The Department of Defense (DoD) has changed an unfair policy that denied Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to members of the National Guard even though they were serving side by side with Active-duty troops who were gaining eligibility. Over the last year, we have been sharing the stories of Student Veterans about how vital their benefits have been to their life after the military. We believe that these benefits are earned through the sacrifice and hard work of Troops who give up everything on behalf of our country. In spite of Servicemembers’ willingness to serve, many are all too often denied the benefits they deserve. Since 2018 we have worked to ensure the phrase, “Every Day in Uniform Counts.” would be recognized by policymakers in DC. We have submitted recommendations to Congress, we have helped introduce bills to the floor of the Senate, given interviews, and even testified before congress!
All of this work has paid off because DoD is now going to begin granting eligibility towards Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for the time Guardsmen served at the southern border. We want to thank the House Committee on Veterans Affairs (HVAC) and the DoD for hearing our call for change and taking the first steps toward ensuring fair and equitable benefits for every service member who puts on the uniform regardless of duty status.
Read the Story in Stars and Stripes Here!
