William C. Hubbard

The sound of rushing water played through speakers as a string quartet produced haunting and thought-provoking tones. The whooshing of wind chills the air as the quartet plucks demanding melodies representing melting glaciers in a piece entitled “Ice Becomes Water” by Judith Shatin. Later in the evening, ticking metronomes were projected on the screen as a piano accompanist played hurriedly, then slowly, as the time keepers rushed and dragged in “Maelzels Metronome(M.M.)”  by Lawton Hall.

After years of careful negotiation, bipartisan agreement, and strong support from 50 veterans service organizations over nearly a decade of advocacy, Congress finally closed the 90/10 loophole. This long-standing policy flaw allowed subpar “colleges” to be completely dependent on taxpayer dollars and incentivized them to target veterans for their GI Bill. Closing the loophole and upholding the integrity of the 90/10 Rule was a victory for common sense, accountability and fiscal responsibility.

A U.S. Airman takes notes during a briefing on educational benefits given by a Veterans Affairs representative at the base theater at Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Germany, March 24, 2014. The briefing gave attendees more information on how to activate, use and transfer their educational benefits. (Alexis Siekert/U.S. Air Force) As veterans transition from military service to civilian life, higher education is the most common steppingstone to new career opportunities.