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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
PROVIDING OUR VETERANS WITH THE BENEFITS THEY DESERVE
By Bob Dettmer
State Representative
District 52A
A few months ago our brave men and women returned home from Iraq. They served on the front lines overseas for more than 22 months to protect all of us here. They gave much for their country, and they deserve much in return. Unfortunately there have been some problems for nearly half of the 2,600 Minnesota soldiers in receiving the educational benefits they deserve.
I have met with, and received numerous calls from, several veterans who served just a few days short of the number needed to qualify for the full Montgomery GI Bill education benefits. Had these soldiers served just a few more days, in some cases just a single day more, they would have qualified for full education benefits. I am extremely disappointed they are being denied these benefits. Any military man or woman, who fights a war, no matter if they’re enlisted in the active United States Army or the National Guard, deserves full benefits.
Recently I had the honor to travel to Washington DC and meet with our United States Senator Norm Coleman, Congressman John Kline, and Congresswoman Michelle Bachman. I brought the message to them, which the veterans had shared with me. I asked them to help our veterans, who gave so much for us, as this is just one small way to say thank you. Our delegation assured me this issue would be dealt with.
A few days later Congressman John Kline introduced legislation, H.R.3741, which would provide full educational benefits to Minnesota’s veterans who were being denied them. Our entire state delegation, with the exception of Congressman Jim Oberstar, has signed on to this legislation as cosponsors. Currently this bill is awaiting hearing in committee, but Congressman Kline is hopeful it will be heard soon.
Since my visit with Senator Coleman I have heard from him that Army secretary, Pete Geren, is personally looking into this and is working to have these benefits in place in time for spring semester. In my conversations with Clark Dyrud, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, he too has expressed his hope this issue is dealt with before the spring semester so our veterans can begin, or continue, their education immediately.
The state legislature this year passed a Minnesota GI Bill as a way to show our appreciation for our Veterans. The Minnesota GI Bill program provides postsecondary educational assistance to eligible Minnesota veterans, and to the children and spouses of deceased or severely disabled Minnesota Veterans. Those who are full-time students are eligible for $1,000 each semester, while part-time students are eligible for $500 each semester. This is a great program for all our veterans. To find out more information about this educational assistance please visit http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/military, or contact Megan FitzGibbon at 651-642-0567 or by email at megan.fitzgibbon@state.mn.us.
As a member in the U.S. Army Reserves, with two sons who are Captains in the U.S. Army, and both whom have served overseas, I understand what our courageous soldiers go through. The very least we can do is ensure they receive the education, and educational benefits, which they deserve.
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