CAS3
06-21-04, 12:46 PM
VA Secretary Hails "Six Decades of Opportunity" for GI Bill
WASHINGTON (June 18, 2004) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J.
Principi is marking the 60th anniversary of the "GI Bill of Rights" on June
22, calling it "one of the greatest pieces of legislation in American
history."
"The GI Bill made home ownership and college education available to millions
of Americans," Principi said. "By harnessing the talent and drive of
America's veterans, it created six decades of opportunity for the men and
women who served in uniform."
About 21 million veterans, service members and family members have received
more than $77 billion in GI Bill benefits for education and training since
1944. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the
educational program has undergone several major changes over the years. The
current version is the Montgomery GI Bill.
The GI Bill's home-loan guaranty program has been used by 17.5 million
people for loans totaling $830 billion. Last year, more than 90 percent of
participants took advantage of the program's unique no-downpayment feature.
"VA is proud to play a part in holding open the door to the American dream
for millions of veterans," Principi said. "We will continue this legacy by
looking for new ways to adapt this marvelous program to the changing needs
of veterans."
WASHINGTON (June 18, 2004) - Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J.
Principi is marking the 60th anniversary of the "GI Bill of Rights" on June
22, calling it "one of the greatest pieces of legislation in American
history."
"The GI Bill made home ownership and college education available to millions
of Americans," Principi said. "By harnessing the talent and drive of
America's veterans, it created six decades of opportunity for the men and
women who served in uniform."
About 21 million veterans, service members and family members have received
more than $77 billion in GI Bill benefits for education and training since
1944. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the
educational program has undergone several major changes over the years. The
current version is the Montgomery GI Bill.
The GI Bill's home-loan guaranty program has been used by 17.5 million
people for loans totaling $830 billion. Last year, more than 90 percent of
participants took advantage of the program's unique no-downpayment feature.
"VA is proud to play a part in holding open the door to the American dream
for millions of veterans," Principi said. "We will continue this legacy by
looking for new ways to adapt this marvelous program to the changing needs
of veterans."