Sunday Newscape Magazine

As a Vietnam War era veteran, I received most of my higher education using the (”old”) G.I. Bill - with extensions - and with the help of other military educational programs and assistance.

So, on Monday, I was delighted to hear President Obama welcome the extension of GI Bill education benefits to our post-9/11 veterans with these words:

"While so many were reaching for the quick buck, they were heading out on patrol. While our discourse often produced more heat than light, especially here in Washington, they have put their very lives on the line for America. They have borne the responsibility of war."

He also said that helping our veterans with educational and housing assistance is more than “a moral obligation.”

During the heat of last year’s elections, the debate on the new GI Bill at times became more of a political football than a moral obligation, with - founded or unfounded - concerns being expressed about the cost of the program, about the possibility that many troops would leave the military to use the educational benefits, etc.

Fortunately, eventually our debt - and moral obligation - to our military and veterans prevailed and In July of 2008 President Bush signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill into law.

The Post 9/11 GI bill that went into effect on August 1, creates solid education and other benefits programs, and becomes the most robust and comprehensive education program since the World War II “GI Bill.”

The legislation is expected to cost up to $70 billion over the next decade, but as President Obama said Monday about the previous GI bill, “[it] paid for itself many times over through the increased revenue that came from a generation of men and women who received the skills and education that they needed to create their own wealth,”, and “it produced hundreds of thousands of scientists and engineers, doctors and nurses, the backbone of the largest middle class in history.”

There are several sites on the Net that contain excellent details on the New GI Bill benefits.

Perhaps the best one is Military.com, where one can find details on:         http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview

• Up to 100% Tuition and Fee Coverage
• A Monthly Living (Housing) Stipend
• Up to $1000 a year for Books and Supplies
• A One Time Relocation Allowance
• The Option to Transfer Benefits to Family Members
• Other Benefits
• Basic Eligibility Criteria
• Other sites are:
• Veterans Affairs Department: http://www.gibill.va.gov/
• Defense Department: http://www.defenselink.mil/gibill
• Nonprofit Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: http://newgibill.org/

But, as Military.com cautions, “Only the VA can verify your personal eligibility for GI Bill benefits. Be sure to call them at 1-888-GIBILL-1 if you have any questions about your eligibility status.”