The G.I. Bill changes lives

Storyteller and Army Veteran Dustin Elias joked he grew up "po" because his family couldn't afford the "r." As a child, he imagined that $200,000 would be kept in a briefcase handcuffed to someone's wrist, as in the movies he watched.

While he was deployed overseas, his wife, Maureen, also an Army Veteran, suggested they buy a house. That was their first of many uses of the VA Home Loan Guaranty. When Maureen wanted to buy a vacation home, "Due to the wealth we've amassed through homes that we've bought because of the VA loan program, I was able to pay $200,000 in cash and have my movie moment, but no briefcase," Elias said.

That was one of the many stories shared by Veteran storytellers from the Armed Services Arts Partnership, who joined Veterans Service Organizations and VA leaders honoring the impact of 80 years of the G.I. Bill, for an anniversary ceremony at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., June 27.

The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944 established educational and employment benefits that have helped generations of Veterans achieve their American Dreams.

Rhonda Lawson, PhD., an Army Veteran and storyteller, was able to pass her G.I. Bill benefits to her daughter. "Uncle Sam, I want to thank you for sending two hard-headed women to college and putting us in a beautiful home," Lawson said.

"The implementation of the G.I. Bill gave me access to a world class education, no matter if I was on sea or land," said Navy Veteran Tamara Addison. "And because of the benefit I was able to provide for my family… and create generational wealth. I was able to be the first of my grandmother's 12 grandchildren to receive all these degrees." Addison, who is passionate about education, is now a high school teacher.

Anne Barlieb, Army Veteran, dedicated her remarks to her PTSD discussion group. She said that, according to the Brookings Institute, only 41% of service members use their G.I. Bill.

She has yet to use hers.

Because of the Forever G.I. Bill, she said she has a "whole lifetime to use it."

"I'm so happy to say this is a 'to be continued' story," Barlieb added. "The G.I. Bill is about more, so much more, than paying tuition, earning degrees and buying houses. Hope is in this room."

Other speakers and panelists at the event included leaders and representatives from across VA and several Veterans Service Organizations, including The American Legion and Student Veterans of America. Keynote speeches, given by VA Chief of Staff Kimberly Jackson and VA Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs, reflected on the past and future of the benefits VA provides. ASAPs storytellers were followed by a thought-provoking panel featuring leaders and advocates from across the Veteran landscape.

Watch a recording of the ceremony on YouTube.

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