Veterans Hopeful For MMJ

How we doing hard-chargers!!

I have news about the possibility of medical marijuana being issued to veterans as there is word of its healing properties.

Members from democratic side on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee requested the committee’s officials to research medical marijuana for issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. Many believe there is HUGE potential for veterans’ health through this plant.

In a letter signed by every Democratic member of the panel, lawmakers requested that VA Secretary David Shulkin challenge his department’s Office of Research and Development to “fulfill its stated mission” by looking into the value of cannabis medication as an alternative to addictive prescription opioids.

The letter stated. “VA is uniquely situated to pursue research on the impact of medical marijuana on veterans suffering from chronic pain and PTSD. Given its access to world-class researchers, the population it serves, and its history of overseeing and producing research resulting in cutting edge medical treatments.”

As of now Cannabis is still illegal under federal law, but 26 states (and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) allow access to the drug for medical needs.

At a White House press conference in May, Shulkin said federal law does not prohibit his department from looking at marijuana research as an option for veterans, but not to prescribe the substance.

VA officials have been reluctant to move ahead with assisting in outside research projects. An Arizona study lauded by the American Legion, which has repeatedly petitioned local VA facilities to help find participants.

Department of Justice officials have made very clear verbally that they do not support loosening rules on marijuana research and have looked into expanded authorities to go after cannabis dealers and companies even in states where the substance is legal.

American Legion officials last year passed a resolution calling for expanded research into medicinal use of marijuana, noting that opioid abuse presents a serious health threat to the veterans community and any alternatives should be considered.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America released a new survey indicating that 63 percent of their members support legalization of the drug for medicinal purposes. Only 15 percent opposed the idea.

64 percent of Americans favor making marijuana legal, the highest figure researchers have recorded in nearly 50 years of polling on the issue.

In addition, one of the letter signers — Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif. — introduced a House resolution on Thursday calling for VA to recognize “the urgency and importance of finding alternative successful treatments to opioids” and conduct cannabis research to compare the side effects with current treatment methods.

This may come into fruition after all, we'll have to keep our eyes open to see. I've seen many veterans who unequivocally stand on this and it may be that time for everyone to listen. May the research taking place find new grounds in order to better treat that veterans of this country.

Isaac Hall
#SemperKill

More Veterans In College Than Ever Before!!

How we doing Hard-Chargers!!!

So there is a bit of research on veterans in higher education, and to our surprise we see that the Post-9/11 GI Bill has generated a significant increase in college enrollment.

The largest point of growth has been among veterans pursuing/earning advanced degrees, particularly our older veterans who already have a master’s degree.

It’s unclear why, more veterans are pursuing advanced degrees, however, many feel that it’s the job market.

Everyone is going to college to pursue degrees, in order for one to beat out a competitor for the job you are going to need a more advanced degree.

Veterans see this and they are also a part of the crowd as the growth of veterans in school has risen significantly.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, which was enacted in 2009, represents an expansion of educational benefits. Student veterans get up to 36 months of in-state tuition covered at public universities and stipends for textbooks and housing.

At private universities, the GI Bill caps at $22,800.00 for the 2017-18 school year. Students at schools who have entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, can also receive help through the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Veterans with a master’s degree pursuing a second master’s, doctorate or other advanced degree, has increased to 30 percent growth.

Here is a perspective to think about. Education improves decision making, therefore better educated veterans are more likely to make informed decisions and take full advantage of the generous education benefits offered by the (Post-9/11) GI Bill.

I’m glad to see more veterans pursuing education in order to be a dominate in the next chapter of their lives. May you all reach what you consider success.

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

Forever G.I. Bill??????

How we doing hard-chargers… 

I thought I’d break down the changes to the G.I. Bill and give you a better understanding of how it affects veterans.

Now you may have heard of the G.I. Bill, as it was started in 1944, and is law passed that provides educational and other benefits for people who had served in the armed forces in World War II. Of course these benefits are still available today for those who serve and get out honorably.

Forever G.I. Bill

* Time Limits

One of the biggest changes would be the fact that the 15 year time limit has been removed for those using Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This only goes into affect for veterans and dependents using transferred benefits, and they are eligible after January 1, 2018.

That means is you’re a veteran using the G.I. Bill  or active duty military planning to use the G.I. Bill or even a dependent of a veteran or active duty this does not apply to you.

As of now it still remains the same, pertaining to veterans, active-duty military, and dependents. As they still have 15 years from their discharge date to use up all their G.I. Bill benefits, or they will lose them.

* Reservists

Any Reservist called to active duty (When a Government request federal assistance in responding to a major disaster or emergency) are now eligible to use the new G.I. Bill.

Prior to only reservist called by the President as a result of a national emergency were eligible.This would apply to reservist who were mobilized after August 1 2009, Reservist can only receive payment for classes that start August 1st 2018.

* Dependents

Fry Scholarship recipients are now eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) payments will increase to 50 percent, but the maximum number of months a dependent can get DEA decreases from 45 to 36 months and is effective Aug. 1, 2018.

Some changes will be made to the transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill to make it easier to reallocate transferred benefits if the sponsor or dependent passes away.

* Housing Allowance

Housing allowance is now based on the campus location where you attend classes.

* Institution Closings

For those attending a school that has closed or lost accreditation and you lose credit for the classes you took, you don’t have to pay back any G.I. Bill benefits you received at that school. It is not retroactive either.

