Today is the anniversary of a law that changed my life forever. 

Seventy three years ago today, the GI Bill was signed into law empowering a generation of young people to serve their country yet again. The original GI Bill helped millions to start businesses, become skilled workers and grow the economy.  

Over a half century later the GI Bill is still making a difference in veterans’ lives. IAVA led the passage of the Post-9/11 GI BIll in 2008, building on the strong foundation of the original. These benefits are critically important to IAVA members, and IAVA continues to make protecting and growing them as part of their Policy Agenda . Over one million veterans have used the Post-9/11 GI Bill to build a better life for themselves and their families, just like their brothers and sisters before them.

I am one of those million veterans. I returned home after traveling the world with the U.S. Navy with a newfound passion for medicine. I was able to attend graduate school with the help of the GI Bill and today I’m a practicing physician assistant, helping to make a difference in people’s lives every day. 

My story isn’t unique – so many lives have been transformed by the GI Bill. It is important now more than ever to ensure the next generation of veterans have access to the critical benefits provided by the GI Bill.  

If you or someone you know is looking use the GI BIll, visit IAVA’s free benefits calculator and tool at NewGIBill.org. You fought hard to earn these benefits, now it’s time to use them for success. 

As we celebrate the GI Bill’s seventy third anniversary I hope you will join me in sharing your GI Bill story on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #DefendTheGIBill letting the world know you stand with IAVA against any efforts to chip away the benefits we earned on the battlefield. 

Together, we’ll keep our nation’s sacred promise to all who served.

Angela King

IAVA Member
U.S. Navy Veteran