#262  5/22/2008
FT Stewart GA


I am an active duty US soldier in need of
assistance for my 10 yr old son.  He has
been diagnosed with developmental dyslexia
(among other things {eosinaphilic esophagitis
- non allergy related, anxiety disorder, and
GERD which he had surgery for this past
october).  The school system he is in does not
feel he is a candidate for an IEP, since he
has showed some progress in a few of the
special tutoring classed they have placed him
in, but in the same breath wanted to retain
him.  With the assistance of his teacher and
the principal of his school we were able to
convince the board that failing him would
psychologically hinder him in his education.
They agreed to promote him after I stated we
would be sending him to the Sylvan Learning
Center of Savannah GA over the summer (also
recommended by the school).I have documentation
and letters supporting all of this.  Because
we have only been in GA a short time he fails
to qualify for any assistance for tuition thru
the state.  The Military (including Tricare)
does not cover any costs related to this
particular learning disorder, I have even
tried thru the EFMP program which he is
enrolled in.  I have been in the service now
for 12 years.  I have been to Iraq and am a
veteran, and was in Korea when most of his
diagnoses were made.  I just had surgery myself
which is currently preventing me from being
deployed at this time.I am currently stationed
at FT Stewart GA on compassionate reassignment
due to my son's combined medical and psychotical
conditions.  I am the sole support for my family
of 5, and the tuition is putting a financial
strain on us, but is necessary for the
psychological and educational health of my son.
Any assistance or direction for assistance you
could give us would be appreciated.
SSG David L. Jones