* Benefit Tiers

G.I. Bill is currently based on the amount of active duty time you have. If one were to have less than 36 months of active duty you could possibly get less than the full amount. So the new law makes it where anyone who receives a Purple Heart will get the full G.I. Bill no matter how long they served active duty.

* STEM Classes

There is a huge emphasis on getting veterans enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. The new G.I. Bill creates the

“Edith Nourse Rogers Scholarship.” 

 (Very important person, perhaps another post in itself)

This pays veterans $30,000 if they are enrolled in a STEM program, have used up all their G.I. Bill benefits, and have at least 60 semester/90 quarter hours credit toward a STEM degree, effective Aug. 1, 2018.

* Taxation

So from all of this we see clearly that more people are now eligible for the G.I. Bill, there is more types of training, and also more money paid to veterans.

This will be paid for by reducing the amount of monthly housing allowance the new users get.

A provision was  made in 2015 about slowing the increase of basic allowance housing, active duty no longer pays the full amount of the housing cost.

Active duty BAH is being reduced to 1 percent every year from 2015 to 2019, when 2020 hits BAH will only cover 95% of military members housing cost.

January 1st 2018, the G.I. Bill housing allowance will also decrease. So anyone eligible will get an average of about $100.00 less housing allowance.

Please feel free to let me know your thoughts about the new forever G.I. Bill, as I’ve already heard that a large majority of vets aren’t happy. Many feel this is nothing more than a recruiting scheme to get younger people to serve yet nothing is being done for the actual current Veteran.

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

The "Self Appointed Fiduciary"

Good day hard-charges, so a few days ago we had a Police Sergeant from Massachusetts plead guilty on an array of accounts. Such as stealing funds from the accounts of disable veterans, as he acted as the appointed fiduciary.

The name of the culprit was Glenn Pearson, who is 61 years old and worked for the Whitman Police Department. About 16 years ago he was dismissed for breaches of police codes of conduct. As well as improper arrest, sexual harassment, untruthfulness and even falsifying payrolls.From 2007 to 2012 Pearson became a Department of Veterans Affairs fiduciary for multiple disabled veterans and managed their funds. During this time Pearson took advantage of his position and embezzled over $250,000 of benefits money award to the veterans by Veterans Affairs.

He even went one step further and operated a “tax preparation” business called FTS Tax Services, this is where he falsely prepared tax returns for clients in return for a fee. After a while though his clients were audited by the IRS, from there Pearson gave falsified statements to the IRS.

As of now he faces a max sentence of 20 years for wire fraud. An additional three years for trying to interfere with the administration of internal revenue laws. Another three years for making and also providing false tax returns. Lastly 5 years for misappropriation of funds.

Pearson admitted to causing over $1 million in tax loss, and has supposedly agreed to a plea deal. Which will be to make restitution to the veterans whom he stole from as well as Veterans Affairs Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.

As of now he’s set to be released Sept. 19th. 

Hard-charges it would behoove of you to not only be a better judgment of character but also you may want to do a bit of research because you can do your taxes yourself or hire a reputable accountant.

Keep your eyes open for those who want to take advantage of you.

Isaac J. Hall II

#SemperKill

Veteran lies equates to $750,000

Prosecutors are saying a former soldier lied about injuries during deployments which resulted in a purple heart and cheated the federal government out of more than $750,000, he was originally charged in 2014.

Prosecutors are wanting a five-year prison term. Stating that Darryl Wright falsified statements from other soldiers to obtain awards. This included a combat action ribbon, purple heart from there used other benefits which includes over $40,000 in student debt which was forgiven due to disabilities.

There were applications where Wright claimed to be so disabled that he could only focus on anything for more than 10 seconds. In actuality he was a basketball coach, and had a full time federal job in Seattle Washington.

U.S. attorneys David Reese, stated that Darryl Wright created an empire based on a myth system he built. There was also argument that he obstructed justice by accusing a co-worker of violating his privacy rights. There was a discovery that he fabricated order in order to get paid for a week of skipped work.

Cristina Jackson, is responsible for uncovering the truth in this mater. She actually had to hire an employment lawyer to fight off the discipline. 

Wright pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud early this year. Wright’s attorney, filed his sentencing recommendation under seal, stating it contained sensitive personal information. There are other defensive filings which suggest that Wright continues to suffer PTSD from his deployment.

Attorney said he is seeking a sentence of one year for Wright, and also that Wright was entitled to most of the benefits he received.

Veterans Affairs Department has rescinded its earlier determination that Wright should receive benefits for PTSD.

In 2010, Wright successfully applied for a Purple Heart. In his paperwork, he claimed he was involved in a rocket attack and was violently thrown and knocked unconscious from the percussion of the rockets’ impact.

Wright claimed social security disability benefits. Claiming he was bedridden, the V.A. then paid his sister to be his live in caregiver, however after a thorough investigation no such services were performed. 

By May 2013, the siblings were bringing in benefits upwards of $10,000 per month. The crazy thing here is even Wright’s mother was in on the fraud. She submitted paperwork as a nurse without disclosing her relationship Wright.

Prosecutors stated that Darryl Wright sullied the reputations of people, institutions, and agencies. Worst of all, he hurt the heroes who fully deserve recognition, respect, and honor.

A mental health expert hired by the defense had suggested that Wright suffers from a condition in which he concocts his own reality and believes it is acceptable to lie or falsify documents to match that reality. Also Wrights purple heart has not been rescinded as of yet.

Isaac J. Hall II

Semper Kill