Since 1944, the G.I. Bill has been an indelible benefit of military service and beyond. For many, the G.I. Bill provided a path to the American dream by helping them pursue education, secure employment after military service and purchase a home.
Today’s G.I. Bill focuses on providing education and training benefits. Throughout its history, the benefits have been an integral part of military recruitment, providing benefits to service members, Veterans and their eligible family members to pursue higher education and vocational training. These opportunities lead to meaningful employment, promising careers, and—for many families—upward mobility.
For Joseph Garcia, executive director of the Veterans Benefits Administration’s Education Service, the G.I. Bill has impacted him professionally and personally.
“The G.I. Bill is more than a benefit. It’s an opportunity to pursue dreams and build legacies,” said Garcia, a 28-year Air Force Veteran. “The benefits empower Veterans to succeed and thrive beyond their military service.” Garcia experienced this success and saw how it helped so many of his fellow airmen. “The G.I. Bill changed the lives of my family members who also served and used the benefit to advance their careers. During my time working in higher education, I continued to witness and be in awe of how access to education can truly change lives.”
The benefits have had a substantive impact, too: Over its lifetime, $410 billion in benefits have been provided to Veterans and eligible family members. This includes $143 billion to over 2.7 million beneficiaries since 2009, when the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill was created, renewing the commitment to educational success to Veterans returning home from military service. For 80 years, the G.I. Bill has been an opportunity to dream and achieve for so many Veterans. In looking ahead, VA continues to work to ensure G.I. Bill benefits meet the needs of Veterans, service members and their families—today and beyond.
Topics in this story
More Stories
National Insurance Awareness Day, on June 28, 2024, is the perfect time to think about coverage and discover how VA life insurance can secure you and your family’s future.
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the G.I. Bill, today we look back at VR&E—one of its precursors.
Over the past eight decades, VA’s Home Loan program has helped Veterans to secure more than 28 million home loans.
I was informed when applying to the VA (US Army Service 1966 to 1969) to take a hike. Was informed that in 2003 the VA became “Means Tested”.
So much for all your glorious claims.
I enlisted in the Navy summer 1976. Financing an education was my main obstacle, so when the recruiter told me about the great education benefits, I was ready to sign.
During bootcamp, I sought info about the GI Bill. I was told it was too late to sign up. I was offered VEAP instead. I was extremely disappointed.
I spend nine years as an enlisted sailor. I’ve always felt misled and cheated out of what seemed like a great opportunity.
I did manage to earn a BA degree, but I had to do it on my own.
The original GI Bills (1944) for WW2, & then (1952) for Korean War veterans guaranteed or insured more than 300,000 small business and farm loans for returned veterans. 79,864 such loans were made by VA in 1947. In 1974, as 9 million Vietnam Era vets were (coming) home, the VA guaranteed just 2 such small business & farm loans, and in December 1974, Congress took away VAs loan authority for disuse. Its time for Congress to reestablish the GI Bill small business and farm loan program and address the number 1 issue for younger veteran entrepreneurs, lack of access to capital!
I so grateful for the GI Bill. I was able to obtain my BS in dietetics thanks to it. I am now in the process of starting my MPH and I will be using what is left of my GI bill to complete it.
Except nothing for those of us who were put under the VEAP program by Mr. Reagan. That disastrous program has left many of us with no real educational benefits. The amount that the government contributed wouldn’t even cover books. So, here I sit 60K in debt still because of VEAP. Where’s my G.I. Bill? There should be some compensation for the VEAP Vet.
After 7.5 years in the Army attended University of Buffalo on combination of G.I. Bill and VA vocational rehabilitation. Obtained B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering with honors in 4.5 years. Eleven years working for large consulting company working on projects across US and international. Started my own consulting firm and ran for 21 years. Certified Service Disabled Veteran owned firm federal and New York. First firm certified as SDVO in NY. Had the opportunity to complete almost 200 projects at VA Medical Centers in NY,PA,WV and FL.
What a wonderful program that changed my life in innumerable ways for the better. Thank you America for providing this opportunity.
I used my GI bill to purchase my first home.
If my husband die can his family still used his GI Bill to buy a house
I utilized my GI Bill to obtain an AA (Community College Degree) and my BA degree from California State College this was possible from a 9 th Grade elementary education. I have also gone onto receiving a master degree in Education and a PhD in Business Development. I have to give credit to some fellow shipmates who encouraged me to try at least.
If I can be of any assistance to motivate any other Veteran to use the GI I will be most happy to help in anyway I can.
Wow ! Congratulations Dr Sailorman how impressive. I’d like to go Cal State Bakersfield. I’m a older Sailor now but feel a motivation and desire to understand Construction techniques better.