JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., introduced legislation to expand the eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program to people who have received the Fry Scholarship, a scholarship that allows education benefits to be transferred to the children of service members killed in the line of duty.
The Yellow Ribbon Program allows higher education institutions to cover additional tuition costs for service members utilizing their GI benefits if the cost of attendance is above the cap set by the post-9/11 GI Bill.
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However, Rutherford said dependents who are utilizing the Fry Scholarship are not eligible for the additional financial assistance, meaning that surviving spouses and children of people who have died in the line of duty have fewer options for where they can use their education benefits.
Rutherford said the Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Program Expansion Act would allow those on the Fry Scholarship to be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
The bill recognizes Petty Officer 3rd Class Julian Woods, a Jacksonville native killed by enemy fire while going to the aid of a fallen soldier.
“Empowering the family members of our servicemen and women strengthens our communities, invigorates our institutions and brightens our future," Rutherford said. "Petty Officer Woods was an American hero, and we are forever indebted to the countless sacrifices made by our servicemen and women just like him. I believe it is our duty to make sure their families have the support they deserve, and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that expands education opportunities for the loved ones of the courageous service members who have died in defense of our freedoms.”
Michael Little, director of Legislative Affairs for the Association of the U.S. Navy, said the bill, which he pledged his support for, would amend Title 38, U.S. Code, to include the Fry Scholarship in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.
“Any work Congress does to enhance opportunities for the families of those who lost a loved one in the line of duty is of incredible importance," Carolyn Woods, Julian Woods' mother, said. "Julian was a hero for our nation and our family, and I am proud his legacy remains in the Julian Woods Yellow Ribbon Expansion Act. I thank Congressman Rutherford for recognizing Julian, his daughter and our family, and (I) hope this bill helps many families like ours.”