G.I. Bill helping vets 64 years after inception
Many a high school history student has learned about the G.I. Bill and the positive effect it had on the nation’s economy following World War II.
The G.I. Bill provided for college or vocational education for returning veterans as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It also provided loans for returning vets to buy homes and start businesses.
Today, troops and veterans across the United States are still benefiting from the measure that was passed as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1944.
Branson native Kory Klein is one of them.
Klein, who is not only a firefighter with Branson Fire and Rescue but is also in the Army Reserve, is reaping the rewards of the G.I. Bill in a different way - by getting paid for on the job training.
“That’s just extra money that I’m getting every month for doing my job,” the 21-year-old said of on the job training. “I’m getting $264 a month for just going to work.”
The G.I. Bill’s on the job training section allows for soldiers in either the National Guard or Reserve who are obligated to at least six years of service with certain jobs, such as welder, painter, cook, mechanic, corrections officer or police officer can qualify for the on the job training benefits because the skills and experience they learn on their jobs can aid them in their roles in the military.
“I’m an EMT, so this medical experience could really come into play,” Klein said.
Klein will be leaving for Iraq later this year after receiving training from February to May.
“All we know right now is that we’re going to Iraq,” Klein said. “That’s all they can tell us.”
After returning from Iraq, he will be eligible to earn even more money for continuing his on the job training at Branson Fire and Rescue.
The 2005 Branson grad said the only other plans he has upon returning from the Middle East is to complete his fire science degree at Ozark Technical College.
“I don’t know why people wouldn’t want to do the on the job training,” Klein said. “There aren’t any downsides. It takes some time to do the application, but it’s worth it.”
More information on G.I. Bill benefits is available by calling Veterans Affairs at (888) 442-4551.
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