The OCONUS Project teamed up with Best Military Resume to get the best information about how veterans can use the Yellow Ribbon Program alongside their Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Written by Christian Echeverri, Director of Outreach and Engagement at Best Military Resume, this blog post goes into more detail on what The Yellow Ribbon Program means for veterans, as well as how an important Supreme Court case expanded these education benefits.
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As a veteran with over two decades of experience in the Navy, I’ve seen many changes that affect current military and veterans. Today, I want to discuss two pivotal changes affecting veteran education and benefits: the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Supreme Court’s Rudisill decision.
The Yellow Ribbon Program: A Helpful Tool for Veterans’ Education
While the GI Bill—introduced in 1944—transformed veteran education, rising tuition costs left many expenses uncovered. The Yellow Ribbon Program, part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, was created in 2008 to bridge this gap. Under this program, colleges agree to contribute a portion of tuition expenses that exceed GI Bill benefits, and the VA matches that contribution. This collaborative approach makes higher education more accessible, especially at private institutions, out-of-state schools, and graduate programs.
For me, this program was a lifesaver. It enabled me to pursue my master’s degree without the overwhelming burden of tuition fees. In August 2022, the program’s reach expanded to include active-duty service members and their spouses who transferred benefits, further broadening access to quality education.
But the program isn’t just about money. It also helps veterans get the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. Whether you’re going to college, grad school, or vocational training, the Yellow Ribbon Program gives you the tools you need to thrive.
And guess what? The program encourages colleges and universities to work with veterans. They create supportive environments that go beyond just financial help. They offer social and academic support, so veterans feel like they belong.
In a way, the Yellow Ribbon Program is a way of saying, ‘We value veterans and we want to help them succeed.’ It shows that we recognize the importance of education and that we’re committed to making sure that veterans have equal opportunities as their peers.
The best thing is that the Yellow Ribbon Program benefits can be applied to online schools from anywhere in the world, which is a plus for those who work on installations overseas or those who choose to retire outside the U.S.
The Rudisill Supreme Court Decision: A Big Win for Veterans’ Rights
While the Yellow Ribbon Program is a great step forward for veterans’ education benefits, another important decision came from the U.S. Supreme Court called the Rudisill decision.
On April 16, 2024 the Supreme Court of the United States decided that if you served at least two periods of service-one that qualifies for the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and another that qualifies for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (PGIB)-you may be able to receive additional GI Bill benefits.
In a 7-2 decision, the court sided with James Rudisill, a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq who argued that he was eligible for up to 48 months of education benefits under the programs, which he had enrolled in while serving two separate stints in the Army.
In short, beneficiaries who paid into and qualified for the Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (Chapter 30) and met the requirements for the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) through separate periods of service, may use benefits under both programs for a total combined period of 48 months.
Eligible veterans can apply for this additional benefit by submitting VA Form 22-1995, When filling out the form, please select, “Rudisill review” as request type. You may need to follow up with the GI Bill® hotline to ensure your application has been processed.
In Summary
Both the Rudisill case and the new VA rules have a big impact on veterans’ lives. The Rudisill ruling makes it clear what veterans are entitled to in benefits, so they get the money they deserve for their service. The new rules make it easier and fairer for veterans to get the benefits they need to take care of themselves and their families.
As a veteran, both the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Rudisill Supreme Court decision have had a huge and direct impact on my life. The Yellow Ribbon Program helped me get a better education and made it easier for me to transition into civilian life with the skills I needed to succeed. On the other hand, the Rudisill ruling made it clear that veterans deserve to be treated with respect and fairness when it comes to their benefits, a testament to their sacrifices.
These initiatives are a big change in how we see veterans. They’re no longer seen as problems, but as people who gave their all to our country and deserve our help when they’re ready to live in civilian life. The Yellow Ribbon Program and the Rudisill decision are important steps in making sure veterans have the rights and support they need.
In the end, these programs and decisions are lifelines for veterans. They help them bridge the gap between military and civilian life, make education and benefits more accessible, and give them the tools they need to succeed. As we continue to honor our veterans, these initiatives will be crucial in building a brighter and more equitable future for those who have given so much for our country.
No matter if you are in the U.S., or if you are a veteran living OCONUS, you can still get the education you want without going into debt. You are entitled to it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on these programs and decisions. Have they made a difference in your life, or do you think there are other areas where veterans still need our help?
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