WOW they really keep their promises to the soldiers...

Guardsmen may not receive education benefits

National Guardsmen returning from duty in Iraq are finding that the funds promised them for tuition reimbursement are in short supply.

The federal program that is supposed to defray up to 75 percent of their college expenses is short of funds, and until recently had no new funds in sight.

National Guard Col. Mike Caldwell said money recently was found for spring and summer students but that the fund remains about $180,000 short for fall term.

That's put Oregon National Guard leadership in an awkward position, as soldiers were promised the 75 percent tuition deferral, up to a maximum of $4,000 per soldier per fiscal year, as an enlistment incentive.

The benefit is described in National Guard literature, and new enlistees are still being promised this benefit when they sign up.

"This could not have happened at a more critical juncture," wrote Brig. General Raymond Byrne Jr. in a March 22 letter to Army National Guard Director Roger Schultz.

* * *

http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=66014