Anoka-Ramsey Community College Veteran Services is offering two information nights, April 29, 7 p.m. at the Coon Rapids Campus Cafeteria and May 7, 5 p.m., at the Cambridge Campus Rm. G202 to help veterans understand the changes in the new G.I. Bill education benefit program, also known as Chapter 33 or the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

Anyone who has served on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001 may be eligible for the new benefit program.

The new G.I. Bill is considered complex, but could be of benefit to eligible veterans. The information sessions are intended to help veterans choose between the new benefit program and current benefit programs.

The Anoka-Ramsey Veteran Services staff currently serves approximately 400 veteran-students at both campuses. The college anticipated the rapid growth of the student-veteran population and introduced services, including "Veterans Express" one-stop veteran registration days, in fall 2007.

Veteran Services Director, Phil O'Donnell and advisors, Dan Potter and Ken Adams, are committed to serving veterans and providing them with the tools they need to begin their post-secondary educations.

“When the new Post 9/11/2001 G.I. Bill becomes law, I believe there will be a measurable increase in the population of student-veterans, and it is our responsibility and our pleasure to be ready to serve these students,” says O’Donnell.

Veteran Services also provides academic advising and monitoring as well as:

• Degree Planning
• Financial Aid and G.I. Bill Information
• Military and Transfer Credit Assessment
• Tutoring Center for Studying
• Lounge Acces
• Computer, Internet and Printing Access

All veterans are welcome to simply walk in or to make an appointment.

Veterans are also encouraged to stop into the on-campus Military Education Resource Centers at both campuses to make contact with other veterans and find the social support they need to succeed.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College Veterans upcoming Information Sessions and Veterans Express one-stop veteran registration days, call 763-433-1856.