2008 Woodie Awards
'Welcome' waiver helps combat veterans
By Josh Walovitch, Collegian Staff
Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: News
Over 1 million troops have served in Operation Enduring Freedom since 2001, and upon their arrival home these soldiers are expecting reasonable compensation in return for honorably serving their country.
This past June, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved the "Welcome Home Waiver Program" in hopes of aiding the education of Massachusetts' veterans who have served in combat since Sept. 11, 2001.
Veterans who are accepted into the university become eligible for an annual mandatory fee waiver of up to $2,000 for a maximum of eight semesters.
Additionally, the United States government provides compensation in the form of the GI Bill. The original GI Bill was first drafted in 1944 by the American Legion to honor those who fought in World War II.
"The GI Bill enabled me to attend college at the Illinois Institute of Technology for free, which would have been tough to pay for on my own." said Staff Sergeant Leon Poteshman, who served overseas during World War II.
Recently, modifications have been made to the GI Bill in an attempt to improve its educational benefits. The new GI Bill increases payment rates, extends the expiration date and provides other additional benefits.
Several veterans who attend UMass do so with the aid of the GI Bill.
"After my second tour overseas, I was ready to go to college," said UMass senior and Staff Sergeant Solomon Black "Attending college would allow me to be a more productive member of society."
Black, who is currently benefiting from the GI Bill, is receiving $1,250 a month and will continue to as long as he is enrolled as a full-time student, which require a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
It is estimated that since 2001, some 26,000 Massachusetts residents have been in active duty and are potential candidates to qualify for benefits similar to Black's.
Aside from all the beneficial modifications of the new GI Bill there are still some returning veterans who are weary of its flaws.
This past June, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved the "Welcome Home Waiver Program" in hopes of aiding the education of Massachusetts' veterans who have served in combat since Sept. 11, 2001.
Veterans who are accepted into the university become eligible for an annual mandatory fee waiver of up to $2,000 for a maximum of eight semesters.
Additionally, the United States government provides compensation in the form of the GI Bill. The original GI Bill was first drafted in 1944 by the American Legion to honor those who fought in World War II.
"The GI Bill enabled me to attend college at the Illinois Institute of Technology for free, which would have been tough to pay for on my own." said Staff Sergeant Leon Poteshman, who served overseas during World War II.
Recently, modifications have been made to the GI Bill in an attempt to improve its educational benefits. The new GI Bill increases payment rates, extends the expiration date and provides other additional benefits.
Several veterans who attend UMass do so with the aid of the GI Bill.
"After my second tour overseas, I was ready to go to college," said UMass senior and Staff Sergeant Solomon Black "Attending college would allow me to be a more productive member of society."
Black, who is currently benefiting from the GI Bill, is receiving $1,250 a month and will continue to as long as he is enrolled as a full-time student, which require a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
It is estimated that since 2001, some 26,000 Massachusetts residents have been in active duty and are potential candidates to qualify for benefits similar to Black's.
Aside from all the beneficial modifications of the new GI Bill there are still some returning veterans who are weary of its flaws.
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