(Q24CWE2ACFX8) The call to serve our country is strong. I should know. I served on the USS Spruance as Signalman in the US Navy from 1994 to 1996, as well as in the inactive ready reserve through 2002. In my current profession as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Beckfield College in Greater Cincinnati, I have the privilege to also serve as the College’s VA Certifying Official. In this capacity, I help guide fellow veterans with their utilization of the educational benefits available to veterans from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Not long ago, I had a handful of veterans who were trying to pay for
some of their college using the
Montgomery GI Bill or one of it derivatives. Although the Montgomery GI Bill is still used by some veterans, it has been updated by the passing of the new
Post 911GI Bill which became effective in August 2009. Colleges and universities across America have been inundated with vets looking to enroll in post-secondary education, many for the first time. At Beckfield College alone, we now have nearly 50 veterans enrolled in a variety programs, each one utilizing one form of the GI Bill. We continue to see an escalation of veterans speaking with our admissions representatives. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for this country; it’s an honor to be able to assist them in reaching their educational goals.
This new Post 911 GI Bill is the most extensive overhaul of education benefits for veterans since 1944. It provides more benefits to the many men and women who have put themselves on the line, enabling them to receive an education in return for their service.
Here are some brief facts about the Post 911 GI Bill:
1. Individuals may be eligible to have 40%-100% of their tuition and fees covered by the VA. The amount paid is based on length of aggregate service after September 10, 2001.
2. Monthly housing allowance equal to a military E-5 with dependents.
3. A yearly book stipend up to $1000 dollars per year.
4. A onetime rural housing payment of $500.
5. You may be able to transfer some or all of your entitlement to eligible dependants.
If you are interested in learning more about the Post 911 GI Bill, or any of the other VA educational programs, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1. Additionally, the VA has a newly redesigned website
http://www.gibill.va.gov/ which provides a multitude of information on educational assistance and various links that can help you with the application process. You may also contact my office and I will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right resource. Below are a couple of other websites that may be of interest to veterans and their families, many of which contain information about veterans issues and links to services.
However, be aware that the VA is the only agency that can determine your eligibility for educational assistance.
Warmly,
Andrew D. Vorhees
Assistant Director of Student Financial Services
US Department of Veterans Affairs Certifying Official