Post 9-11 GI Bill turned enormous regret into a promising future for my daughter

 

My college freshman daughter is attending a terrific university this year with tuition, fees, books, housing and a small stipend all paid for by the Post 9-11 GI Bill; and it truly cost me nothing. This occured to me as I moved her from one school to another this week with very little anxiety, which will likely floor other parents who've pulled thier hair out after a son or daughter decided the first choice just wasn't what they'd expected.

I never signed up for the Montgomery GI Bill when enlisting in 1988 because it sounded too good to be true, and I did not trust the government at its word (the irony is not lost, I assure you). This simple act of defiance – or “lack” of action -- haunted me for more than 20 years as my singular regret to military service (and I could not even claim that my recruiter lied to me). Alternatively, I spent years going to school at night to attain my degree using the 100% tuition assistance offered to all active duty members. Still a good deal, but challenging as any working parent pursuing their education can tell you.

I was about to give up a 20-year mission to make up for that initial mistake when rumors of the Post 9-11 program surfaced in late 2008. This godsend for military members went active in August 2009 – a month before my daughter started school. The VA website has the details, but this program replaced that singular regret with a promise for the future that is a true gift to American service members!

Posted via web from Midwest Marines

'Marine' title comes with the inherent obligation to honor it for life

The safest place in America is in its heartland next to a Marine, which makes cases like the tragic death of Indiana University Professor Don Belton even more disturbing than normal since a former Marine may be involved. A recent CBS’ News headline caught my eye in particular: Did "Gay Panic" Lead Ex-Marine Michael Griffin to Kill Professor Don Belton? Despite no apparent connection between his past military service and this case, including the words “Ex-Marine” in the headline is a reminder that this country rightly holds its US Marines to a higher standard, regardless of when they served.

 

 

Most people realize that actions like those alleged are not representative of Marines, and that’s exactly why we’re shocked to hear about it. At the same time, those seeking the title “Marine” should first consider the inherent obligation to honor it for life.

 

While my heartfelt condolences go out to Professor Belton’s family, friends, students, peers, and readers across the nation, I can’t help thinking that he may be missed even more by those of us who will never meet him, hear him, or sit in his classroom.

 

 

 

Posted via web from Midwest Marines