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New GI bill provides for Northland students

October 23, 2009

Commonly known as the G.I. Bill, the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 has long provided the men and women of the United States armed forces with a variety of benefits, including financial support for education. For the last 65 years that bill and the benefits it provides have remained relatively unchanged. On August 1 2009, the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill took effect and among the changes are allowances for the transfer of benefits. For the first time in history, G.I. Bill educational funding can also be used by the spouses or dependents of service men and women. And that’s big news for Brian Finch.

Brian is a senior at Northland College majoring in Natural Resources with an emphasis in fish and wildlife management. Brian has never served in the armed forces himself, but he’s the son of Phyllis Finch and Chief Petty Officer Richard Finch. A 26-year veteran of the United States Navy, CPO Finch is currently serving active duty at the Navy Operational Support Center in Madison, WI. This semester is the first time that Brian can use his father’s G.I Bill funding to help pay tuition at Northland College. While the bill doesn’t cover the full cost of enrollment, it does provide an amount equivalent to the highest public in-state tuition in Wisconsin as well allowances for housing and books, benefits that account for nearly half of Brian’s expenses.

“It’s like getting another huge grant,” said Brian. “Other years, I’ve relied a lot on scholarships that took a lot of time and energy to apply for. I also had to work during the year. Now I can put that time towards my classes, take more credits. It’s great.”

Brian can also be more involved in the organizations that interest him. During his time at Northland, he’s been an active member of the College’s chapter of the National Weather Service and American Meteorological Society. After graduation, Brian plans to work as a game warden somewhere in the Midwest and may pursue an additional two-year degree in law enforcement.