One in a Million: MCC Student is Millionth Recipient of GI Bill

Editor's note: The following article is courtesy of Middlesex County College. 

In The Cordell Hull Conference Room in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, Middlesex County College student-veteran Steven Ferraro was celebrated Friday, Nov. 8, as the national 1 millionth recipient of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. He urged his fellow veterans to take advantage of their educational benefit.

Sitting next to him was Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, a military mother, and a faculty member at a community college in Virginia, as well as Allison Hickey, the Veterans Administration’s undersecretary of benefits.

In a conference call with reporters from all over the nation, Ferraro explained why he attended Middlesex County College and he recommended fellow veterans to use the benefit.

“I chose Middlesex County College because my brother used his GI Bill benefit there and graduated and my sister currently attends,” he said. “I figured with my family going here, it would be an easy transition from going from a full-time soldier to a full-time student. I want to thank Middlesex County College and my veterans affairs rep, David Brimmer, for the support I have gotten.

"Middlesex County College is a veteran-friendly environment and the assistance I have received was a great help. Going back to school after serving in the military is a very big challenge, especially trying to balance school life with a family. I would recommend to all veterans and service members to use their VA benefits to help you make the most out of your next career.”

Biden said she has seen how community colleges have changed the lives of so many students for the better.

“As a community college teacher myself, I am very happy that our 1 millionth beneficiary has chosen this path,” she said. “Providing quality education and helping our veterans find meaningful employment is part of our obligation to those who serve. I have seen it in my own classroom: veterans bring the same determination and focus to their studies that they use serving our county. And it’s great for our county because highly skilled, trained veterans will make our nation’s workforce stronger.

“We have so many returning after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and they’re going to be looking for jobs. This is the perfect way for them to transition into new careers. I’m a community college teacher so I’m hoping they come to the community college and then transfer to a four-year college. You’ve seen how it’s worked for Steven.”

The Post 9/11 GI Bill, which began in August of 2009, has distributed over $30 billion in the form of tuition and other education-related payments to veterans, service members, and their families; and to the universities, colleges, and trade schools they attend.

“We’re here to congratulate a very special veteran – the 1 millionth beneficiary of this landmark program, both as an individual and as a representative of the post 9/11 veteran generation, which has sacrificed so much for our country. We’re also getting ready to help the next million use this benefit to get a quality education and find meaningful employment."

Ferraro was interviewed by other media later in the day, and had a tour of the West Wing of the White House, including the press room and a peek inside the Oval Office.