Are you entitled to VA benefits if you served in the National Guard from 1966 to 1969?

Answer 1

1966 to 1969 doesn't sound correct. The normal obligation for a man during the war was 6 years. 2 years active duty (Regular Army), and then 4 years inactive duty (subject to emergency call up). OR 6 years in the Army National Guard. The government knew many men had enlisted in the Guard to avoid Regular Army service, and restricted many benefits for the Guard, partly, on such accounts. In fact, one of the many forms of punishment for AWOL Guardsmen, was "placed on active duty with the Regular Army." The US Army had a stockade (Jail); not so the Guard. Times have changed, and so has standards, policies, and people's attitudes. During the war, Vietnam Vets weren't even allowed to join veteran groups such as the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars)...which is one of the reasons, they founded their own organization in 1978; the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America). One of the VVA's policies/motto's is that they "will never turn their backs on anther veteran"; as their fellow countrymen did to them. The veteran Guardsman needs to have a copy of his NGB Form 22 (or equivalent) and contact the VA IN WRITING. Words over the telephone will NOT help. The NGB Form (National Guard Bureau) is the Guard's equivalent to the Regular Army's DD-214 discharge document. 1966 & 1969 are also Vietnam Era years; contacting the VVA "in person" might also be helpful. Again, over the phone, even with the VVA (they change with time also, and there could be some difficulties; depending upon personalities, etc.).