The United States military has always been known for its benefits. Possibly its greatest and most rewarding benefit for veterans may be the Post 9/11 GI Bill which allows former military members to go back to school on the government’s dime.
There are several different educational bills that allow service members to go back to school. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, both veterans and active duty personnel can also qualify for more than one education benefits program, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill (chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB, chapter 30 and chapter 1606), Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP, chapter 1607) and Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Assistance program (VEAP chapter 32). But the Post 9/11 GI Bill can only be used by those who have at least 90 days of service in after Sept. 10, 2001.
Although it may seem daunting, service members who are looking to get a college education need to start their research sooner rather than later, said Wendy McFadden, an Olympic College veterans services program specialist II.
“You need to start researching what you might like to pursue before you get out,” she encourages. That means looking at schools, programs, certifications and various occupations that are of interest to the service member. Eligible dependents — such as children or spouses — may also qualify to use the Post 9/11 GI Bill if the service member does not want to use it.
And before even stepping on a college campus, a service member must have a letter in hand from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating eligibility, McFadden said. She said a large percentage of students use it because the campus is located in a military town.
“The Post-9/11 is the biggie (for benefits),” said McFadden. “The last time we looked, about 67 percent of our students use Post-9/11. They’ve come up with something that really helps students a lot.”
In the 2012-2013 school year, there were 1,235 veterans or eligible dependents enrolled in some type of program at the Bremerton-based college, she said. Many of the students are interested in computer programs, while others are looking for a transferable degree to go on to a four-year college or university.
Newly enrolled students will attend an orientation about their benefits and how to utilize the educational bills in the best manner, McFadden said.
If it all seems just too confusing, Larry Cleman, project coordinator of Olympic College’s Veteran and Military Support Center, is glad to help out.
Cleman spent 26 years in the Navy doing various jobs along the way. When he retired in 2005, he wanted to do something worthwhile and as fulfilling as his military service.
So, as a retired vet in his 50s, he decided to go back to school. In May, he received his degree in workforce education development from Southern Illinois University by using his own Post 9/11 GI Bill.
“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” Cleman said of his new spot at Olympic College. He started an internship in the office two years ago, then worked his way up to part-time after volunteering on campus. He then went on to take his current full-time position with the school.
If it weren’t for the educational bills offered to veterans, Cleman believes that many would be lost upon exiting the military.
The biggest difference between the old and the new bill is the fact that students had to pay the money up front for their classes before, he said. For those coming out of the military with little money, going back to school can be hard to do financially, the vet said. Having funds from the Post-9/11 GI Bill makes the process that much easier, and, for that, Cleman is grateful.
“I think if they were to get out (of the military) without that opportunity, you are faced with a real financial burden,” he said. “When they promised this to the vets, it was really a good deal for them.”
Although the Post- 9/11 GI Bill pays benefits directly to the school now, that’s still no excuse to come out of the military with no savings, warn both McFadden and Cleman.
“You really should have some money to help you get going in your first quarter because of the time it takes for the benefit to roll in,” advises McFadden. “Research what you wanna do and be prepared with a little seed money to see you through while you’re waiting for your benefits to kick in.”
As a veteran who knows the benefits inside and out, Cleman also strongly recommends having a cushion upon discharging from the military.
“I learned the hard way. I learned from the school of hard knocks,” he said. “Plan three to four months before you go to school. Save some money aside. You’re gonna need money. It’s important you have your ducks in a row for what school you want to go to.”
If things get tough and school seems too hard, Cleman encourages veterans to come into his office where they will be directed to services that will help the transition into school easier. Some of the services include financial advice and psychological counseling.
“Every student runs into a hardship,” he said.
Cleman hopes that vets won’t give up on school, especially when he knows students can succeed if they reach out for help when they need it. He’s seen students from all walks of life come through his office door, and he hopes they’re never discouraged to ask questions.
He’s also worked with homeless vets who have gone back to school and earned a degree.
“I’ve seen several (attend college) and it’s really something to get to that end goal and move on,” he said.
The veteran loves working with a diverse group of people, especially vets since he knows where they’re coming from in terms of work experience in the military.
“They all have their own stories,” he said of veterans returning to school. “It’s really refreshing.”