What have you done for me lately?

[lookout123]

Brian I know that benefits aren't the greatest but they are there. depending on the area, it may be hard to get what is rightfully yours, but that is the red tape around the benefit. i've had dealings with the VA hospitals in chicago and also phoenix. it isn't the greatest experience, but it is there. i worked in a gov't position while in college serving vets (i am one as well) our entire job was to help ANY veteran who walked in A) find a job - some menial, some management B) skill retraining, C) coordinate education benefits, D) assist in health benefits. it was all absolutely cost free for the vet. it isn't exciting and no one was doing cartwheels at the glory of the benefits, but they are benefits, nonetheless. each service does cost something. multiply the services rendered by literally thousands upon thousands of people and you come up to a fairly large number.

now contrast that to a paycheck that you give a contractor. when the job stops, the benefits stop.

and the VA loan obviously has to be paid back. the lending guidelines are more forgiving for the vet though.