For Ball State University student William McQuail, there has never been any doubt he would enlist in the armed forces to fight for his country. When he was young, William would follow his father from one military installation to another. This, he says, without a doubt affected his decision to enlist in the military.
Having already passed through basic training in Fort Benning, Ga., McQuail will officially join the ROTC program at Ball State in August because he said he feels a strong calling to serve his country through military service.
"It might sound corny, but I think there is a lot of good that can be done in the Army," McQuail said.
McQuail, 20, said he also was attracted to military service because of the educational benefits given to veterans under the current G.I. Bill. Signed into law in 1944, the G.I. Bill aimed to give veterans financial assistance for education, housing and other areas of their lives.
Under the current G.I. Bill, veterans are given money to put toward college education. They receive a fixed amount of money every month that they can use to help pay for tuition and fees, room and board, and books and other educational materials. While in the past, this fixed amount was enough to pay for full tuition and other college expenses, this is rarely the case anymore.
As the cost of attending American colleges has increased, veterans are forced to supplement the money from the G.I. Bill with money of their own.
Robert Zellers, director of scholarships and financial aid at Ball State, said members of the federal government realized something had to be done.
"It clearly wasn't enough to cover all of those expenses," Zellers said. "When you look at that monthly amount, it's not enough, given the rise in cost of attendance."
Zellers said the new bill was brought on by members of Congress who realized a need for better support for American troops returning home from war.
On June 30 President Bush signed legislation that would bring numerous changes to the G.I. Bill. The bill promises several new benefits to veterans who have served since Sept. 11, 2001.
Among the changes, the new bill will improve educational benefits to qualifying veterans.
Zellers said this legislation promised qualifying veterans more money to attend college.
Whereas the current G.I. Bill gives veterans a fixed monthly amount for education, the new bill will give veterans enough money to attend the most expensive public college in their state, if they so choose. Qualifying veterans also will receive $1,000 a year for books and other educational materials.
To qualify for these benefits, veterans must have served on active duty for at least 36 months, including 30 consecutive days. If they served fewer than 36 months or 30 days in a row, they must have been discharged under honorable or medical conditions, or have been placed in reserve service.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) 18 months ago on his first day in office. Webb, who served with the Fifth Marine Regiment in Vietnam, said this legislation was long overdue.
"It has now been nearly seven years since 9/11," Webb said in a June press release. "Seven years since those who have been serving in our military began earning the right for a proper wartime GI Bill."
The bill was the culmination of 18 months of work by members of the House, Senate and national veterans groups.
"Eighteen months ago, we began with the simple concept that those who have been serving since 9/11 should have the same opportunity for a first-class educational future as those who served during World War II." Webb added in the press release. "Today, we have accomplished that goal."
McQuail said the new bill would be greatly appreciated by all who benefited from the changes.
"It will help a lot," McQuail said. "I think it's pretty awesome that they are taking care of people like that. Giving them money ... well, not really giving it - They've earned it; it's not a handout."
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