Yarmuth: New Scholarship Program Will Cover Costs Of College For Children Of Troops Who Have Died In Line Of Duty
Press Release
Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that the children of American servicemen and women who have died in the line of duty can apply for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship. Approved by Congress last year, this scholarship covers the full cost of a college education for all of the children of service members who died on active duty since September 11, 2001
"This scholarship will help preserve the legacy of the men and women who gave their lives for our country by ensuring their children have every opportunity to achieve the American Dream," said Congressman Yarmuth. "I am proud to support a program that honors the commitment and sacrifice of both our military heroes and their families."
The scholarship program was enacted as part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act in 2009 to honor Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry. Fry died in Iraq while disarming an explosive, and was survived by three young children.
The Department of Veterans Affairs began accepting applications for this program on May 1, 2010. VA estimates 1,500 children will be eligible for the scholarship in 2010.
More on the Fry Scholarship:
· All children of members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for 36 months of tuition and fees up to the maximum in-state tuition and as well as a monthly living stipend, and book allowance.
· The benefit took effect August 1, 2009, and VA will begin making payments no later than August 1, 2010, with retroactive payments for children enrolled in college from August 1, 2009 through July 31, 2010.
· Surviving military children have 15 years to use their benefits, beginning on their 18th birthdays.
· For more information, visit the VA website at http://www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-88-442-4551)
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