BY MARTY CONATSER - When The American Legion wrote the first draft of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, it changed the course of American history. A generation of heroes was able to join the middle class, achieve home ownership, earn higher education and live the American dream. More famously known as the GI Bill, it was hailed by many as the greatest legislation ever. Sadly, as the generations passed and memories dimmed, GI Bill benefits were so drastically reduced by inflation that many veterans either declined or were denied even the opportunity to participate in the program. Few veterans today have the luxury of attending school without also holding a job, and many colleges are totally out of reach.

We need to change history again. Washington needs to make another historic investment. Senator Jim Webb, D-Va, has authored the bipartisan “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act,” which is, in essence, a 21st Century GI Bill. Under the bill, servicemembers could earn up to 36 months of benefits, equivalent to four academic years. Benefits would cover charges for established programs, including the cost of the most expensive in-state public schools, monthly stipends equivalent to housing costs in their area, and a stipend for books. Incentives would be created to reduce the cost to attend private schools. The bill also provides equity among active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members by adjusting the benefit scale based on cumulative active service. The House and Senate bills are still being reconciled but among the compromises being considered is a provision that will allow servicemembers to transfer the benefits to family members.

The ability to transfer the benefits should alleviate some of the Pentagon’s stated concerns about the GI Bill hurting mid-level retention. The Congressional Budget Office also estimates that even small re-enlistment bonuses can have a positive effect on re-enlistment rates.

Like its World War II predecessor, this GI Bill would not be cheap. But it brings to mind the words of the author of the original GI Bill, American Legion Past National Commander Harry Colmery. “If we can spend 200 to 300 billion dollars to teach our men and women to kill, why quibble over a billion or so to help them to have the opportunity to earn economic independence and to enjoy the fruits of freedom?” he asked at the time.

If you want to see the real cost of war, visit Walter Reed. War is expensive indeed and the bulk of that cost is paid for by the men and women who wear the uniform. Benefits are just a small, small cost of war.

Marty Conatser is national commander of the 2.7-million member American Legion, http://www.legion.org

Millions of Americans have benefited from the old GI Bill and many more have been frustrated with its hollow successors. Either way, The American Legion wants to hear from you. Tells us about your GI Bill experiences by e-mailing us at pr@legion.org. We will share your stories with policy-makers in Washington to ensure that our veterans are truly given the thanks of a grateful nation.