Branstad Says He'll Sign Bill to Help Veterans Pay for College

KWWL--On Tuesday, Governor Terry Branstad plans to sign into law a bill that would give Iowa National Guard veterans help paying for college.

This bill would add more than one million dollars of state money to the National Guard education assistance program.

"Having this money is actually making it possible for me to go to school," Iowa Army National Guard SPC Olivia McBride said.

The Hawkeye student volunteers for the Boys and Girls Club of Black Hawk County in its afterschool program.

The Iowa Army National Guard member says she loves kids and wants to further her education to become a teacher.

She says getting state money to help pay for her education is vital.

"I wouldn't be going to school without it. I can have an apartment by myself, I drive a car, I have enough money to be able to pursue my dreams," McBride said.

McBride will graduate from Hawkeye Community College this spring and plans to move on to the University of Northern Iowa.

She and other guard members have worried about the financial future of the program in recent months. Read more...