6 May, 2005
The Honorable Tim Johnson
United States Senate
136
Dear Senator Johnson:
FRA wholeheartedly endorses
your decision to reintroduce legislation providing senior enlisted military
members with the prospect of utilizing enhanced educational benefits.
There are thousands of
senior enlisted personnel who entered service during the Veterans Education
Assistance Program (VEAP) era (1977-1985) actively seeking an opportunity to
sign up for the MGIB. In light of their decision to dedicate more than 20 years
of their lives in service to our Nation, such a request is hardly unreasonable.
Too often the MGIB is
characterized exclusively as a form of compensation or as a "recruiting
tool." However, FRA would argue that it is also an investment in our
nation’s future. Many veterans, using GI bill benefits to further their
education, have gone on to become highly productive members of our society.
These individuals also pay taxes, returning more revenue to the U.S. Treasury
than what they might have been able to without a degree, and easily more than
what was spent paying for their education.
It is only fair to extend
the opportunity to utilize the GI Bill to the men and women who have chosen to
make the military a career, and are currently training the next generation of
military leaders.
Please convey our
appreciation to Todd Stubbendieck and Jody Bennett
for their outstanding assistance and support of this initiative. FRA
appreciates your efforts and once again applauds your continued and unwavering
support of our military service members.
Sincerely,
JOSEPH L. BARNES
National Executive Secretary
JLB:mss:jhh