Washington, Nov 1 -

As Veterans Day marks an occasion to remember the generosity and sacrifice of all of those who have valiantly served in the Armed Forces, we must take the time to honor and express our appreciation to those heroes that have and continue to defend the United States by securing our liberties and strengthening our democracy.  Throughout our nation’s history, these brave men and women have nobly stood as the protectors of our most fundamental freedoms and the defenders of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

To demonstrate our deep gratitude, last year Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation which includes the most sweeping changes in benefits for American veterans under the GI Bill since World War II.  This legislation promises our nation’s veterans up to four years of education benefits at a college or university along with a monthly housing allowance and an annual books and supplies stipend.

However, the Veterans Administration (VA) has struggled to process a flood of G.I. Bill claims by veterans who are using these benefits to cover most, if not all, of their college costs.  As a result, thousands of veterans have been forced to take out loans or use their savings to pay for tuition and school supplies while they wait for the VA to issue their checks.  Currently, there are more than 277,000 veterans who are depending on these education benefits.

To respond to this issue, I have joined a bipartisan coalition of Representatives from California in expressing concern to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki over recent reports that veterans have been experiencing significant delays in receiving their G.I. Bill benefit checks to pay for their college tuition.  As these heroes have sacrificed so much for the country we love, this is simply unacceptable.  We must remember the price they have paid to protect our great country and honor the sacrifice and the service of all our nation’s heroes by keeping our promises to them.

To continue the legacy of serving in our country’s Armed Forces, this month I will be hosting a Service Academy Night for those interested in attending a military academy.  On Thursday, November 12 at 6:30 P.M. at the Richard Nixon Library and Birthplace in Yorba Linda, representatives from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy will be present to provide information and answer questions about the application and admissions process. 

Each year, I have the opportunity to nominate a select group of high school students to attend the U.S. military service academies.  Although securing a recommendation is very competitive, those selected have the opportunity to attend a top rated college free of charge in exchange for military service following graduation.  All graduating military students are commissioned as officers in their respective branch of service.  To request more information about attending a U.S. Service Academy or R.S.V.P., please call my Brea office at (714) 257-1142.

GARY G. MILLER
Member of Congress

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