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WASHINGTON, June 12, 2007--The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is asking his entire membership to contact their U.S. senators and urge them to support S. 22, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007.
The bill, which was introduced in January by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), would mirror the original World War II G.I. Bill by providing modern-day educational benefits such as full tuition, books, room and board, and a monthly stipend for living expenses. The bill would also eliminate the $1,200 enrollment fee for active-duty troops, extend the “use or lose” window from 10 to 15 years, and include Guardsmen and Reservists who are activated for a 24-month aggregate period.
VFW Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius said “Now is the time for Senator Webb’s bill to move forward towards passage. I applaud the support of the 16 senators who have already signed on as co-sponsors, and I am now urging the full VFW membership of 2.4 million to contact their U.S. senators and demand they do likewise.” [Read VFW Resolution 625: A GI BIll for the 21st Century]
Kurpius said this new generation of servicemen and women will one day lead our nation politically, socially and economically, just like the World War II generation, who were directly responsible for the nation's tremendous era of growth and prosperity during the second half of the 20th century. He said providing that same opportunity of higher education to those who selflessly put their country first is about doing what’s right for the troops and their families. [Read related Military Times article].
“The Montgomery G.I. Bill was enacted two decades ago, but now we’re involved in the longest combat operation with an all-volunteer force in our nation’s history. Our troops have earned a new G.I. Bill that is based on 21st century realities,” he said. “There’s no room for partisan politics and no middle ground when it comes to supporting our troops — you either do or you don’t.”
Contact your U.S. senators
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