Review Inadequate GI Bill

My name is Igor Chapman and I have served 4 honorable years in the United States Marine Corps.

I have served 3 tours in the Iraq war and left the military as a Sergeant to pursue my masters degree in International Relations and Russian Studies. I will be attending St Andrews University in September 2008. I will only be able to afford 2 years of school.

I am presenting this petition on the behalf of all service men and women who have lost their lives and who are risking their lives for the inadequate education benefits that our government has promised us.

To men and women who serve their country at the risk of losing life and limb.
These patriots are entitled to only $39,639 for the cost of an average US 4-year state university of $53,460. Those who wish to make a personal contribution, “the kicker”, to the Montgomery GI Bill of $600 will be entitled to $45,039 which will still not cover an average US 4-year state university of $53,460 (according to the College Board).

Servicemen and women are not given competitive Montgomery GI Bill entitlements to cover present-day tuition costs. Servicemen and women deserve competitive entitlements to cover tuition costs for an average public state university. Montgomery GI Bill should adjust appropriately to rising education costs, which rose 35% in the last 5 years (according to USAToday).

The Montgomery GI Bill provides education benefits to eligible veterans. These education benefits need to cover an average US public state university to allow service members to afford tuition costs.

Congresswomen Mary Bono of 45th District has been contacted and the petition will be presented to her to make a change in the GI Bill entitlements.