To: EANGUS Members
From: EANGUS National Office
Please share the following Roll Call: Drill Weekend Talking Points with other unit members
Concurrent use of Federal TA and MGIB-SR
Effective 4 May 2021, the concurrent Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) and Montgomery GI Bill -Selective Reserve (MGIB-SR) restriction has been removed. This means that Reserve Component Service Members enrolled in a half-time or more program of study may now receive their TA and MGIB-SR benefits simultaneously for the same course. This is a major win for our National Guard Servicemembers.
Due to this recent update, the Veterans Administration (VA) is in the process of adjusting its policies and notifying Educational Institutions about the change. This process should be completed within the next several weeks.
Memo to the MILDEPs MGIB SR and TA Usage
EANGUS Call-To-Action: Support a DD form 214 for reservists
The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS). Needs a companion bill in the House of Representatives supporting S. 1291, The Record of Military Service for Members of the Armed Forces Act of 2021, introduced by Senator Peters (MI), Senator Lankford (OK), Senator Tester (MT), and Senator Moran (KS).
With the global demand not abating for Reserve Component (Reserves and National Guard) members, more and more citizen warriors are called to duty. Since the Reserve Components are part of the “Total Force,” all members, past, and present, be treated equally with the DD 214. This, however, is not the case when it is issued to the RC member.
Currently, not all Reserve Component (RC) members receive a DD 214 when they are separated, discharged, or retired from military service. This is a problem for RC members because the VA and other federal and state government agencies usually require veterans to provide a copy of the DD 214 to qualify for veteran benefits.
According to VA Pamphlet 26-7, “There is no one form used by the Reserves or National Guard that is like a DD Form 214…” that meets “Proof of Service Requirements” (Chapter 2). By streamlining the DD 214 for RC members, they will receive credit for their entire service.
Proposed change currently in legislation would provide a DD Form 214 at the same career milestones as active duty. This would ensure predictable 214’s that reflect a National Guard and Reserve member’s entire career. It would also help servicemembers and their families obtain state and federal veteran benefits.
Please take a few moments to contact your D.C. delegation and support EANGUS legislative priorities in the 117th Congress.
Go to Legislative Action Center
Operation VetCare
Operation VetCare was established in 2017 by EANGUS as a program designed to assist Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families who faced special issues or challenges associated with military service. This program has continued to grow over the last several years. Assistance provided through this program may vary based on the limited funds available but may assist by providing support in the form of gift cards for food, clothing, and other necessary items during a service-related crisis. Through this program, EANGUS has been able to assist hundreds of people during a time of significant need. Click button for more information on how to can support this initiative through donations or to request assistance.
The 2021 National Guard Education Guide & Almanac
presented by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS)
This year’s publication includes two sections:
An Education Section includes information about scholarship opportunities and other resources available to National Guard members.
The Almanac Section highlights key National Guard leaders for each of the 54 States, Territories, and the District of Columbia as well as their State Association contact information and State benefits.
We thank Grantham University for its sponsorship of this publication. We are proud to continue our partnership with Grantham and have highlighted information in the Education Section regarding their educational programs and the two scholarships they are offering this year.
We are also extremely grateful for the continued partnership and scholarships offered to our EANGUS members, their spouse, and dependent children by Colorado Technical Institute, Grand Canyon University, and the University of Phoenix. Along with Grantham University, these institutions provide a total of eight full-tuition scholarships, which are a significant benefit to those selected as recipients each year. We are also appreciative of the additional funding provided for scholarships at Excelsior College, and the scholarship funds provided by USAA, AFBA, and the CSM Advisory Council which can be used by the recipient at the college or university of their choice.
On behalf of the EANGUS Executive Council, we trust that you will find this information of value and we wish the best to our members pursuing their dreams of higher education.
