SOME BENEFITS OF REMAINING IN THE NATIONAL GUARD

You may be considering leaving the Virginia Army National Guard. Maybe your time is up and you've "had enough"; you just don't want or need us anymore. Now you can go out and find a "real" part-time job and earn some "good money" on the side.

Since we do care about you, before you make your decision, we want to give you some things to think about. Listed below are some of your current benefits that we feel you deserve to enjoy.

When you interview for that new part-time job, the one you really want, don't forget to make it clear to them that you will accept the position only under the following conditions:

(1) Make it clear that you expect your employer to permit you to relocate to any other state in the US, or its territories, at your request, and do so without a loss in benefits, pay or tenure.

(2) You should also insist on use of the company store for a 20-25% discount on groceries, and personal items.

(3) Of course you must also be entitled to use the company's regional recreation facilities which should include a gym with the latest equipment, baseball field, basketball & tennis courts, swimming pool, and library...all at no cost to you...anytime you want to use them. A golf course, bowling alley, and movie theater should also be available at discount rates. Any affiliate businesses of theirs (USN, USMC, USAF, USCG) must also permit you to use their facilities too.

(4) Naturally they should also have worldwide temporary lodging facilities, at reduced rates, that you can take advantage of when you travel for personal reasons; and a discount travel service for commercial air/ground transportation when you don't want to use the company's facilities. (5) Demand a "longevity" raise every two years - (so what if that's only about 78 working days). Of course you will also need promotional opportunities too.

(6) Inform them that you will expect their lawyer to prepare your will and power of attorney at no cost to you.

(7) Naturally you will expect an immediate state tax brake on your income of up to $3,000.00.

(8) If you have to pay for child care because your spouse is working full time or attending school full time while you are working for them, or pay for the care of a disabled spouse, you'll expect a federal and state tax break for that.

(9) Other expenses you may occur (such as cleaning the clothes that you only wear to work, mileage to drills away from "home station", or mileage to the armory for duty other than normal drills, official phone calls, etc.) should also be tax deductible.

(10) They should also offer you a discount on your Virginia license plates/county stickers of 50% - after all you drive to work.

(11) You also expect to be eligible to apply for a low cost home loan, with no money down, after you have worked for them for 6 years.

(12) You should be able to purchase low cost life insurance at company rates ($.09 per $1,000 a month up to $200,000 worth).

(13) They must also offer you a retirement program after 20 years of part-time employment - and be sure they know that you do not intend to make any monetary contribution to this program. They should continue to provide you with most of your benefits right away and at age 60 you'll expect retirement checks too.

(14) Should you decide to continue your education, they should at least help you get college credits for your experience and training and offer to test you (GED/CLEP/DANTES) for free. Some free testing should be available to your spouse as well. Naturally they must also have a full time representative available to offer you education counseling - even if it doesn't relate to the work you do for them.

(15) Tuition assistance and tuition reimbursement programs should be available to you for graduate and undergraduate studies regardless if they are "in the classroom" or distance learning studies. After all, they are as interested in your education as you are - aren't they! (16) If you plan to work for them at least 6 years they should also offer you a tax free tuition assistance program, like the GI Bill, that you can use as soon as you finish your job training. If you attend college from 1-5 hours you'll want $49 a month, 6-8 hours should earn you $98 a month, 9-11 hours yields you $148 a month and for 12 or more hours you'll expect $197 a month. As long as you are working towards a degree it shouldn't matter what subjects you are taking - even if they have nothing to do with your part time job with them. Of course, this must be in addition to your regular paycheck, be tax free and continue for a full 36 months of full-time benefits.

(17) You will work only one weekend a month. If you have a valid reason why you can't be there as scheduled you may, with prior approval, be permitted to make up the time. This will insure that you still have 3 other weekends to do things with your friends and family.

(18) You will expect to be paid double the amount of their full time employees, and of course full "on the job benefits" including free meals, work clothes.

(19) Your employer must offer you a two-week training program, every year to update and test your skills. This will also give you a much-needed break from your full time job and pressures resulting from daily demands.

(20) During your 2 weeks of training you will accept regular pay; but only if you are furnished lodging, transportation, and medical coverage in addition to meals and work clothing. Of course you will also expect a housing allowance for your dependents.

NOTE: If your potential new part-time/full-time employer should balk at any of the above entitlements that you expect - they must not realize your value!

Don't forget to take advantage of Merchant Discounts offered to military personnel. Many merchants don't realize, but do offer, discounts or special military rates on merchandise & services. Always remember to ask and carry your military rates on merchandise & services. EXAMPLE: Family Recreation Centers (Nauticus, Bush Gardens, Water Country, and Kings Dominion, to name a few). Hotels/Motels, Dry Cleaners, Car Dealers, Furniture Stores, and more - just ASK.