I joined the Navy at 18 to get free education. I served 7 years until I was told I had enough days to apply for a 40,000 CAD education benefit. Once I got out I was told someone had made a mistake and was 24 days short.
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I joined the Navy at 18, right after high school, mainly to get free education. I and my family were immigrants so my parents could only afford to put my brother through university. I served seven years, deployed, skipped birthdays and Christmases, and finally, I was told by Pension Canada and Veterans Affairs Canada that I had enough days to apply for a 40,000 CAD education benefit. Once I got out, I was told someone had made a mistake and was actually 24 days short. I submitted a grievance and sent letters, but they told me their decision was final.
I talked to other vets, and they told me it is a common tactic they use to deny benefits and save some money, so there was no point in fighting it. I talked to lawyers, and I was told there was nothing I could do. I applied to some Canadian bursaries, but since I am not a "visible minority" (even though I am an immigrant) or have any disabilities, I am not entitled to anything.
I applied for some scholarships and managed to get 1,500 CAD, yet there is still a long way to go, and I am looking at every way to get funding,
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