WASHINGTON - Two elected officials were recognized for reshaping the Post 9/11 GI Bill – enabling thousands more National Guardmembers to receive education benefits – here Monday.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, Hawaii, and U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, Iowa, were recognized with the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Eagle Award by the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States at the National Guard Memorial Building here.
"Their efforts in regards to the Post 9/11 GI Bill have been significant," said Air Force Lt. Gen, Harry "Bud" Wyatt, chief of the Air National Guard, presenting the awards.
"Their support to the military institutions of this country and to the National Guard … has been unwavering, … and we are extremely thankful for that support," Wyatt said.
"Due to their efforts, our Title 32 Soldiers are now eligible to receive those GI Bill benefits for service to their country."
Wyatt said this equates to about 131,000 additional Guardmembers being eligible for education benefits. "This is not just an investment in the individual Soldier or Airman, but an investment in the Army and Air National Guards and the defense of this country."
Gillespie V. "Sonny" Montgomery was a World War II and Korean War era veteran who reached the rank of major general in the Mississippi National Guard. A U.S. Congressman for 30 years, he was instrumental in the creation of the GI Bill of Rights.
"It is a great honor to receive this recognition from the National Guard," Sen. Akaka said.
"Because of the National Guard, and the state of Iowa, I chose to serve on the armed services committee," Rep. Loebsack said. "It is a great honor to receive this award."
Others who were honored included Kate Fitzpatrick, a staff member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and Megan Linn, Loebsack's legislative director.