The Post-9/11 GI Bill, taking effect on August 1, increases educational aid for veterans who served at least 90 days after the terrorist attacks of September 2001. This revised version of the bill adds an incentives package far greater than the one provided by the 1944 GI Bill. This fruitful new law is meant to keep soldiers from dropping from their military duty prematurely, equipping them with a chance at a valuable education that they otherwise would not be able to obtain.

The 9/11 GI Bill, which could double the amount available to veterans in the current version of the bill, is seen as an opportunity to ease the bulky burden on our soldiers’ shoulders. Based solely on the benefits of the coming bill, thousands of service men and women will see the inside of a college classroom and earn their degree. According to USA Today, “the Bill provides the equivalent of in-state tuition at the highest-priced public college in the state where the veteran lives, based on undergraduate tuition and fees. There is also a monthly housing allowance and a $1,000 stipend for books and supplies.” For a comprehensive look at the benefits package available to veterans, see http://www.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/new-gi-bill-overview

This bill offers such a terrific benefits package, it was originally feared that too many soldiers would leave the service earlier than they normally would have. For this reason, the revised bill was volleyed around the halls of the Senate for a very long time. Now, after years of debate, the new Bill will provide our nation’s soldiers the precious opportunity to walk the halls of our country’s colleges – even the Ivy League ones. Several soldiers, some of whom were not the best students in high school, are finding themselves in universities like Dartmouth. For instance, Samuel Crist, formerly a C student in high school and a veteran of the Iraq War, is now enrolled in Dartmouth and finding great success.

The President of Dartmouth, James Wright, is one of the forerunners of this revised bill. A former marine himself, he understands that a soldier is a special type of citizen under special circumstances. He believes that every opportunity for advancement should be given to our brave armed forces, and acknowledges that a chance at higher education should be open to every one of them.

To be a part of the history of America’s military is an honor, but it also reflects a selfless act of patriotism on behalf of the soldier wearing the uniform. This sacrifice is a difficult one to repay. However, in offering as much educational opportunity as possible, the United States is doing what it can to show its sincerest gratitude to the bold and brave soldiers fighting for our freedom. The 9/11 GI Bill provides a future to the men and women fighting to secure a safe future for all Americans.