Thread: New GI Bill,

Ok, I originally posted this in the "Veteran's" forum, but I do believe that it has an enormous impact on the American society as a whole. I think that this is the kind of program that we need to embrace and expand on if we are to maintain the brilliance that is America.

I am not sure of how many here know about this yet, but the GI Bill has recieved an enormous overhaul. One that will guarentee millions of college degrees and a stronger future for our country. Let me start by giving a brief description of the previous bill. It sucked. Basically, after paying into the system while serving your first year, you would recieve a monthly paycheck from Uncle Sam while you were in college after your release from the military. Not bad, but in the end all it really did was defray some of the month to month costs of going to school.

The new GI Bill however is a completely different animal. Not only will the bill pick up the tab for each State's most expensive State College, but it will also pay E-5 BAH for the zip code that the school is in and throw in an extra $1000 for books per semester. On top of that, the service member has the option of using this opportunity himself, or transferring his benefits to a member of his family. To recieve this incredible benefit, all one has to have done is serve 36 months or more since 9/11. Even those who have served less are eligible for a pro-rated version.

Myself, I can't believe that it has taken this long to get back to what the original WWII GI Bill promised. Serve your country, get an education. I believe that this is most likely the most important piece of legislation that our government has put out in a very long time.

Am I the only one that sees the potential impact that legislation like this can bring? Our poorest folks given the oportunities that the rest of America takes for granted. Service that our great grand folks did with out question, now being rewarded with the best education that money can buy. America turning out millions of college graduates who make things happen while most of the world is just happy with a population that occupies factory jobs. This is what makes politicians great and keeps America at the front.

Just from my perspective, it isn't only the "poorest folks" in the military... just sayin