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"Boots to Books: Helping Our Veterans Transition to College"

Will Be Theme of the Inaugural Rio Hondo President's Gala

The Inaugural President's Gala with a theme of "Boots to Books" has been scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2008. The "black-tie optional" event, featuring entertainment and a gourmet dinner, will be held at the Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry. Click here to register or to find out about scholarship opportunities.

Gala Details

When: April 12, 2008  6:00 pm
Where: Pacific Palms Resort, City of Industry
Dress: Black-tie optional
Registration: Click here

Purpose: To raise funds to support educational opportunities for veterans.

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The Foundation felt that that helping our veterans transition to college was a fitting theme for the first of his annual galas because of the tremendous economic and education needs facing veterans who have given so much in support of our country. The gala will fund scholarships for veterans as well as other critical student services for those who have served our country.

Rio Hondo College is developing a new Veterans Department that will facilitate veterans transitioning from the military to college. Community colleges are at the forefront of this effort statewide:  16,000 of the 21,000 veterans and their dependents using GI Bill benefits at California public colleges and universities are in the California Community College system.

Some basic facts about today's vets will outline the problems that the Gala will be addressing:

  • 1.6 million Americans have served in Iraq or Afghanistan

  • More than 540,000 troops have deployed more than once

  • 375,000 troops separate from the military each year to resume their civilian lives

  • 90% of enlisted soldiers do not have a college degree

  • Active duty soldiers are required to pay a $1,200 “user fee” in order to receive education benefits.

  • Combat veterans of the Reserve and National Guard are eligible for only 40% of active duty benefits.

  • Combat veterans of the Reserve and National Guard lose all their education benefits if they leave the military.

A Congressional study found that for every $1 invested in education under the original G. I. Bill of 1944 the nation received between $5 and $12 in new economic activity and increased tax revenue. Just as the first G.I Bill transformed American society, investments in today’s generation of veterans will benefit both individual veterans and society as a whole.

Don't miss this great event!  Click here for information on sponsorship opportunities.

 

 

 

 

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