Happy 4th Birthday Post 9/11 GI Bill

In 4 years, 745,000 have used Post 9/11 GI Bill

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jun 29, 2012 15:55:34 EDT

On the fourth anniversary of the Post-9/11 GI Bill becoming law, the senator most responsible for the program says he is proud of the outcome.

“Educated veterans not only have an easier transition and readjustment experience, but they boast higher income levels, which in the long run increase tax revenues,” Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., said in a statement.

“The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is the best veterans’ educational program in history. It pays for tuition, books and a monthly stipend in order to give our veterans a first-class shot at the future,” he said.

Webb, who is not running for re-election this year, campaigned on a promise of creating a modern-day GI Bill that provided full tuition plus a living stipend. He made it the first bill he introduced after being sworn into office in 2008.

“We can all take pride in saying that we have made a proper investment in the future of those who, since 9/11, have given so much to this country,” Webb said.

More than 745,000 Iraq and Afghanistan-era combat veterans or their dependents have used the program since its launch, and an additional half-million have applied for benefits but have not yet started using them.

COMPLETE STORY HERE: http://militarytimes.com/news/2012/06/military-in-4-years-745000-people-have-used-gi-bill-071612w/