DoD Photo

Are you a veteran who's going to school on your GI Bill benefits? Or a veteran who's just been admitted to a college or university for the fall semester? If so, then check out The American Legion's new Web site, www.mygibill.org. It has plenty of information about veterans education benefits, including new provisions offered in the Post-9/11 GI Bill passed by Congress last year. The site also has a listing of state-by-state education benefits for veterans, and contact information for state offices that will answer any questions you might have.

If you want to use your GI Bill benefits for school, you have to fill out an application. The best and easiest way to do that is to go online and fill out a Veterans Online Application (VONAPP) electronically.  And you'll need to supply your school with a copy of your DD-214. Once the school verifies your enrollment and eligibility, it will forward your information to a regional Veterans Affairs (VA) office, which will process your application. The process takes eight to 10 weeks to complete, so it's important to allow plenty of time.

If you've got questions about your GI Bill benefits that your state offices can't answer, call The American Legion. Mark Walker, in the Economic Division of National Headquarters, is available to answer questions or refer you to someone who can. He can be reached at (202) 861-2700 or by e-mail at mwalker@legion.org. Many questions can be answered by visiting the FAQ page of www.mygibill.org. Longtime veterans campus coordinator Valerie Vigil, a Legionnaire and former Marine, can respond by e-mail or direct visitors to the right resources.

The American Legion has played a leading role on GI Bill issues since Past National Commander Harry Colmery drafted the original Servicemen's Readjustment Act at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. To learn more, check out the "GI Bill Story" video at www.legion.org or www.mygibill.org. It will explain - in less than 10 minutes - how The American Legion has fought for GI Bill benefits for more than 60 years.

My GI Bill
DD-214 online