VA Veterans Home Loans

Eligible veterans should take advantage of a VA Veterans Home Loan before the cost of home ownership goes up. Interest rates and home prices will not stay low. Get in on a VA Home Loan now.

As a veteran, you do not need to put money down on a home loan. This is the LAST home loan currently available with no down payment! Why would you not take advantage of this?

Also, the governments tax credit of $8,000 is up in November. The fall is a perfect time to buy a home. It is a buyers market.

Your eligibility for a VA home loan depends on when you served, whether your service was in peacetime or wartime, and the length of your service. Generally, active service of 90 days in wartime and 181 days in peacetime meets the minimum requirement to qualify if your service was before September 7, 1980. After this date, you may have to meet a 24-month requirement of continuous active service. There are exceptions to this, such as injury, troop reductions, and certain medical conditions.

If you are the spouse of someone who has died in active military duty or as a result of a disability suffered in active duty, you may also be eligible for a VA loan. Thanks to the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 1994, those who serve at least six years in the National Guard or Selected Reserve have become eligible as well.

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Veterans under new GI Bill are complaining about slow or lack if money

More than a quarter of a million veterans have signed up to collect the New GI Bill education benefits as of August 1, 2009. Unfortunately, it seems as if the checks are not in the mail. Many veterans across the country are scrambling to stay in school as a result of missing money.

According to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki on Friday, veterans have a right to complain. The way the bill was written, it can take weeks to get the money approved and in the mail.

Many colleges have delayed fees and tuition for veterans until the education aid comes. But, what about living expenses? This is what the money is in dire need of at the moment. Veterans returning to college are not getting the money they need for living expenses.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki stated as well that emergency funds are being sent. These emergency funds can be as much as $3,000 per veteran. The Secretary has promised that next year, things will be different and faster.

If you are a veteran struggling to stay in school, contact your local veterans affairs office. The emergency money is being sent to them. By all means, do this as soon as possible!

Now, how many of you think this is the way our veterans should be treated? How long does it take to cut a check and get funds out? This is the computer age. How long? A few minutes? Why does America still year after year, war after war, great service after great service, STILL dishonor it veterans this way?

Whatever your feelings are health care. Stop and think. Does the government run any kind of program the way it should? Not when it comes to veterans. We cannot fathom why the process for getting education money cannot be automatic and quick. After World War II, millions of veterans went back to school with NO problems. What have we done since? Screwed most programs up, that's what.

We salute the colleges and universities that have delayed fees and tuition for veterans. How about some landlords and mortgage companies doing the same?

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Listen to the Afghanistan's Ambassador

We Americans pride ourselves on doing the right thing. No, things do not always work out the way we wish, but we always do things that we feel are in the best interests of the United States first, then the world.

The subject here is Afghanistan. Our President, Barack Obama made a pledge to ramp up the "true" war and defeat terrorism. His campaign was all for it, even slamming George Bush for not doing more in Afghanistan but concentrating on Iraq. Okay. Let's take him at his word.

Now comes the time for President Obama to suck it up and do the right thing.

Afghanistan sent an envoy to Washington to ask for more troops. Let's be clear. They are not coming out of the blue. They are not coming on a dream. They are coming because of what was promised. Are we going to let our promises slip away like we did the promises to Poland and the Czechs? We hope not.

Here is a quote from Ambassador Said Jawad, “Wavering will cause confusion among our allies and partners in Europe and frustration among the Afghan people.” "target=_new" Exactly.

Why is Barack Obama wavering? Because he is beholden to special interest groups who are pressuring him to get out of Afghanistan. But he needs to stand his ground. He needs to do the right thing. He needs to reiterate why Afghanistan IS the right thing. What will he be trusted for if he backs out on this?

Toss your friends aside and appease your enemies. That's the wrong thing. We urge you to write to President Obama and tell him to keep his promise to the Afghan people.

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Sarah Palin supports troops in Afghanistan, disagrees with McCain on F-22

Here are excerpts from Sarah Palin's speech in Hong Kong yesterday tha affect the United States military in some way.

