Many veterans today enjoy the various benefits associated with the GI Bill. But have you ever wondered why that is, or how the GI Bill even came about? This blog explores a brief history of the GI Bill.
Early Struggles for Veteran Support
The GI Bill, otherwise known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, was such a controversial piece of legislation that it was rarely passed. However, it was finally agreed upon that something needed to be done to help veterans readjust to civilian life after serving. After World War I, veterans were only given a $60 allowance and a train ticket home. Then, during the Great Depression, Congress tried to pass the World War Adjustment Act of 1924, which would provide veterans a bonus based on the number of days served. But under this law, most veterans wouldn’t see their bonuses for another 20 years.
The 1932 Bonus March
In 1932, a group of veterans marched on Washington to demand their bonuses. When they didn’t get them, most gave up and went home, but many of them stayed. After a bitter standoff with US troops, they were later kicked out. This incident was one of the biggest periods of unrest in US history.
Rethinking Veteran Support After World War II
After World War II, Congress began to rethink what had happened earlier. Some saw inaction as an invitation to another depression, since veterans’ difficulty finding work resulted in social and economic crises.
Drafting and Passing the GI Bill
In 1944, Harry W. Colmery—former national commander of the American Legion and former Republican National Chairman—put together the first draft of the Bill. While both the Senate and the House agreed on the education and home loan benefits guaranteed by the Bill, they were in disagreement over unemployment provision. Rep. John Gibson of Georgia was rushed in to cast the tie-breaking vote. Finally, it was decided that the bill would include an unemployment provision, and the Bill was signed into law on June 22, 1944.
GI Bill Benefits Today
Today, veterans enjoy provisions for education and training, loan guaranty for homes, farms, or businesses, and unemployment—all thanks to the GI Bill. The Blackfox Training Institute is approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, and is recognized by the State of Colorado as an Approved Private Occupational School. These credentials qualify Blackfox as an approved technical training center for eligible veterans wanting to use their GI Bill for education benefits.
Training Opportunities for Veterans at Blackfox
This is the first program of its kind to provide veterans with little to no industry experience with the skills to grow their careers in the electronic assembly industry. Upon completion of the course, veterans can qualify for employment in aerospace, defense, medical, and electronic contract manufacturing.
If you are a veteran and are interested in earning a trade school certificate, learn more about the Veterans’ Training Program today. Click here to register for the next training session.
Source:
US Department of Veterans Affairs. (2013). Education and Training – History and Timeline.
