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Suki Deen, University Relations Associate
31 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 295-1164
FAX (302) 295-1137
suki.r.deen@wilmu.edu
Congressman Mike Castle Helps Pass Bill to Benefit Veteran Students
February 11, 2008—New Castle, DE. Congressman Mike Castle spoke before a crowd of veteran students, Wilmington University graduates and members of the Delaware Air National Guard today to discuss important legislation that will help assist veterans pursue higher education. The event was held today from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Robert C. and Dorothy M. Peoples Library of Wilmington University's New Castle Campus.
Last week the House of Representatives passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, which included a provision known as the Securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act by Rep. Mike Castle (R-DE) and Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX). The Act will assist veterans by providing colleges and universities with the resources necessary to address the academic, financial, and social needs of veterans.
Dr. Thomas Cupples, Assistant Vice President of Wilmington University, welcomed Congressman Castle on behalf of the University community. Dr. Cupples pointed out the elements of the bill that were in line with the philosophy and mission of Wilmington University. Indeed the University has been providing higher education options to military personnel since 1977 at their Dover Air Force Base location.
Rep. Mike Castle explained how some veteran students have had difficulties following the various GI Bill financial aid and eligibility requirements. At the same time, he said, many schools have struggled to make sense of the intricacies and complexities of the GI Bill. As a result of these challenges, only eight percent of veterans actually use their GI benefit, while 30 percent of veterans do not use the benefit at all. Mike Castle would like to change these numbers by changing the system.
"The Federal Government has not done enough to ensure that schools are prepared to navigate the unique obstacles facing members of the military." Said Castle. "The Securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act is quickly gaining support in the U.S. Congress, and it is critical that we work together to push this legislation through the Senate and onto the President's Desk this year."
Congressman Castle recognized each soldier and reservist in the room who had taken time to attend the event: Staff Sergeant Fred Abel, a Delaware guardsman who is a graduate of Wilmington University, Colonel Wayne Merritt, also a member of the Delaware National Guard and a Wilmington University graduate, Master Sergeant Bob Csizmadia, State Education Manager at the Delaware National Guard, Sergeant Joe Dewson of the U.S. Marines and Sergeant Mike Davis of the Maryland National Guard. Congressman Castle thanked each of the soldiers and reservists for their great sacrifices and commitment to our nation.
Castle also recognized Wilmington University saying, "Beginning in the late 1960's Wilmington University, formerly Wilmington College, has been focused on assisting members of the military with pursuing a higher education." He went on to say, "With flexible class schedules, and campuses located close to the New Castle County National Guard Base and Dover Air Force Base, Wilmington University represents an ideal postsecondary experience for soldiers and veterans."
For more information on Congressman Mike Castle visit http://www.castle.house.gov
For more information on Wilmington University visit http://www.wilmu.edu