Sarah Palin's thoughts on Afghanistan, C-17, F-22:

Though we are engaged in two wars and face a diverse array of threats, it is the defense budget that has seen significant program cuts and has actually been reduced from current levels!

Despite the need to move men and material by air into theaters like Afghanistan, the Obama Administration sought to end production of our C-17s, the work horse of our ability to project long range power. Despite the Air Force saying it would increase future risk, the Obama Administration successfully sought to end F-22 production – at a time when both Russia and China are acquiring large numbers of next generation fighter aircraft. It strikes me as odd that Defense Secretary Gates is the only member of the Cabinet to be tasked with tightening his belt.

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Vietnam Veterans Day in California

After vetoing the first bill, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will sign the new Vietnam Veterans Day into law on Friday. He had vetoed the first for purely political reasons to make a point, which is pretty shameful.

The Governor will sign the bill at the Twentynine Palms Marine Combat Center.

The official name for the day is, "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," and will be celebrated every March 30th in the state of California.

Our thanks to the Vietnam veterans and their families who still suffer old wounds, politically, physically, and mentally.

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Black Female Soldier Becomes First Female Top Drill Sergeant

Sgt. Maj. Teresa King will be in charge of all drill instructors.
Here are some quick facts:

First female to hold this position.
She is African-American.
Has 28 years in the military.
Daughter of a sharecropper with 11 other siblings.

We salute this woman to the utmost! Sgt. Maj. King is an asset to this country.
Sgt. Maj. King is the epitome of service to this country. We know she will make a fine Commandant. The 48 year old woman might not be big in stature. But she is big in heart, desire, patriotism, and desire to be the best she can be, and instill this in others.

Sgt. Maj. King is what the United States is all about!

Sgt. Maj. King is an inspiration and a true leader. We wish her all the best!


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Obama, fund the war in Afghanistan now.

President Obama has still not made up his mind to either increase troops or increase funding. We urge him to stick to his promises. Obama has chided George Bush about going to Iraq and not Afghansitan. And, if he were president, he would step up the efforts in Afghanistan and root out the taliban and al qaeda. He needs to be held to his promises.

This is not a time to be iffy or wishy washy. Barack Obama's problem stems from the fact that the anti-"war" effort helped him get elected. But these people fully ignored his promise to step it up in Afghanistan.

This Afghanistan effort needs to be continued and continued hard. Increase troop levels and increase funding. There is no need to waiver.

Obama lost his backbone on the missile shield and abandoned allies in Poland and the Czech Republic. He cannot afford to lose anymore support here at home, too.

We urge you to contact your congressmen and women and get them to keep up the good work our brave men and women have started!

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Veterans are Fighting to Keep Memorial Cross Up

The Supreme court is hearing arguments on this today. Thought I would redo it.

Please support this cause. If the Supreme Court knocks it down, congress can and should step in.

There is (was?) a cross put up on a hill of rocks in 1934. It was put there by veterans of World War I in 1934 to be a memorial for those soldiers that died.

Over the course of years, no problem. But then somehow the ACLU came to think of the cross as a religious display. And they want it down. A judge agreed and now it is covered with wooden boxes. Is that crazy? The supreme court has agreed to hear the case. That alone is a victory for what is right. The supreme court does not take many matters like this.

The ACLU is quite a brainless organization. The cross is not a religious sympbol in this case, no more than naming a city Los Angeles is. Los Angeles as you know means the angels in Spanish. Many cities have religious names, especially the ones with Saints in them. St. Louis? Is that promoting Catholicism? We think not.

A degree of common sense must be had in cases like this. Religion is a cornerstone of what this country was founded on. A cross as a memorial is not promoting religion.

To support the effort of keeping a cross up that has been up for 70 plus years, go to http://www.donttearmedown.com/

The ACLU certainly has better things to do than tie up courts with useless litigation. Please write your congressman to do something about this court case. Your liberties may be at stake one day.

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Schwarzenegger to Sign Vietnam Veterans Day

In California, a bill to make each March 30th a "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," is going to finally be signed into law.

