Issue link: http://gijobsdigimag.epubxp.com/i/884421
GIJOBS.COM | OCTOBER 2017 | G.I. JOBS 23 We invited several of the VSOs instrumental in the creation of the Forever GI Bill to share their thoughts on the provision of the bill they championed. You can read their contributions beginning on page 36. John Kamin, The American Legion, May 2017 issue abruptly closes, and it pro- vides extra funding for GI Bill recipients pursuing STEM degrees. "The Forever GI Bill expands the success our vet- erans have had with the GI Bill, providing opportunities that otherwise would not be possible," VA Secretary David Shulkin said after Congress passed the new law. "In par- ticular, it restores benefits to veterans who were impacted by school closures since 2015 and has special benefits for our reservists, surviving dependents and Purple Heart recipients. This nation is stronger when our veterans are studying and working next to their civilian counterparts. Passage of this bill is a win for veterans and their families." The Forever GI Bill moved through Congress with aston- ishing speed. Introduced July 13, the House of Representa- tives passed it by a 405-0 vote on July 24. It cleared the Senate without a single amendment on Aug. 2, and President Trump signed it into law Aug. 16. While the legislation in- cludes 34 provisions, we highlighte six of the key changes in the Forever GI Bill. Ashlyn Haycock Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Patrick Murray Veterans of Foreign Wars Derek Fronabarger The American Legion Wars (VFW), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and Got Your 6. The Forever GI Bill pro- vides full benefits to Purple Heart recipients. It expands benefits for reservists and the families of fallen service members. The Forever GI Bill also restores benefits to veterans whose school