On June 22, 1944, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the United States government: The Service members' Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights. By the time the original GI Bill ended in July 1956, 7.8 million World War II veterans had participated in an education or training program.

Today, the legacy of the original GI Bill lives on in the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB Chapter 30) program. Participating service members need only take a $100 per month pay reduction during their first year of enlistment to be eligible for up to $38,700* of education benefits.

With such a great benefit available, why aren't more Veterans utilizing one of the largest benefits available to them? According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the FY'05 Chapter 30 MGIB usage rate for participating veterans who have passed their 10-year delimiting period was 71 percent. That means that 30 percent of those who have contributed to the MGIB never use it! Additionally, of the 71 percent of veterans that used their benefits, the average person used less than half (16.5 months) of their full 36 months of benefits! That equates to hundreds of millions of dollars not being used to increase veterans' education - which has a direct correlation to their earning potential.

Veterans give many reasons why they never used their benefits:

• Having to work to make a living post-service.
• Not enough time.
• Family became a priority.
• Did not know benefits ran out at the 10-year mark. (Some thought as long as they started by 10 years they still retained their benefit.)

NO reason is big enough NOT to use such a great benefit that enhances earning potential and contributes to a better quality of life for the Veteran and family.

Remember, when it comes to the MGIB - USE it or LOSE it!

* Based on full time attendance

RELEASED: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2006
US Census Bureau

Adults with a bachelor's degree average over $20,000 a year more than those with only a high school diploma, according to new Census data. The survey found that adults 18 and older with a bachelor's degree earned an average of $51,000 in 2004, compared to $28,645 for those with only a high school diploma.

As a service member or veteran continuing your education may be difficult because of family or military obligations. Online learning may be a viable option for you. Ask yourself these questions to see if an online education at DeVry University is for you.

• Are the courses offered 24/7 or are they asynchronous?
• Is the school regionally accredited?
• Does the school have a degree program that fits your education and career goals?
• Does the educational platform used meet your needs?

• Are the courses self-paced or completed within an academic timeframe?
• Does Military Tuition Assistance or the MGIB cover the costs of the courses?
• Does the school grant academic credit for military schooling and experience (as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE)?

If the answer to most of these questions is yes, DeVry University Online might be right for you! Contact your DeVry military advisor for additional information. Simply click here and a military advisor will contact you shortly.

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is the largest multi-campus Community College in the world serving over 347,000 students enrolled in 102 affiliated Air Force schools and 67 degree programs?

Furthermore, it's the only 2-year institution exclusively serving enlisted personnel. Below you'll find some other fast facts about the CCAF.

• The college awarded its first associate in applied science degree in April 1977.
• The Commission on Colleges accredited CCAF on 12 December 1980 and reaffirmed its accreditation in 1986 and again in 1997.
• Since issuing its first degree in 1977, the college has awarded more than 290,000 associate in applied science degrees.

It's Monday morning O dark thirty when our DeVry Online Military crew begins trickling in from their weekend slumber. It might be early, but their mission is as clear and bright as the Phoenix rising in the early morning Arizona sky. That's because our military advisors have a true passion and commitment for helping our service members achieve their education goals. Most have been there; finishing homework in a fox hole serving as an Airborne Ranger or taking night classes at the local community college and not returning home to their families until 2200 hrs. With over 148 years of combined military experience, our military advisors know what it takes to be successful while serving and beyond.

Recently I had an opportunity to ask our advisors, "Why do you like doing what you do, (providing education services to our military men and women)?

Most interesting was the common theme - sharing the passion of education and success that comes with our military members'education. Mari McCarley, a retired Army Veteran, stated, "I was told by my doctor to have a job that is a passion not a requirement. This is such a job. By talking to military men and women I get to stay near the military and by working for DeVry University I get to share education with them. Education is a right for our military men and women and I want to share it with all...." John Villamor, Air Force Intelligence Veteran and new to the DeVry military team, went on to say, "The reason I'm here other than for myself and my family is for the military students I SERVE. These same students serve to keep us free citizens of the United States and maintain our freedom - I wish to serve them to the best of my ability and get them the education they need, want or desire." Cory Dennis, Air Force Veteran, had this to say, "I enjoy helping military members achieve their educational goals in order to help them successfully transition from military to civilian service."

As you see, our commitment and passion are real. Our advisors are real and we're here to serve you, the U.S. military. DeVry University is privileged to help you achieve your educational goals while serving and as you transition back into the civilian world.

Front: Lydia DeYoung, Cathy Patterson, John Villamor, James Henley, Cory Dennis, Tina Gantner, Martha Baker, Hamsa Wilson
Second Row: Stephen Knight Mariwyn Patterson, K.C. Haight Director, Mari McCarley, Shawn Hughes, Marcel Roshto, Stephni Robinson, Doug Barling, ADA.
Back: Cate Innocenzi, Vicki Morrison ADA, Anthony Patterson, Todd Conroy
Not Shown: Monica Bell Brian Muegge,

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• If you've been struck by lightning, there's an 85% chance that you're male.
• A typical fast food milkshake contains about 50 chemicals.
• In 1920 Detroit became the first U.S. City to put in a stoplight.