The Supreme Court’s Rudisill decision allows veterans who earned both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post‑9/11 GI Bill (PGIB) to use up to 48 months of combined benefits without having to give up MGIB to receive PGIB.

To qualify, veterans must:

• Have applied for Post‑9/11 GI Bill.
• Have two separate qualifying periods of service (or enough service time to fully earn both benefits without double‑counting).
• Have previously waived all or part of their MGIB in order to get PGIB.

If a veteran gave up MGIB:

• They may get up to 12 months of MGIB back and/or some PGIB months restored.
• Total usable benefit time can reach 48 months, but no more than 36 months of either program individually.

The VA is making it easier for eligible veterans to learn about their education and training entitlement. The VA will automatically review the files of all 1.04 million veterans who were previously identified as being potentially eligible for benefits and either issue a formal decision or inform you of additional action that is required.

Learn more about the program here.

Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) recently participated in the Michigan National Guard’s First Formation Assembly in Lansing, continuing our commitment to meeting service members where they are. During the event, VES staff connected directly with Guard members to share information about employment resources available through Michigan Works! Agencies, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program.

Outreach materials, eligibility guidance and direct points of contact were provided to ensure service members know how to access individualized employment services when needed.

This collaboration with the Michigan National Guard and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency strengthens our statewide outreach efforts and reinforces our shared mission to support service members as they prepare for civilian career success.

Jacob Francisco, Veterans Career Advisor, West Branch

How has your military experience helped you in your position as a Veterans' Career Advisor (VCA)?

In my short experience thus far, military experience is vital and most important in both the relationship with the customer, as well as the resource building to make the most out of the benefits that are available. The comradery that carries over not just to the civilian world, but now across branch lines, is extremely evident in the most important goal – picking each other up when help is needed.

The most foundational tool that is instilled in every military member, regardless of branch, is leadership. Leadership consists of many attributes, but guidance, empathy, understanding and the willingness to help our fellow brothers and sisters is the most important tools here.

What should veterans expect when they meet with a VCA?

Veterans should expect a friendly personality, an open door and someone willing to help stand WITH them. They should also expect smooth communication, someone who is easy to understand and resourcefulness.

What resource do you recommend to veterans seeking employment?

The use of their local Michigan Works! Service Center to assist with job searching and resume building is the most crucial first steps for veterans.

Despite being born in England, Michelle chose to serve her adopted home by enlisting in the U.S. Navy. During her time as a Hospital Corpsman in the earl 90s, Michelle provided medical care and support to fellow service members — demonstrating her commitment to this nation long before she held formal citizenship.

For many years, Michelle believed that becoming a naturalized citizen was out of reach due to the financial cost associated with the application process through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). But when Michelle connected with Veterans' Career Advisor Brandon Latusek, they were able to explore options available to veterans and identify a pathway that allowed Michelle to apply without incurring application fees.

Together, both Michelle and Brandon worked through gathering documentation, completing required forms and ensuring her packet was accurately submitted to USCIS. After a year of processing and anticipation, Michelle received approval for naturalization.

On December 18, 2025, she took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became a U.S. citizen — a powerful and well-earned moment that recognized both her service and her longstanding commitment to this country.

VES recently partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to host a Military Community Job Fair in Traverse City on March 6. The event brought together active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve personnel, veterans, first responders and their families with employers from across Northwest Michigan.

More than 40 active-duty U.S. Coast Guard service members participated in the TAP class, where they received hands-on guidance on how to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. Throughout the week, participants developed and refined resumes, practiced interview techniques, and explored a variety of career preparation resources designed to help them confidently navigate the civilian job market.

The weeklong seminar, hosted at the VFW in Traverse City, concluded with the Military Community Job Fair, giving participants the opportunity to immediately put their newly developed skills into practice. More than 20 employers from across Northwest Michigan looking to connect with candidates who bring leadership, discipline and technical skills developed through military service.

By connecting directly with employers, service members were able to build professional relationships, learn about career opportunities and begin shaping their post-service career paths—creating meaningful win-win outcomes for both job seekers and employers.

The event would not have been possible without the support of Northwest Michigan Works!, Military One Source, the VET Center and Grand Traverse County Veterans Affairs.

Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

• Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
• More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
• Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.