"The GI Bill is expensive. But so is war. And the real cost of that war is not in dollars. It is in the sweat and blood of our heroic men and women who are fighting it. The American Legion exists to advocate on their behalf."

Well said, Commander.

The GI Bill should not be used to subsidize high tax high cost states to the detriment of everyone else. College tuition flucuates widely across the USA and money spent in high cost states means there is less for everyone else.

Three-Cheers for my American Legion, (and The DAV and The VFW) for their efforts over the years.

I could have gone to Stanford in 1977, or I could have gone to Iowa State, or even a 2 year state college. I went to the two year, then on to the University and a degree. I got the exact same education that anyone who went to Stanford got, just not their name's prestige.

In the late 40's and earl 50's the WWII generation went to colleges and universities all across the nation, yet everyone who wanted a college education got it, just as they will now. Some states do subsidize those GI Bill costs (such as California), but most do not.

The argument that one state will cost more for the Veteran's education than any other is true, but it is also a Red-Herring issue because it is the extreme case, and likely never to be a factor in most outcomes... Those "good" education outcomes are up to all of us who wish to get a decent college education, like me and 2 or 3 million other Vietnam Era Veterans got.

Some will go still to Yale(like many WWII Vets did), but they won't get paid one nickel extra from the GI Bill to do so... (and yes I have read the facts).

The argument that some states cost more than others is most definately not a red herring. And it isn't because of the argument you also make that outcome is not based on the school one attends. The outcome is actually pertinent to the argument that the GI Bill should not pay for expensive states who choose to spend their money on other things other than supporting their states schools. Why should the GI Bill pay twice as much for a podunk state school in a high cost state than they do for a school in a low cost state? Come up with an average and that is the max they will pay, period. They shouldn't subsidize high cost states excess spending. Worse, some states higher education systems are bloated dumping grounds for patronage politics. The Massachessetts state university system is saddled with a bloated administrative staff that is loaded with patronage politicians and their hangers on. The GI Bill should not be subsidizing that excess.

you notice the more govt spends to give out in ed benefiets not just for vets but civies as well the higher the amount charged by that school.bring back free market ideals to our colleges and the g.i. bill will once again be enough to cover college and dorm expenses such as food shelter etc. maybe that would help drive out the leftist hippies left over from the 60's as well.the three R's are much better than constant lectures about che guevarra and how great they think he was.

My comment regarding this news article is way off topic, and I apologize in advance for "my" comments. They are made with complete outrage towards the American Legion, a veterans organization that I am a member of.

First off, I don't believe a thing they say, or have any faith in anything that they do.

In my opinion, they are a fraud. And, I fully expect that somebody in a position of "responsibility" investigate my allegations, to make things "right."

Matters of fact: The American Legion has been given their charter as a veterans organization specifically from the US Government.

Fact: They are the largest veterans group in the United States. They boast of the highest amount of members, more than 2 million.

Fact: Go to their website and look at their application for membership.

They do not "require" any person seeking membership to their US government sanctioned organization to "proove" their military service. They only ask that you sign a statement, saying that you are a military veteran.

Fact: The largest percentage of phoney-wanna-be veterans who dress up in uniforms of services they never served in, or wear medals that they have never earned, are "real" members of the American Legion.

This is my outrage.

I would like to see the senate or congress, whoever it was/is responsible for the overseeing of this veterans group, meaning whatever governmental agency who gave this group their charter, demand and make mandatory that any person who desires to be a member PROOVE their military service.

There is not one other veterans association in this country that does not require proof of military service to become a member.

I beg the US HOR to force the American Legion into demanding proof of military service, prior to giving membership to any military veteran.

I used to have a neighbor who claimed to be a Navy Seal, who was collecting 100% disability for PTSD, because his military service.

The American Legion helped him with his claim. His claim stated that he could not proove his military service, because his records were burned in the fire at the federal records center in St Louis.

Guess what, folks, the only records burned in the St Louis fire were Army and Air Force.

Navy, Marine and Coast Guard records were not destroyed!!!!!

So, how many phoney veterans now receive military benefits based on their military disability benefits of 100%, i.e., Space A travel and housing, PX and commissary services, as well as free, 100% health care at the VA with no co-pays?

When asked simple questions about military life, i.e., what is a forecastle, and WHAT WAS YOUR RANK?, this neighbor of mine could not give me an answer. He moved out of my apt complex 7 days later!

So, how many GI-Joe wannabes who have never spent one day on active duty are now members of the Amercan Legion and who are also collecting veterans benefits that they are not entitled to?

Shame on whoever it is that has allowed this to happen.

I beg the US government to "demand" that the American Legion clean up their act and start demanding proof of military service to those asking for membership.

Just like the VFW does, and every other veterans organizations!!

Thank you for letting me rant. I am sure someone of "importance" is reading this response.

It seems from reading the American Legion magazine each month, it is more important for them to gain members and remain the only veterans group in America with the highest amount of members. I'd rather see them as a veterans group who, like the others, demands proof of military service, regardless as to what their standing is with amounts of members.

I would like to see military.com or 60 inutes or 20/20, or anybody else do a story about this, to inform the public of this outrage!

So, I beg the US Government, NOW, TO DO THE RIGHT THING, AND FIX THIS MESS!

DUTY - HONOR - COUNTRY

To do nothing, means nothing more then to cheapen the military service of our veterans and to prove that those who have died serving their country, MEANS NOTHING!

Shame on you!

The GI Bill can never cover cost America what she owes the men and women of the armed forces. After being around GIs for 35 years (active duty) whatever educational program they want to participate in will never pay them back for their sacrifices.