HR 81 in the 110 Congress that specifically proposes a limited opportunity for certain VEAP participants to enroll in basic educational assistance under the MGIB. Also, there remains slight possibility that some modification of the MGIB in the future debate and conference on the National Defense Authorization Act could impact certain VEAP eligibles. We share your concern that those who enlisted during the VEAP enrollment process were counseled to not enroll for VEAP as a better system was forthcoming. That counsel has proven over the years to be incorrect.

Dear Sgt. Shaft,
I am writing to you about a project from Marine Corps Moms/Marine Corps Family Foundation called Operation Santa.There are two different kinds of efforts for this project:

1. Send fully stuffed stockings to deployed Marines in Iraq or Afghanistan
2. Send fully stuffed stockings to wounded service members from all branches who will be on the wards Christmas day at Walter Reed, Bethesda, Brooke or Balboa hospitals.

For the first effort, interested volunteers should go to their website http://www.marinecorpsfamilyfoundation.org/santa.html.

There are many different types of volunteer jobs. All are worthy of consideration and do so much to bring some Christmas cheer to deployed troops.

For the second effort, I can be contacted directly at wrcostan@comcast.net. I am looking for material donations to stuff the stockings.

• $15 Subway gift cards
• $5 Dunkin' donut cards
• DVDs
• CDs
• Gum
• Candy
• Pens
• Small pads of paper
• Books

Carrie Costantini
Very proud Marine wife and Marine mom

Shaft Notes
Congratulations to World War II veteran, Alyce Dixon, who was honored by the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC on the occasion of her one hundredth birthday on September 12.

The sharp, affable and outgoing "Dixie" was thrilled to be recognized by the hospital's Director, Fernando O. Rivera, and staff on this milestone birthday.

Friends and family joined Ms. Dixon, for a party complete with musical entertainment, tributes and treats.

Ms. Dixon, a resident of the DCVAMC’s Comprehensive Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (CNRC) was born on September 11, 1907 in Boston, Massachusetts. This charismatic, energetic and independent Veteran loves people, serving her community and being helpful to her fellow residents.

Dixon’s career as a public servant began in 1940 when she was one of the first employees at the Pentagon as an administrative worker. Another first in her life was her entry into Women’s Air Corps in 1943 at 31 years of age. While again working in an administrative capacity, Ms. Dixon was stationed overseas and was an integral part of the postal service during World War II. Dixon returned to the government and retired in 1971 after 35 years of federal service.

Ms. Dixon’s community service includes 12 years at the Washington Hospital Center as well as volunteer service at Howard University Hospital.

Dixon has three living sisters, 20 nieces and nephews all over the age of 50 and several great nieces and nephews.

The Air Force Historical Foundation will host its first major air power symposium on October 16-17, at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.

The day and a half symposium, “The Evolution of Air and Space Power: Know the Past, Shape the Future” features three panels titled “War in the Shadows,” “Conventional War,” and “Space and Cyber War,” a large awards banquet featuring famous aviation artist Keith Ferris and the Secretary of the Air Force, and luncheons with the Chief and Vice Chief of Staff as guest speakers. It is open to all active duty, Guard, Reserve, and retired military personnel, professional and part-time historians, the general public, and their families.

The Foundation also will honor former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Air Force Chief of Staff General David C. Jones, USAF-Ret., and noted Air Force historian Maj. Gen. I. B. Holley, USAFR-Ret. The event is part of the Air Force’s 60th Anniversary activities.

Featured panelists will address subjects such as limited war strategy, search and rescue capability, humanitarian relief, the North Africa campaign, the Far East Air Forces, and the needs of the war fighter. The Historical Foundation’s web site at www.afhistoricalfoundation.org has the complete list.

That night at dinner, the Secretary of the Air Force will present General Jones the first annual General Carl “Tooey” Spaatz award for extraordinary contributions to the making of Air Force history. Spaatz was the Air Force’s first Chief of Staff. Following that, legendary aviation artist Keith Ferris will speak.

Registration and more information can be found at www.afhistoricalfoundation.org, by e-mailing execdir@afhistoricalfoundation.org, or by calling (301) 736-1959.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-257-5446 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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