Speaker highlights impact of G.I. Bill at MCC’s Lunch with Legends
When retired Lt. Col. Jason McElhenney stepped up to speak at Meridian Community College’s Lunch with Legends event, he didn’t begin with stories from his military career; he focused on something he said shaped both his life and the future of millions of American families: the G.I. Bill.
McElhenney, an MCC alumnus who later earned his master’s degree in community college education with an emphasis in history, told the audience that the G.I. Bill “changed the lives of millions of Americans” and helped build today’s middle class. He reminded listeners that the legislation first appeared in 1944 as the G.I. Bill of Rights before later being renamed in honor of Mississippi congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery.
He explained that the original bill was groundbreaking because it covered tuition, books, and living expenses for veterans attending college, vocational schools, or even finishing high school. More than 8 million veterans used those educational benefits in its first seven years, a number that transformed campuses across the country. Colleges expanded buildings, hired more faculty, and updated programs to meet the needs of returning service members.
McElhenney said the bill’s long-term impact reached far beyond education. Veterans who earned degrees or learned trades found better jobs, bought homes, and helped grow the nation’s middle class. He also noted that education strengthened democratic participation by giving more citizens the tools to engage and lead.
He then shifted to today’s Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, which he described as one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in U.S. history. It offers up to 36 months of education, full tuition and fees at public universities, a housing allowance, and support for books and supplies. Veterans can transfer unused benefits to a spouse or child, and more than 1 million veterans and family members have earned degrees through the program since 2009.
McElhenney encouraged the audience to recognize that veterans strengthen campus communities as well. Their leadership, discipline, and global awareness add depth to classroom discussions and help broaden understanding for all students. Education benefits the veteran, he said, but it benefits everyone who learns alongside them.
The Lunch with Legends program was hosted by the MCC Veterans Committee as part of the college’s efforts to honor service members and support veteran students.
For details about veteran resources at MCC, visit meridiancc.edu/military.