President Obama launches Post 9/11 GI Bill at GMU

FAIRFAX — President Barack Obama joined Senators Jim Webb and John Warner at George Mason University last week to launch the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

A Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jim Louis Miller introduced the President to an audience consisting of student Veterans, members of Veterans Service Organizations and administration officials.

The Marine is currently enrolled in the post 9/11 GI Bill, which went into effect on Aug. 1.

Obama thanked everyone who worked tirelessly to make the occasion possible.

“But above all, I want to pay tribute to the veterans who are now advancing their dreams by pursuing an education,” he said.

The President said the improved benefits would give today’s veterans opportunities that were given to the “greatest generation” when they returned from the Second World War.

“All told, nearly 8 million Americans were educated under the original GI Bill, including my grandfather, “he said.

The President contends that the GI Bill is even more important than in 1944, as it will give today’s veterans the tools they need to fill the jobs of tomorrow.

Webb, a Vietnam Marine Veteran, introduced the GI Bill on his first day in the Senate. It has been touted as including the most generous educational benefits package since the original GI Bill of 1944. Webb contends that the country will reap a 7 to 1 return on investment as Veterans take their place in society in positions such as scientists, engineers, and medical professionals.

Warner, who retired form the Senate in January is a WWII Navy Veteran who benefited form the original 1944 GI Bill and a staunch supporter of Webb’s efforts to get the bill passed into law.

The new law includes a provision for veterans to attend private colleges and universities as well as state schools. Currently 1,100 schools are participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program that funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.

One of the most sought-after benefits of the new law is the transferability of benefits. However, military personnel must have served on active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, but they must also have still been on active duty in 2008. In some cases there are also additional years of service that must be obligated in order to take advantage of this program.

Complete details of the Post 9/11 GI Bill and eligibility requirements can be found at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs web site at va.gov.

Armed Forces personnel and Veterans can apply for benefits online at GIBILL.VA.gov. Information is also available by calling 1–888–GIBILL–1 (1–888–442–4551).

Marty van Duyne is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun.