Im having a SERIOUS problem with my son and his contract. Can ANYONE help me?

[Stephanie]

Nicolas left for BootCamp in March of 08 and is now currently serving on the USS Harry Truman. He was enlisted under the National Call to Service Program. I was with him as he went through the ENTIRE process. It was explained to us he woud have 18 months of Active Duty..which did not count Great Lakes time OR A School. Now his 18 months are about to be up as of Oct. 1. We were told in this process that after that 18 months he had two choices. Either Re-enlist OR finish his contract of 6 years in the reserves. This is where our problem comes in. Nick wants to Re- Enlist and he is now being told NO. They say that this particular program has been discontinued and he has no options. What is making me even angrier is that because they dont count bootcamp or A School he will not be eligiable AT ALL for the new 9-11 GI Bill which would help him greatly. He will be 6 months shy of the 24 months of active duty they require. I am EXTREAMLY angry and we were NOT told this was a possiablity. I can understand them discontiuing a program that doesnt work for them but I cannot understand them CHANGING the rules for the ones already in it. It makes NO sense. I have found literature on this program sent to me from a current higher up in the Navy and I feel he is not being treated correctly. Is anyone else dealing with this mess? I am ready to go to my Congressman AND to the Govenors office to get help. And I will NOT STOP shy of going to the press either. I would very much like any advice anyone has on this issue if its something you are familiar with. Thank you so much.

[Lady Hamilton]

It's of little consolation, but if you type in 'National Call to Service' in the search box you'll find that your son is just one more sailor to be burned by this program. I don't think anyone, even the recruiters, ever really understood this messy plan designed to fill up certain ratings within the reserves. They should have pulled the plug on this career buster years ago. Good luck fighting it.

Emma

[Theresa]

Stephanie,
It was great hearing from you today. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I hope it all works out for Nick. He deserves to be able to stay in.