2 East Tenn. veterans benefiting from new GI bill

2 East Tenn. veterans benefiting from new GI bill

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- In the last two months, a new GI Bill was introduced for post 9/11 veterans.

Two men enrolled in college in East Tennessee say the bill has helped jump start their lives after leaving the armed forces.

The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 is now called the Montgomery GI Bill. Millions have taken advantage of the educational opportunities, but the benefits haven't been so generous since World War II.

At the University of Tennessee, Tony Lee, 34, might be mistaken for a young, single minded professor, not a student getting ready to study.

At Maryville College, Matt Ward, 24, looks like many other students on their way to class.

However, both men say they feel a little like fish out of water, compared to what they were doing in the military.

"I really miss the comradeship, the chance to be anywhere in the world," Tony says.

"I didn't think about the future. I knew the military would provide that for me," Matt says.

Not long ago, Tony was known by his men as Air Force Capt. Lee. He served eight years at six  air bases around the world.

Everyone aboard the minesweeper USS Avenger knew Matt as Petty Officer 3rd Class Ward, the ship's cook.

The men took different paths in their military careers. Tony completed ROTC after graduating from UT in 1999. Matt joining the Navy right out of Alcoa High School in 2003.

However, both are part of the first class under the new GI Bill. It includes tuition fees, a monthly allotment, books and supplies.

"I can't complain. It's great," Matt says.

For two years at Pellissippi State Community College, Matt's old GI education benefits were limited. "It was anywhere from $1,000 to $1,200 a month. That was all you got. You didn't get books, no fees, no tuition."

When World War II ended, about 3 million veterans who attended college would receive educational benefits like tuition, books, fees, and housing.

But those generous benefits were reduced as a new generation of veterans returned from war and went back to college.

Beginning this fall, benefits have returned to those of World War II standards.

With three years of cumulative service, there's full tuition, books and fees and that housing allowance.

"There are quite a few benefits. Yes, they get VA benefits, then Maryville College also pitches in financially as well," says Wendy Wheeler, director of admissions at Maryville College.

Free of financial stress that burdens many students or their families, Matt is disciplined,  focused and approaches his education like a job. He'll complete his business major in 2011.  

Tony Lee expects to complete his MBA at UT in three years. Without the GI assistance, his dream of owning a business wouldn't be possible.

"With the new change, the change has been good. So it allows a lot more opportunities to veterans," Tony says.

This fall's launch of the new GI benefits wasn't exactly smooth. Many vets, including Matt and Tony, hadn't received either their monthly living allowance or lump sum book stipend by mid-October.

But within the last few weeks, the checks came in the mail and the VA says an upgrade to its information technology system should speed the process to avoid payment delays in the spring semester.