FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, April 14, 2008 CONTACT: Michael Houston, IAVA (212) 982-9699 or
Fight for a New GI Bill: National Ad Buy Targets Key Lawmakers
Full Page Newspaper Ads Urge Senators and Representatives to
Make Education Affordable for New Veterans
NEW
YORK - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA),
the nation's first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, today ran full page ads in
newspapers across the country urging key Senators and Representatives to
support a modern GI Bill for America's
newest generation of veterans.
The ads feature photographs of Ted Rakar and Patrick
Neilson, both of whom served in Iraq
with the Pennsylvania National Guard. The
ads read "We sent them to war. Why can't
we send them to college?" and urge lawmakers to support the "21st
Century GI Bill"or S.22/ H.R.
5740. The bill was introduced in
Congress by some of the Senate's own combat veterans including Senators Jim
Webb (VA-D), John Warner (VA-R), Chuck Hagel (NE-R) and Frank Lautenberg
(NJ-D). More than 230 lawmakers have
signed on to this bipartisan legislation, and increased support is vital.
"The original GI Bill made education affordable for 8
million World War II veterans, but today's troops receive just a fraction of
that benefit," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of
America. "Sending our veterans to college expresses the nation's gratitude for
their service and makes economic sense."
The ads running today are part of an ongoing media campaign
to urge Congress to pass a modern GI Bill.
Today, IAVA targeted five key lawmakers including Senator Lindsey Graham
(SC) and Congressmen Jerry Lewis (CA-41); John Murtha (PA-12); David Obey
(WI-7) and Norman Dicks (WA-6).
"Honoring our nation's veterans is not a partisan
issue. We have seen tremendous support
from both Republicans and Democrats, but there's more work to be done," said
Rieckhoff. "Every lawmaker should stand with us to truly support America's
newest generation of heroes. Congress must pass a new GI Bill this year."
After World War II, the GI Bill covered tuition, fees,
books, and a living stipend for millions of veterans. Today's GI Bill, however, covers less than
70% of the cost of an education at a public school and less than half of a
four-year private school degree. The "21st
Century GI Bill" would make veterans eligible to receive up to the full tuition
for the most expensive public school in their state. In most states, this is a significant
increase from the federal funding of $9,900 per year that is currently
available.
For much more information on the GI Bill, including today's
newspaper ad and an in-depth report with downloadable Quick Facts, please visit
www.GIBill2008.org.
Iraq and
Afghanistan Veterans of America (www.IAVA.org) is the nation's first and
largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization,
IAVA represents more than 85,000 veteran members and civilian supporters in all
50 states. To arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or another IAVA veteran
who can share his personal GI Bill story, please contact Michael Houston at
(212) 982-9699 or
.
