KBIA Local
(2010-05-27)
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COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Columbia College is famous for its work with veterans of military service. Each year it recognizes servicemen and women at a public ceremony. KBIA's Caleb Barron attended Thursday's event and has this report.
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Vietnam War veteran and Columbia College graduate George Ousley Jr. was honored with the dedication of the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center. The center, that provides help to veterans in pursuit of their degrees, opened in May of 2009. Ousley donated one hundred thousand dollars toward the project.
"To have this center here to help the returning veterans and their dependents, their family members with questions and so forth, it means a great deal to me and my family."
Ousley attended Columbia College in the late 70s and received support from the GI Bill.
He says the ceremony was not about the donation, but about creating awareness of the service center. Senior Coordinator for Veterans Services Keila Ferree discussed the potential benefits the center provides to those in need.
"In this office we can assist students as they apply for their GI Bill, we assist them with the certification process, we let the VA know the number of credit hours they are enrolled in so that they can get funds to pay for their education."
In addition to helping Columbia College students, some aid is also available to students who attend other universities.
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