2.  The applicant requests that his DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, item 15a, “Member contributed to post-Vietnam era veteran’s educational assistance program”, be corrected from “No” to “Yes.”

3.  In support of his application he submits a cash collection voucher which records that he made a $2,700.00 lump-sum cash payment to the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP).

4.  The applicant’s military records show that he enlisted in the Regular Army on 4 March 1980, was awarded the military occupational specialties of tow-dragon repairer and automated logistical specialist, and was promoted to pay grade E-5.  

5.  On 31 March 1995 he was honorably retired for years of service under the voluntary early retirement program.  He had completed a total of 15 years and 27 days of active duty.  The DD Form 214 he was issued, item 15a, “Member contributed to post-Vietnam era veteran’s educational assistance program”, was marked “No.”

6.  The VEAP was an educational incentive program offered to individuals who enlisted between 1 January 1977 and 30 June 1985.  The program was designed for the post-Vietnam era soldier as a means of establishing a fund to support their educational objectives following their military service.  For every dollar contributed by a soldier, the government matched with a two dollar contribution to the individual's VEAP account.  Participation in the VEAP was a voluntary option and was replaced, in July 1985, by the Montgomery GI Bill.

CONCLUSIONS:

1.  The applicant's financial records show that he contributed to a VEAP account.

2.  As such, his DD Form 214, item 15a, “Member contributed to post-Vietnam era veteran’s educational assistance program”, should be marked “Yes.”

3.  In view of the foregoing, the applicant’s records should be corrected as recommended below.

RECOMMENDATION:

That all of the Department of the Army records related to this case be corrected by showing that the DD Form 214 of the individual concerned, item 15a, “Member contributed to post-Vietnam era veteran’s educational assistance program”, was marked “yes.”

BOARD VOTE:  

                       GRANT AS STATED IN RECOMMENDATION

                       GRANT FORMAL HEARING

                       DENY APPLICATION




		                           
		        CHAIRPERSON