New GI Bill: Black Enterprise 5/10/05

[Adelante]

New GI Bill


More support for new generation of veterans sought as they return from fields of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan

By David C. Ruffin

On Sunday, countries around the world engaged in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. Veterans returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan may have a battle here at home trying to access basic needs unless a new bill is passed.

Last month, flanked by retired Gen. Wesley Clark, representatives from the American Legion, and other lawmakers, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced the introduction of the GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century. Pelosi says the legislation is needed to support the tens of thousands of American fighting men and women returning from fields of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Many soldiers are coming home without a limb or have psychological problems,” says Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY). “Meanwhile, President Bush has reduced healthcare and other support for American veterans. This is not a time to cut back on benefits for our troops. Poor whites from rural areas and blacks and Hispanics from inner cities pay a great price for these benefits.”

The congressman also referred to reservists that have taken pay cuts when they were called up and now face bankruptcies. Rangel, who was wounded in combat during the Korean War and awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, added that black members of the military will receive these benefits at a proportion greater than their numbers in the population.

According to Defense Department statistics, more than 36,000 African American servicemembers (21.1%) are deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq. There are 2.5 million black veterans. This new measure was drafted to expand veterans' educational and employment opportunities, give them greater access to healthcare, and make them more secure financially. “This is a war we shouldn't be in,” said Rangel. “We should bring our young people home, and try to make them as whole as possible.”

-continues ...Black Enterprise

[Adelante]

1. If you haven't already signed the petition

Tell your Members of Congress to support the new GI Bill today:

http://ga4.org/campaign/gi_tax/37138WM1fzS6P

Please share this link with your family members and friends.

Thank you.