Q: When I left the Army in 1995, I joined the workforce and did not use my GI Bill. To this day I have not used it, and I am wondering with the new GI Bill in play, am I entitled anything? I had my money taken out and at current, I could use it to further my own small business and or business continuing education. Or am I just screwed out of my money. Please forgive me I am irritated and upset when I get on this subject. Please help.

A: Unfortunately, you aren't going to be any less irritated or upset with my answer, which is no, you can't get your $1,200 Montgomery GI Bill contribution back. The only way you could even get some of it back would be to switch to the Post 9/11 GI Bill and use up all of your education benefit. Then you would get a portion of it back.

But, that isn't going to work for you either as you needed at least 90 days of active duty service, after September 10, 2001, to qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. With you getting out in 1995, you don't have the minimum time needed for eligibility.  I'm sorry the news couldn't be better, but in your words, you are "just screwed". Sorry!