The first bill introduced by Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley), was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger to make a political statement. The governor wanted to show that the congress cared more about trivial matters than getting things done that mattered.

While we agree that the bill was not top priority, it certainly was not trivial. And it certainly did not warrant a side show veto.

Nothing that has to do with veterans should be considered trivial.

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Top Senators Call for Increased Troops in Afghanistan

The Wall Street Journal has an opinion article posted by John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Joseph Lieberman. The Senators call the war winnable and ask for more troops.

The opinion piece goes on to say how we should not be "muddling" through. We cannot and should not allow a safe haven for the taliban and al qaeda. These are the people who concocted and acted out 9-11.

President Obama promised in his campaign to defeat these enemies and kill bin laden. We are holding him to his word.

We cannot allow Pakistan and Afghanistan to fall back into these terrorist's hands. But as the Senators point out, this war has waning popularity among the American people.

That's why we are urging you to write your congressmen and demand the war on terror being fought in Afghanistan be allowed to continue under a larger military presence. If you think this will be expensive, how much damage would another 9-11 do to our economy?

Before health care, before bank bailouts, before buying auto companies, the United States MUST demand safety first!

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Vietnam Veterans Day Veto

California Governor Arnold vetoed a bill introduced by California assembly member Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley)that would have created a day to honor Vietnam War Veterans. Sadly, Arnold decided to make a political statement by saying that people want petty bills pushed through instead of major ones, like the budget.

We could not agree with Arnold less. Small bills are very easy to get through. This one has a lot of support. Eventually the veto will be overturned, we hope. If you live in California, or even across the country, write to California lawmakers and express outrage over this veto.

This day would cost the state zero. It would show an albeit token support for veterans, but support nonetheless. It would have given a little goodwill towards lawmakers and constituents as well. No reason to veto it to make a political statement.

We think Vietnam veterans are due a huge bit of support. They still matter. Any and all veterans matter. The governator should be making friends, not enemies. What does a small gesture of a Vietnam Veterans Day have to do with politics?

That's the trouble with people doing the right thing. Politics gets in the way.

Yes, we agree that lawmakers should be concentrating on the big things. But the simple things sometimes are best!

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British Raid in Afghanistan is Justified

Hostage negotiators are bemoaning the fact that Britain raid a taliban house that held a reporter hostage. Too bad they think negotiating with terrorists is a good idea.

If you think the taliban will sit down and listen to reason, you need you head examined. They kill, maim, bomb, execute, anyone and everyone they deem to be against them. They are bent on killing innocent lives. Period. Anything we do to eliminate them in a military action is justifiable.

Supposedly this "hostage negotiating team" believes it was only hours away from getting the release. Well, so what? Even if that's true, so what? Taliban needs to be attacked and eliminated. Of course Gordon Brown will take some criticism. But we applaud him.

We also applaud the US soldiers who dropped the British soldier in. We applaud and recognize the sacrifice that a British soldier gave by losing his life, along with a translator.

As soon as every decent country comes together and attacks terrorist groups like the taliban, the better. Why should we negotiate and let them do more terror? Complete nonsense.

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AP Disgraces soldier, family, and country.

There is a controversy brewing that should not be. It should not be happening, that is. The news organization has decided to publish a photo of a dying soldier. Their reasons are none other than political.

With Obama keeping war news in the background, the AP has decided that America needs a wake up call. Supposedly showing a dying soldier bleeding from his leg will bring the debate to the forefront. Hogwash. Complete nonsense. Completely disgraceful. Even this dying soldier's parents have expressed that they did not want this photo shown. Why would they?

Dying soldiers are now becoming political fodder to be used for a reporters political views? Absolutely disgraceful. Remember the reporters name, Julie Jacobson. Remember the news agency, Associated Press.

If your local newspaper or newschannel has decided to show this phot, we urge you to write a letter condemning it, and cancel your subscription.

Photos of dying soldiers should never, ever be used as a political statement.

Shame on the AP. Shame on that reported. And shame on people who will print it.

We offer our love, prayers, and support to the family of this fallen soldier.

