FSCJ Honors Success of GI Bill in Editorial Letter

I want to take a moment to recognize the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill, originally known as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944.

Since its humble beginnings, the GI Bill has delivered numerous benefits to countless service men and women returning to civilian life. This bill provides veterans with enhanced educational benefits that cover more educational expenses, a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.

For more than 40 years, Florida State College at Jacksonville has provided veterans with educational assistance. Jacksonville is a city with proud military roots. At FSCJ, we recognize the importance of aiding our veterans in their academic pursuits. As a result, we established the Military and Veterans Service Center in 2013. About 7,400 veteran certifications are processed by FSCJ, which represents one of the largest veteran populations of any U.S. public college.

FSCJ was awarded a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs grant, which includes funding to expand the Military and Veterans Service Center’s resources and services, and provides a veteran’s rehabilitation counselor and a veteran’s health representative. The service center is led by a retired Navy senior chief and staffed by other retired service members, most of whom received their degrees through military tuition assistance programs and GI Bill funding. This staff understands the needs of veterans.

FSCJ also provides many postsecondary adult vocational degree and certificate programs. The service center hosts workshops on career building, resume writing and interviewing skills. These services are approved for the use of the GI Bill benefits. The GI Bill supports education for veteran service members and their families. This bill’s benefits and efforts remain significant. Florida State College at Jacksonville is thankful for all veterans and their service to our country.

Dr. Cynthia Bioteau

President, Florida State College at Jacksonville