Lost in the recent swirl of political activity in Minnesota earlier this week was a great event down in Rochester.

On Tuesday, local Iraq War veterans, US Action, and ABM gathered to thank Representative Tim Walz for his steadfast support of Minnesota’s veterans and the 21st Century GI Bill.

From the press release (full text below the fold):

“This month, Congress passed the G.I. Bill for the 21st Century, co-sponsored in the House of Representatives by MN Congressman Tim Walz. This bill is critical in providing a full, four-year college education to the men and women of the U.S. military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. The bill helps make our troops and veterans part of a new economic recovery,” said Sgt. Ryan Marti of the US Army

Thanks again to Army Sgt. Ryan Marti and Army Sgt. Stephan Rudenick for their brave service, and for coming to speak about an important issue. You can read the full release after the jump.

Press Release
June 3rd , 2008

USAction, Iraq Veterans, and Alliance for a Better MN Call For The 21st Century GI Bill to Be Signed Into Law

Groups commended Rep. Tim Walz for his relentless work on the 21st Century GI Bill and investing in America’s future.

Rochester, MN – USAction and Alliance for a Better MN joined Southern Minnesota Iraq veterans today as they pressed for the signing of the 21st Century GI Bill into law. The bill has passed both the House of Representatives and the US Senate and soon will go to the President’s desk for signing. President Bush has indicated that he may veto this crucial veteran’s bill, however.

“This month, Congress passed the G.I. Bill for the 21st Century, co-sponsored in the House of Representatives by MN Congressman Tim Walz. This bill is critical in providing a full, four-year college education to the men and women of the U.S. military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001. The bill helps make our troops and veterans part of a new economic recovery,” said Sgt. Ryan Marti of the US Army.

“President Bush opposes a new G.I. Bill of Rights. He worries that if the traditional path to college for service members since World War II is improved and expanded for the post-9/11 generation, too many people will take it. He opposes this on the ground that the bill is too generous and may discourage re-enlistment. Thankfully, the new G.I. Bill has strong bipartisan support in Congress. The House passed it by a veto-proof margin this month, and last week the Senate followed suit, approving it as part of a military financing bill for Iraq and Afghanistan. Here in Minnesota, we commend Rep. Tim Walz who has worked diligently on this bill, “said Army Sgt. Stephen Rudenick.

Donald McFarland of USAction added, “Once again Rep. Tim Walz has shown his dedication to the brave men and woman who serve in the United States military. His tireless work on behalf of Minnesota’s veterans does not go unnoticed. Minnesota is fortunate to have a representative in the US House whose priority is investing in America’s future.”

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