He gave his life in the ultimate sacrifice and it should be exalted. Not demeaned.

Edit: Sarah Palin condemns photo.


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Sarah Palin auction for veterans charity.

Whatever you think about Sarah Palin, she has always been a big supporter of our men and women in uniform, and our veterans. She is auctioning off a dinner date for a wounded veteran charity. More on Sarah Palin's auction here.

The bidding starts at $25,000 and begins Tuesday, on ebay(?). Many other celebrities are involved with the charity as well. Have a look if you have the money or are just curious!

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Afghan war can be won.

No need to pull out. An Afghanistan that is taliban is not an option.

Let the pentagon run it. Run it completely, run it well, run it with all the resources they need.

Does Obama have a stomach for it? He should. He campaigned on it! He just said it was vital to our security! If he changes his mind now, he will have both sides upset.

Our military did a fantastic job in Iraq. Before and after the surge. But, obviously the surge turned the tide. Also the resolve to finally let the military do it the way they wanted.

There is no better people to be running our military than the military itself. When you let politicians run things, the end game gets muddled.

Our military is the finest in the world. When they are allowed to do their jobs as they trained for, and as the soldiers in command call for, we can do anything!

Getting out of Afghanistan is not an option. It will take as much sacrifice as Iraq. We just hope they do not start a body count on the 6 o'clock news. Journalists would take offense at the pentagon reporting news. So ask the journalists to stop trying to run a war.

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Inglourious Basterd movie is fake, we all know, but how about the real story?

The movie Inglourious Basterds, makes you think Jews were a bunch of crazed violent people out for revenge. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jew from various countries were recruited, trained, and sent on dangerous missions for the allies. They were not bent on vengeance. They were not bent on violence. They were focused on fighting, the right way, for a cause. Inglourious Basterds does a disservice to these World War II veterans. NPR did a great piece on that. Click here for the real story. Hollywood has not done veterans a service in years. Why should they start now?

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VA Vetrans Home Loan Eligibility. Are you Eligible for a VA Home Loan?

Q: How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?

A: You can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. At some point, you will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the lender that you are eligible for a VA loan.

Q: How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

A: Complete a VA Form 26-1880, Request for a Certificate of Eligibility: You can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by submitting a completed VA Form 26-1880, Request For A Certificate of Eligibility For Home Loan Benefits, to the Winston-Salem Eligibility Center, along with proof of military service. In some cases it may be possible for VA to establish eligibility without your proof of service. However, to avoid any possible delays, it's best to provide such evidence.

Q: Can my lender get my Certificate of Eligibility for me?

A: Yes, it's called Web LGY. Most lenders have access to the Web LGY system. This Internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibility in a matter of seconds. Not all cases can be processed through Web LGY - only those for which VA has sufficient data in our records. However, veterans are encouraged to ask their lenders about this method of obtaining a certificate.

Q: What is acceptable proof of military service?

A: If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number, and provides your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from regular active duty after January 1, 1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If you were discharged after October 1, 1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included. A PHOTOCOPY OF DD214 WILL SUFFICE.....DO NOT SUBMIT AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENT.

If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which shows your date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

If you were discharged from the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include copies of adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may submit NGB Form 22, Report of Separation and Record of Service, or NGB Form 23, Retirement Points Accounting, or it’s equivalent. If you were discharged from the Selected Reserve, you may submit a copy of your latest annual points statement and evidence of honorable service. Unfortunately, there is no single form used by the Reserves or National Guard similar to the DD Form 214. It is your responsibility to furnish adequate documentation of at least 6 years of honorable service.

If you are still serving in the Selected Reserves or the National Guard, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by the direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing the length of time that you have been a member of the Selected Reserves. Again, at least 6 years of honorable service must be documented.

Q: How can I obtain proof of military service?

A: Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, is used to apply for proof of military service regardless of whether you served on regular active duty or in the selected reserves. This request form is NOT processed by VA. Rather, Standard Form 180 is completed and mailed to the appropriate custodian of military service records. Instructions are provided on the reverse of the form to assist in determining the correct forwarding address.

