VFW and SVA pony up during Shutdown

VFW, SVA Fill GI Bill Void During Government Shutdown

"1 Student Veteran" continues to triage inquiries on benefits As a result of the ongoing shutdown, the Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill hotline remains offline, meaning veterans have very few places to turn for reliable information on accessing their earned GI Bill benefits. To counter the lack of customer service, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Student Veterans of America (SVA) are once again informing veterans that the "1 Student Veteran" system is fully open for the business of helping to answer benefits. Those with questions about the GI Bill, or other benefits should email 1studentveteran@vfw.org for timely assistance.  "This shutdown has further complicated an already difficult process student veterans must navigate when seeking to use their earned education benefits," said SVA executive director Wayne Robinson. "While veterans no longer have access to many VA resources, the '1 Student Veteran' program remains open to provide direct assistance and answers to veterans in a timely manner. Together with the VFW, SVA remains committed to working with student veterans and institutions nationwide to address their concerns and find a suitable solution to this problem."  Since its introduction in June, the team behind "1 Student Veteran" has answered hundreds of inquiries on dozens of issues like benefits inaccuracies, available support services, and even to clarify the VA benefits student veterans are eligible to receive. Veterans who send a message to "1 Student Veteran" receive a reply within 24 hours or the next business day from a VFW staff member who specializes in student veteran issues.   "This irresponsible government shutdown has already affected countless student-veterans, which is why we have the obligation to ensure that '1 Student Veteran' helps fill the information void," said VFW Commander-in-Chief Bill Thien. "The shutdown has not only cut off the direct line to VA, but it has also left veterans wondering whether or not their benefits will be delivered on time. This is why the VFW and SVA stand ready to answer those difficult questions in a timely manner."  Read the full release About Student Veterans of America SVA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of over 850 student veteran organizations on college campuses globally. SVA's mission is to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.  About the Veterans of Foreign Wars The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans and eligible military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest organization of war veterans and its oldest major veterans' organization. With nearly 2 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in more than 7,000 Posts worldwide, "NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS." The VFW and its Auxiliaries are dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs worldwide. For more information or to join, visit our webs www.vfw.org. Read the Full Release