Legislation provides expanded benefits for post-9-11 veterans
TUCSON – U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will host an information session on Thursday at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base about the expanded education benefits available to post-9-11 veterans under the new GI Bill.
The Arizona lawmaker will be joined by top local military and academic leaders to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefit package, which went into effect on August 1 and is aimed at increasing job opportunities for our nation’s veterans.
Joining Giffords for the 90-minute information session will be Col. Robert Singleton, vice commander of the 355th Fighter Wing; Col. Gregory Stroud, commander of the Arizona Air National Guard’s 162nd Fighter Wing; Dr. Robert Shelton, president of the University of Arizona; and Dr. Roy Flores, chancellor of Pima Community College.
More than 2 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001 are eligible for the education benefits. The benefits include:
• Tuition and fees at a public institution up to a maximum of the regular in-state cost;
• A monthly housing allowance at the school; and
• An annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000.
Congress enacted the new GI Bill for the 21st Century last year to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. This year, Congress extended those college benefits to all children of fallen service members since 9-11.
WHAT: U.S. REP. Gabrielle Giffords hosts information session on the New GI Bill
WHERE: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base Auditorium - Enter through the Craycroft Gate, turn left on Ironwood, park on the south side of the road.
WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, August 13
RSVP: Media covering the information session should contact C.J. Karamargin at 881-3588 or CJ.Karamargin@mail.house.gov