Veterans Day, observed on November 11, honors all United States (U.S.) Veterans for their service in both wartime and peacetime. Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I and was later expanded to recognize Veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates the contributions of living Veterans.

The month of November is National Veterans and Military Families Month. Throughout the month we continue to honor Veterans, service members and their families. Thank you for your sacrifice and service!

Recently, Education Service (EDU) attended the Military Influence Conference (MIC) (September 30 – October 4) in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference is the largest gathering of leaders, entrepreneurs, content creators, and influencers who help shape or support the military community. MIC’s goals are to advocate, inspire, innovate, collaborate with industry experts, and help service members and Veterans build networks.

Speakers included a wide array of those from the Veteran and military community, as well as supporters. Members of Education Service were on hand to provide information on education benefits to over 200 Veterans, service members, and their families during the week-long event.

Prepare for college, from the comfort of home! Warrior-Scholar Project is hosting virtual academic boot camps to prepare enlisted Veterans for the challenges of college, December 8-13, 2024. Brush up on college-level reading and writing in a cohort of other Veterans. One cohort in EST and one in PST are offered. Fill out an interest form to get started.

In October, members of the Veterans Benefits Administration attended the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition. Attended by over 33K, the three-day event is an opportunity for members of Army and others from the military and Veteran community to network, gain professional development and learn about the latest industry updates. During the event, Veterans, active-duty members, and their families had the opportunity to speak with VBA representatives to learn more about the GI Bill and other VA benefits

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and the VA Caregiver Support Program is celebrating caregivers of Veterans. The program encourages caregivers to focus on their well-being with resources like breaks, Peer Support Mentoring program, and Caregiver training. VA facilities will host events for caregivers throughout the month. For more information, visit the VA Caregiver Support program.

You can if you’re enrolled at least three-quarters time in a college degree, vocational, or professional program, have found an open job either at a nearby VA facility or in a VA-related role at your school, and can finish the work-study contract while you still qualify for education benefits. Every student must have a written contract and changes to their position or location must be approved by the VA work-study coordinator.

Veterans Affairs Education Service seeks feedback about your experience at different points along your education benefits journey. This feedback is collected via email surveys that are distributed during the stages of applying, enrolling and receiving benefits. The data collected is critical in assisting Education Service to improve the GI Bill experience. If you receive or have received a survey, we encourage you to complete it. You have the power to make your voice heard to implement change.

If you’re a new GI Bill student or trying to figure out what to do next with your benefits, VA has a three-part guide, “Building Your Future With the GI Bill,” just for you!

• Part One: A Guide to Choosing Your Education Pathway
• Part Two: A Guide to Understanding Your Benefits
• Part Three: A Guide to Furthering Your Career

Do you remember the first step of your GI Bill journey? Carson, a Navy active-duty service member recently took his! He applied for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and found out he was eligible in less than five minutes. Thanks to platform and technology updates made to GI Bill systems, Veterans and service members can potentially have their application automatically reviewed and receive their eligibility within minutes. This is what the GI Bill is all about. Having your benefits work for you and not the other way around. Watch Carson take the first step in his GI Bill journey today.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Health Administration provides tips for maintaining mental health during the holidays, including maintaining realistic expectations, self-care, maintaining routines, financial planning, and seeking support if needed. For more information, please visit the VA website.

Do you have a question or concern about your benefits? Contact us safely and securely with Ask VA!