Q: I have already obtained one VA loan. Can I get another one?

A: Yes, your eligibility is reusable depending on the circumstances. Normally, if you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property, you can have your used eligibility restored for additional use. Also, on a one-time only basis, you may have your eligibility restored if your prior VA loan has been paid in full but you still own the property. In either case, to obtain restoration of eligibility, the veteran must send a completed VA Form 26-1880 to our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. To prevent delays in processing, it is also advisable to include evidence that the prior loan has been paid in full and, if applicable, the property disposed of. This evidence can be in the form of a paid-in-full statement from the former lender, or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement completed in connection with a sale of the property or refinance of the prior loan.

Q: I sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on an assumption. Can I get my eligibility restored to use for a new loan?

A: In this case the veteran’s eligibility can be restored only if the qualified assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute his or her available eligibility for that of the original veteran. Otherwise, the original veteran cannot have eligibility restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

Q: My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the lender. VA said it wasn’t my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but I am told that my used eligibility can not be restored. Why?

Or,

Q: My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a deed in lieu of foreclosure, or the VA paid a compromise (partial) claim. Although I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived, I am told that I cannot have my used eligibility restored. Why?

A: In either case, although the veteran’s debt was waived by VA, the Government still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit the used portion of the veteran’s eligibility to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.

Q: Only a portion of my eligibility is available at this time because my prior loan has not been paid in full even though I don’t own the property anymore. Can I still obtain a VA guaranteed home loan?

A: Yes, depending on the circumstances. If a veteran has already used a portion of his or her eligibility and the used portion cannot yet be restored, any partial remaining eligibility would be available for use. The veteran would have to discuss with a lender whether the remaining balance would be sufficient for the loan amount sought and whether any down payment would be required.

Q: Is the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: The unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died on active duty or as the result of a service-connected disability is eligible for the home loan benefit. If you wish to make application for the home loan benefit as a surviving spouse, contact our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center. In addition, a surviving spouse who obtained a VA home loan with the veteran prior to his or her death (regardless of the cause of death), may obtain a VA guaranteed interest rate reduction refinance loan. For more information, contact our Winston-Salem Eligibility Center.

[NOTE: Also, a surviving spouse who remarries on or after attaining age 57, and on or after December 16, 2003, may be eligible for the home loan benefit. However, a surviving spouse who remarried before December 16, 2003, and on or after attaining age 57, must apply no later than December 15, 2004, to establish home loan eligibility. VA must deny applications from surviving spouses who remarried before December 16, 2003 that are received after December 15, 2004.]

Q: Are the children of a living or deceased veteran eligible for the home loan benefit?

A: No, the children of an eligible veteran are not eligible for the home loan benefit.

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Women in Military Face Child Custody Loss on Return

It is a growing trend. Women in the military. They actually have done a fine job in the greatest service in the world. But women do something that men don't. They have children. Can you imagine the heartbreak of being deployed overseas and leaving your children behind? This is hard enough for a man. How much more so for a women?

Many women who leave their children behind are now facing the unthinkable on their return. Loss of custody. Some women who go overseas do not have a close relative to take over raising a child. They must make arrangements. Some of the people involved with these arrangements think that if the women is gone overseas, she must be an unfit mother. Many women veteran's are now returning to their homes and finding the people they left their children with now will not give them up. They feel they are the ones who are now deserving of raising the child. How would you feel?

These women now must go to court and fight over a child that should be rightfully theirs. Is this how we want to treat our brave women who join our military?

The rising rates of single mothers, and the economy making military service attractive, is leading to many of these cases.

Your military service should not interfere with the custody of your child. Nobody has the right to "steal" your children, or lay claim to them, just because you are deployed oversees.

There are many bills floating around that will make it so that military service and deployments are not factors in custody. We urge you to contact your congressman and state law makers to get legislation passed to help these brave women. We wish they would go a step further. When a women returns, and she was a fit mother before, she should automatically get her children back. No questions. Why are we treating our military veterans like this?

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