Mrvan seeking boost in educational benefits for children from Gold Star Families

U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, wants to ensure the children of military service members killed in action can access the superior educational benefits currently available only to post-9/11 veterans.

The two-term congressman representing Lake, Porter and northwest LaPorte counties recently filed the Gold Star Family Education Parity Act in the U.S. House seeking to increase federal support for the post-secondary education of children from families where a service member was killed or went missing during wartime.

Children from Gold Star Families currently are entitled under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program to a monthly payment of $1,488 when they're enrolled full-time in university coursework or vocational training, with reduced monthly payments provided to students enrolled in part-time programs, on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

Under Mrvan's proposal, children of Gold Star Families instead would receive the equivalent of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and full payment for tuition and fees to attend a public university, or $27,120.05 to attend a private university or vocational training program, would be covered by the federal government.

They'd also be eligible for a monthly housing allowance, money for books and supplies, and even $500 for moving costs when relocating to an institution of higher education from a predominantly rural area.

"This legislation honors our promise to Gold Star Families by ensuring dependents and survivors receive the educational benefits that they deserve to obtain the degree, certification or job training they desire," Mrvan said.

"I am grateful to serve on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and look forward to continuing to advocate for educational opportunities for Gold Star Families and honoring their sacrifice and commitment to the strength of our nation."

Patti Nowaczyk, a Gold Star mother originally from Dyer, whose son Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 15, 2012, applauded Mrvan's proposal.

"Gold Star Families have lost so much, not to mention a parent and loved one but a person who contributed to the family both physically and financially. Without assistance, most of these Gold Star children will not be able to afford to go to college or obtain job trainings, so I support Congressman Mrvan’s legislation that will continue to help these families," she said.

Robert Carnagey, past state commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Indiana, agreed Mrvan's Gold Star Family Education Parity Act is a needed and timely policy change that will better support surviving spouses and children.

"It is the duty of all American citizens to band together and surround Gold Star Families with love, compassion and assistance as they work to move forward with their lives and support their family," Carnagey said.

The legislation is awaiting action by the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. It must be approved by that panel and the full House, as well as the Senate, to go to Democratic President Joe Biden to be signed into law.