Swords to Plowshares supports the passage of the Harry W. Colmery Education Assistance Act of 2017 and commends the bipartisan efforts to pass this bill.
Swords to Plowshares supports the passage of the Harry W. Colmery Education Assistance Act of 2017 and commends the bipartisan efforts to pass this bill and improve educational benefits for future student veterans. This bill will ensure that student veterans no longer have an expiration date of 15 years to use their GI Bill. Purple Heart recipients will receive full GI Bill benefits no matter how long they served, students who were enrolled in schools that suffered closures will have their benefits reinstate, and much more.
Our staff and leadership give special recognition to the determined efforts of Student Veterans of America (SVA) for leading the campaign, as well as the collaborative efforts of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) and over 40 veteran service organizations in alliance with SVA. This outcome proves that despite challenges in Congress, our work is not in vain when in the company of like-minded advocates.
“Understandably, veterans can be wary and not trust us immediately – especially if they are women or struggling with mental health conditions. This isn’t only about getting veterans housed; we’re also establishing relationships with them out where they feel the safest – which may be in their tent or on a bench they frequent. It’s worth it to come out here determined to make a connection.” - Tonya Greenlee, Swords’ Outreach
From the streets of San Francisco to behind the barber chair, Zack’s story is one of resilience, community, and second chances – a reminder that with the right support, every veteran has the power to rebuild.
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