I have read the VA or Government has programs to help vets get equipment, has any one else read this and possibly figured out how it works.  I'd like to up grade my Lathe and start turning pens to help give to vets or possibly sell and donate the money to Veterans in need.

Kevin, I thinks it's tied into your GI bill somehow? 

Unfortunately the VA wont pay for equipment like that.  I've looked at that route.  How ever if he is getting paid with the VA off the education side which they usually do and if I'm not mistaken the monthly is around 1000 dollars.  Its a possibility that some of that could go towards a new machine.  How ever I would NOT recommend spending any of that money on NON school related items.  There could be a slight chance JUST a slight chance that the VA could say NOPE we want our money back.  Trust me on this they will take it back, been there done that got the t shirt.  Its not fun.  So I would just use extreme caution with that.  I'm advising not to use VA schooling funds to buy tools unless it is for school itself.  Just my two cents on it.  It will probably save you from a lot of headache in the long run.