VA Expands Educational Support to Surviving Spouses of Service Members

Press Release

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced Monday it will expand access to the Fry Scholarship to surviving spouses of service members who died in active duty. It will begin accepting applications by mail on Monday, November 3, 2014.

The Fry Scholarship will entitle eligible spouses to up to 36 months of full 100-percent funding under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This includes tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies.

The expansion to surviving spouses was made possible by The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. Previously, only the children of those who died in active duty were eligible.

"Making this funding available to surviving spouses is vital in recognizing the sacrifices made by the loved ones of service members," said U.S. Rep. Gallego. "We are fortunate for their selflessness and thankful for the support they offer to our men and women in uniform."

The scholarship was created to honor Sergeant John David Fry who, in 2006, was killed by an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Sergeant Fry had one week left on his tour when he volunteered to work seven more hours disarming explosive devices, despite having already injured his hand. He left behind a widow and three young children.

The Department of Veterans Affairs will contact those eligible for the scholarship with information comparing funding under the Fry Scholarship to educational funding they may already be receiving from the VA under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program.

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