Bill, or I could take advantage of the newer, more robust Chapter 33 post-9/11 veterans G.I.
With college prices much higher than the Vietnam Era, like many others, I chose the latter.
This condition, imposed on millions of veterans, effectively denied us thousands of dollars in educational support.
Members of the military march in the annual Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2022 in New York City.Spencer Platt/Getty Images
This partly voided the militarys guarantee of freeeducationfor military service.
For veterans who saw this as a grave injustice, there was one beacon of hope: James Rudisill.
This victory was a long time coming.
However, it was not without resistance.
The case was originally filed asRudisill v. Wilkie, for Trumps then VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.
Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Rudisill and veterans.
I took out $30,000 in loans to cover the gap left by my forfeited benefits.
Ten years later, I owe $31,000.
Multiply that by the estimated million veterans affected, and the magnitude of this failure becomes clear.
Despite this ruling, many veterans who took out student loans are still on the hook.
So, will Trump comply with the Supreme Courts mandate?
Based on Trumps track record of abiding by court orders, its unlikely.
Trumps disregard for legal and moral obligations to veterans is nothing new.
With this ruling, veterans stand to gain billions in owed benefits.
But Trumps track record suggests he will fight tooth and nail to deny us what we have rightfully earned.
For veterans, this is yet another battle in a long war for justice and adequate health care.
The Supreme Courts decision is a step forward, but the fight is far from over.
The question is whether we, as a nation, will let him.
