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Gov. Gregoire signs MOU to promote educational assistance program for veterans

For Immediate Release: September 10, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today joined the state�s military, veterans and higher education agencies in signing a Memorandum of Understanding to affirm a combined commitment to helping veterans and their families succeed in their higher education and training goals.

�When we talk about serving our communities, there are no greater volunteers than our military men and women,� Gregoire said. �They deserve our support both while they�re away overseas, and at home. It is critically important that we give back to those who have given so much to us, and ensure our veterans are made fully aware of the opportunities available to them to succeed outside of the military.�

Because of significant improvements to the federal GI Bill, which took effect on Aug. 1, the state expects to see large numbers of veterans enrolling in school and using their GI Bill benefits. The MOU ensures colleges, universities and training facilities promote a culture that supports and understands the unique needs of veterans and their family members. In addition, it asks that education personnel know how to refer veterans or families in need of additional support or assistance to the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.

�Our goal is to connect every Washington veteran with the benefits they earned,� said John Lee, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. �By partnering with the campuses where many of these veterans are attending school, we will make a difference in their lives.�

Gregoire also administered the oath of service to 27 AmeriCorps members serving in the Veterans Corps. The VetCorps is newly authorized by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Washington is the first state in the nation to implement this new initiative, which will tap the knowledge, skills and abilities of veterans by engaging them in AmeriCorps national service positions to help other veterans and soldiers. VetCorps members will also work to meet the needs of military families while a family member is deployed.