Many thanks go to the American Legion for their diligence in keeping the Veteran population informed about any and all issues effecting the lives of our vets. I cannot imagine what it would be like without these men and women who continue to serve our country with heart and soul. The American Legion is literally woven into the fabric of my development. My grandfather Frank Gorham was one the first Commanders in 1919 in Dixon, Illinios, home of Ronald Reagan. My mom, my aunts, and my grandmother all served as local and state presidents of the Auxillary. There was never a July 4th or Veterans Day parade where my brother Greg and I were not riding with the Legionaries. I learned to play baseball with the Legion and how to shoot pool with the old men….Now I are one!
And my grampa Frank Gorham, who served on the USS Vermont in WWl was also a Veteran Advocate in those days, and continues to be my inspiration to this day as a volunteer service officer with the new Marine Corps League in Marana.

Out-of-State, Private & Graduate Educations Made More Affordable

WASHINGTON – Over 1,100 colleges, universities and schools across the country have entered into “Yellow Ribbon” program agreements with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for Veterans participating in the Post-9/11 GIBill. Over 3,400 agreements were received from the 1,100 schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. “This is a strong response to a new benefit,” Keith Wilson, Director of VA’s Education Service, said. “We are pleased so many institutions are supporting our Veterans.”

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an important part of fulfilling our promise to the men and women who have served our country so honorably,” Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki said. “Implementing this landmark legislation and providing even more veterans with a quality education is a top priority for VA. We are grateful so many schools are joining us as partners in this unprecedented effort.” The Yellow Ribbon program, a provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students.

The Yellow Ribbon program is reserved for Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill, passed by Congress last year, is the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944. The maximum benefit allows every eligible Veteran, servicemember, reservist and National Guard member an opportunity to receive an in-state, undergraduate education at a public institution at no cost. Provisions of the program include payments for tuition and fees, housing, and a books and supplies stipend. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after August 1, 2009. The tuition and fee benefit is paid directly to the school.

For information on specific schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, go to Yellow Ribbon Program.

Additional information about the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon program, as well as VA’s other educational benefits, can be obtained by visiting VA’s Web site at http://www.gibill.va.gov/or by calling 1-888-GIBILL-1.