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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lizzie Manganiello, Ictus Initiative, 617-717-8294, lizzie@ictusinitiative.com
MOST VULNERABLE VETS LEFT OUT OF G.I. BILL
Expert warns of need to focus attention on veterans with no high school diploma
New Prague, MN - (July 18, 2008) - The new G.I. Bill has dramatically increased financial support for service men and women to get a college education, but only those who have graduated from high school. According to government and military consultant Ken Betterton, within the next four years up to half of the returning veterans may be ineligible for the financial aid the Bill offers.
The National Priorities Project found that the percentage of Army enlistees who joined with a high school diploma fell from almost 84 percent in 2005 to less than 71 percent last year—the lowest level in 25 years. Betterton expects this figure to drop further toward 50 percent, as the Army struggles to find recruits, raising questions about the Bill's value to the most vulnerable veterans.
"There is no question that, as a whole, the new G.I. Bill increases the assistance to our returning service men and women," says Betterton, a former Marine who now consults government agencies such as the FBI and DEA on labor and management issues. "But the question of how the armed services will help the enlisted soldiers without high school diplomas integrate into careers upon their return needs urgent attention. These are the people most at risk of sliding into poverty."
As many criticize the armed services for lowering their recruiting standards to keep enlisted benchmarks, the topic of preparing these soldiers to attain their GEDs or learn trades has yet to be broached. Betterton points out that it is the responsibility of the military to offer career and life training to help soldiers discover their interests and skill set, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. By adding practical skill building to existing benefits returning G.I.s can lay the foundation for fulfilling and independent lives away from the battlefield.
"Historically, the Montgomery Bill has acted as a path to college," says Betterton. "But the likelihood of every soldier taking advantage of the higher education benefit is starting to shrink. However, that doesn't mean that those not enrolling in college can't have a meaningful career. The educational benefit offers the ability to enroll in trade and technical schools and that needs to be emphasized, but we need to get our vets through high school first."
For more information about Ken Betterton, please visit www.KenBetterton.com. To schedule an interview with him, please contact Lizzie Manganiello at The Ictus Initiative, 617-717-8294 or lizzie@ictusinitiative.com.
About Ken Betterton. Ken Betterton works with leaders in the public and private sectors to give organizations the ability to work together as a team, develop leaders within the ranks and contribute meaningfully to the quality of life in the communities they serve. Focusing on emotional intelligence, interpersonal awareness, and individual integrity, Ken shows people in positions of authority how to use their power to promote change and exhibit a commitment to true service. Whether through his powerful keynote presentations, his on-site training workshops or consulting engagements, he has enabled private companies and law enforcement agencies across the country to build stronger organizations based on respect, trust, and service.
Ken has worked with government agencies including the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the U.S. Department of Justice. He has also worked with major corporations such as Pfizer Pharmaceutical, General Chemical, and Tesoro Oil. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice / Psychology and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy session #186 and Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.
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