Members of a local veterans group learned Saturday that they may still have a chance to go to college if they want.
Don Ruggles, a member of the Texarkana Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America No. 278, told fellow members during their monthly meeting that Congress is apparently working on legislation that would extend the life of the G.I. Bill.
Former servicemen and women have up to 15 years to use their G.I Bill for college following their discharge from military service. However Ruggles said Congress is looking at extending the bill indefinitely so ex-servicemen will be able to go to college anytime after military service.
"It's now 15 years but they are looking at making it indefinite," he said.
Ruggles, who serves as the chapter's information source on federal affairs, said Congress is also looking at another bill that would effectively create another branch of military service beyond the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
The proposed new branch would be the Space Corps-to cover outer space, he said.
In other business, VVA No. 278 President Greg Beck said the Red River Army Depot will be holding a Veterans Day ceremony starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 8.
Depot officials also plan to give veterans of tour of the base, Beck said.
Besides Veterans Day events, the VVA is making plans for a "Chuck Wagons for Veterans" fundraiser event tentatively set for mid-April of next year at the Four States Fairgrounds. About eight chuck wagons are scheduled to be there to cook, serve and sell such food items as barbecue ribs, brisket and other meals.
Beck also delivered statistics regarding the number of U.S. service and women still listed as missing in action from the last seven wars. This includes 1,602 from the Vietnam War, 7,727 from the Korean War, 73,070 from World War II, 126 from the Cold War and six from the last three wars in the Middle East.