Nicole Murphy Reporter

1:49 a.m. CDT, July 10, 2009
DAVENPORT, Iowa—
Thursday evening, veterans learned of new federal benefits that will be available to them and their families. The New Post 9-11 G.I. Bill goes into effect August 1, just in time for the fall school semester to begin at colleges in the nation. Not only is this bill designed to pay for some of your tuition and housing expenses, but these benefits can be transferred to other family members.

St. Ambrose University's Director of Graduate Admissions Liz Loveless mentioned that "combining the veteran benefits through the G.I. Bill, and also benefits that of private schools such as St. Ambrose, education could be had for either no cost or very, very low cost."

Loveless said they could waive up to $6000 for undergraduates and up to $2425 for graduate students. Veteran and President of the Military and Veterans Organization Roberta Hodge sees this new bill as a breath of fresh air for the nation's heroes. "I just heard in there 'Oh, this is great. I get to go for my master's degree and go back and utilize this for that.'"

In order to qualify, the veteran must have served on or after September 11, 2001, with an active status. Another workshop will be held Friday at 8 a.m. in the Ragalski Hall at St. Ambrose University. For more information, you can visit www.va.gov and www.sau.edu/yellowribbonprogram.html.