Local Veterans To Receive Free College Education

May 19, 2008

Trocaire College first to enter into partnership with Erie County

Veterans returning to Erie County from Iraq and Afghanistan can now receive a totally free college education thanks to a partnership between Erie County and Trocaire College. Trocaire College will wave any tuition expenses not covered by the federal GI Bill or New York's Veteran's Tuition Award for Erie County's own heroes returning home from the war zones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"As the nation prepares for Memorial Day weekend, our local community needs to prepare to welcome home our newest generation of veterans," said Erie County Executive Chris Collins. "Erie County needs to give our young men and women a reason to stay and make a life here. Our community and our economy will benefit from their energy, character and bravery."

Erie County's Director of Veterans Services, Patrick Welch, is working with local colleges and universities to provide our newest generation of veterans with increased educational opportunities.

"While members of Congress debate whether or not to provide proper funding for veterans health care and an improved GI Bill for education, Erie County and Trocaire College are taking action today," said Patrick Welch, Erie County's Director of Veterans Services. "We can not wait and allow our newest generation of veterans to wonder what awaits them upon their return. This community, to the best of my knowledge, is the first in the nation willing and able to welcome our veterans home and provide them with a free education."

Trocaire College was the first local higher education institution to agree to offer tuition free of charge. Bryant and Stratton College and ITT Technical Institute have also agreed to participate.

"Trocaire College is pleased to partner with the Department of Veterans Services in offering educational benefits to returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," stated Trocaire President Dr. Paul B. Hurley, Jr. "We recognize the sacrifices these men and women have made for our country and we are proud to be able to provide these returning veterans an opportunity to further their education."

Hundreds of Western New Yorkers have been deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.