As a former Marine who served from 2004-2012 with two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I stand before you today on behalf of countless service members whose contributions to our nation cannot be undermined. I am a proud father of four children who, similar to many children of service members, would benefit greatly from the utilization of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Regrettably, current regulations require members to re-enlist or transfer such benefits prior to end of active service.

As much as we understand and appreciate the intent of these rules, their practical implications do not align with the flexible needs of our service members, nor the demands of employment requirements. Being able to choose who benefits from these provisions aligns with the spirit of individual freedom and choice - a value that service members like me hold dear, as it is what we fight for.

Today's statistics highlight the severe inadequacies within the current system, many post-9/11 GI Bill benefits remain unused for various reasons. With college tuition costs and the demand for higher education ever on the ascent, it is unconscionable for these hard earned benefits to go unused. 

We believe changes should be made to the existing policy. The freedom to transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to whomever we decide, without the requirement to re-enlist or transferred prior to end of active service, would be immeasurably beneficial to the families of service members.

We petition for this change. Join us in our call to action to revise this outdated regulation, granting service members the right to determine where their earned benefits are most beneficial. Sign this petition today.