"So today we honor the service of an extraordinary generation who will help build tomorrow," said President Barack Obama speaking out today about the post 9-11 G.I. Bill.

With this new bill the maximum benefit will allow every eligible veteran, serivceman and woman, reservist and National Guard member to attend a public College or University for free.

The new G.I. bill went into affect two days ago. The White House says its the most comprehensive education benefit offered since F.D.R. signed the originial bill in 1944.

The Department of Veterans affairs began distributing tuition payments to colleges at the start of this month. The benefits in the new bill are open to service members who served on active duty for at least 90 days starting on september 11, 2001, or members who served at least 30 continuous days on active duty and were released due to a service-connected disability.

The new bill also provides veterans, but not active duty members, with a monthly housing allowance and an annual stipend of up to $1,000 for books and supplies.

The post-9/11 G.I. bill, allows service members to receive an undergraduate college education at U.S. public universities.

Each of the private schools were also invited to sign up for the "Yellow Ribbon" program. It's a part of this bill that allows private schools to use some of their funds to encourage veterans to seek higher education with the money the private school gives being matched by the V.A.

Augustana college is a private school that jumped at the chance to help our military members.

"We're proud to be part of it and I think it opens a lot of doors...it's just a really good opportunity for them to get their degree," said Brenda Murtha, Director of Financial Aid.

Also exciting to note, on the day that the President spoke about this bill, Augustana College had their first student accepted as part of the Yellow Ribbon Program.