Military spouse program halted

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - The Department of Defense has temporarily suspended an education program that helps military spouses.

The program offers them up to six thousand dollars to pay for career training, certifications or degree programs. Now, thousands of spouses already enrolled in the program are left wondering how they will pay for their education.

Military Service, it's not just servicemembers who make that sacrifice, but their families.

"I just want the DOD to understand these sacrifices and recognize these sacrifices," said 4th Supply Battalion Family Readiness Officer Arkesha Moses.

Moses is also a military spouse. When she's not working, Moses is studying.

"I am truly committed to my education," said Moses.

Taking advantage of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account, a program that gives spouses 6-thousand dollars to pursue career training.

Moses is getting a degree in Public Administration at Troy University.

The program was started in 2009 to help military spouses obtain portable careers; professional jobs they can do anywhere.

Effective immediately, the government temporarily halted the program.

"Our military spouses serve in profound ways and it's unacceptable to cut them off from this program so abruptly," said Representative Glenn Nye, (D) 2nd District.

Moses was one of several military spouses who contacted Congressman Glenn Nye.

Tuesday, he sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates, asking why the program was closed, when it will reopen and what steps are being taken to help spouses counting on the funds.

According to the program's website, the DOD is reviewing all procedures, financial assistance documents and the overall program.

Moses says she'll find a way to pay for classes, but she knows many other military spouses will not.

"In that sense it is a disappointment," said Moses.

Ten on Your Side contacted the Department of Defense to see when it will reinstate the program.

Spokesperson Major April Cunningham told 10 On Your Side, "We are in the process of making a decision on the program that will update your story. I'll let you know when we have finished that."

Major Cunningham did not return repeated email and phone requests after that.

10 is on Your Side with alternative educational funding activities.

www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts/MilitarySpouseFinancialAidResourceList.aspx

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On Wednesday, the Department of Defense issued the following statement from Tommy T. Thomas, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy:

"In the days following the announcement of a temporary pause of the Career Advancement Account - MyCAA - we heard the concerns expressed by many program participants.

"For those of you who have approved financial account documents, your documents will be honored. We encourage those spouses who were in the process of developing their career plans to continue to do so.

"An operational assessment of the program had been planned after the first year of operation. The pause announced last week resulted from an unforeseen, unprecedented spike in enrollments. In January 2010, MyCAA applications increased six-fold and that trend continued in February. These applications were overwhelming the system intended to support the program and almost reached the budget threshold. Please let me assure you that this temporary pause was done in the best interest of all. We are looking to ensure the viability of this valuable program.

"We are reviewing all procedures, financial assistance documents and the overall program. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. We expect to announce our long-term strategies very soon."

Tommy T. Thomas
Deputy Under Secretary of Defense
Military Community and Family Policy