The Final State of the Union
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Summary:
Darienne Page, Director of Veterans Outreach in the Office of Public Engagement, looks at the legislation the President signed recently in the context of the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Last Tuesday, President Obama signed into law the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Bill. The bill represents another step in the Administration’s continued commitment to ensuring that the men and women of our Armed Forces, who have served our country with distinction, receive the benefits they have earned. It provides Veterans the ability to use their benefits for vocational and on-the-job training, expands eligibility for the benefit to National Guardsmen and women who are activated for domestic assistance, provides Active Duty troops with additional assistance to purchase books, and allows for severely injured Veterans and their caregivers to have additional time to use their benefits.
Since the implementation of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, over 400,000 Veterans and their families have taken advantage of the opportunity to pursue a higher education. The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Bill will expand that opportunity, furthering the President’s promise to take care of our nation’s Veterans.
As the Director of Veterans outreach and Veteran myself, I meet with Veterans, their families, and Veteran advocates. Time and time again, I hear from Veterans looking for more support regarding education upon their return. Education is the bedrock of this country and having accessible education for our troops is a top priory for the Administration. The passing of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Bill last week was a great example of bipartisan teamwork combined with the potent advocacy of our Veterans Service Organizations. It was another great step towards honoring the service of our Nation’s Veterans and providing our troops with the education they deserve.
The Obama Administration looks forward to continuing to support our troops in the weeks, months and years ahead. As President Obama’s said “It’s about how we treat our Veterans every single day of the year. It’s about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they’ve earned when they come home. It’s about serving all of you as well as you’ve served the United States of America.”
Darienne Page is the Director of Veterans Outreach in the White House Office of Public Engagement
