My name is Ben, and I’ve served in the Air Force for over 17 years. I earned the full GI Bill through my service to this country, with the hope that it would support me in building a new career when I transitioned to civilian life. But when I chose to use my benefits to attend a vocational flight school instead of getting a second bachelor's degree, I was shocked to learn that I wouldn’t receive the same support as other veterans. No housing allowance. No stipend for books or supplies. And only partial tuition coverage. I had to take on over $100,000 in debt—despite having full GI Bill eligibility.

I’ve asked the VA why this is the case, and I haven’t gotten a clear answer. One outdated assumption seems to be that you need a four-year degree to become a professional pilot—but that requirement no longer exists. Today, you can become an airline transport pilot through vocational training. Yet vocational flight training is the only program listed by name in the VA education benefits that does not include a monthly housing allowance. That means veterans like me are left dealing with housing insecurity while training full-time for a vital, in-demand career. We’re not asking for special treatment—just equal benefits.

We’re facing a national pilot shortage, and veterans are uniquely qualified to help fill that gap. But we can’t do it if we’re financially grounded. That’s why I created Service to Sky, a nonprofit dedicated to training veterans to become pilots at no cost and advocating for equal benefits for those who choose vocational aviation paths. We’re not just raising awareness—we’re providing real solutions, and we need the system to catch up. The time to act is now. All we’re asking for is the same benefits all GI Bill users receive: a monthly housing allowance, a books and supplies stipend, and full tuition support—regardless of whether we’re flying, fixing air conditioners, or driving trucks. Just because we want to fly through a vocational path shouldn’t mean we’re punished for it.

We’re collecting signatures to bring this issue directly to Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs. With your support, we will show lawmakers and VA leaders that this isn’t just about aviation—it’s about fairness, dignity, and giving veterans the freedom to pursue new careers on equal footing.

Sign and share this petition to help us fix this outdated policy and make GI Bill benefits equal for all veterans—especially those who are ready to soar.