Yellow Ribbon recipients benefit at Methodist
Written by Ashley Young - News Editor | 
Methodist University has opened its doors through the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement program to military participants who are interested in receiving a collegiate degree and have served for 36 months or more since September 10, 2001.
300 qualified Yellow Ribbon recipients will receive tuition assistance exceeding the rate of GI Bill compensation for the 2011-2012 school year. Through the program, the Department of Veterans Affairs will match that assistance by up to 50% of the difference between the student’s tuition benefit and the total cost of tuition and fees. Qualified Yellow Ribbon recipients will receive up to 5,510 dollars per year. With GI Bill base assistance and Yellow Ribbon Program, recipients can attend Methodist at no cost.
The Yellow Ribbon program is a provision of the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which was updated by the Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. The program was created to give veterans enhanced educational benefits that cover educational expenses, provide a living allowance, money for books and the ability to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children.
Norbert White, a junior business administration major, served as a Logistician for the army at Fort Bragg, and found out about Methodist through the Veterans Administration’s website.
“I chose Methodist University because of its academic excellence in Business and its commitment to the Fort Bragg and the Fayetteville Community,” said White.
White retired after spending 22 years in the army and currently works as a Logistics Analyst Contractor on Fort Bragg for Honeywell. White said he enjoys the flexibility that Methodist offers working military students by offering night and online classes. Through his Yellow Ribbon benefits, White was able to purchase a laptop computer, which was needed for his classes.
“Because of the op tempo in the military with the 82nd Airborne Division, getting an education while on active duty can be almost next to impossible,” said White. “I have served seven combat tours overseas and a lot of those places were remote and did not forward me the opportunity to continue my learning.”
Many military students, like White, have gotten the opportunity to continue their education at Methodist University through the Yellow Ribbon program. Randy Smith, Director of Veterans Services, is in charge of assisting students who are eligible for Veterans Administration Education benefits.
“An education is a noble endeavor that should be pursued by all, and learning never stops no matter how old you are,” said White. “The Yellow Ribbon program is a constant reminder to the men and women who serve that they are appreciated for their service and sacrifice.”
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|