The American Legion Stands with Vet Students at Westech
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–National Commander Charles E. Schmidt of The American Legion issued the
following statement concerning the closure of Westech College:
“On April 6, 2017, The American Legion learned of the failure of yet
another for-profit school that is directly and adversely impacting the
lives and career potential of America’s veterans. The Department of
Veterans Affairs informed us that Westech College in California had
abruptly closed on April 2 and abandoned 37 student veterans who are now
faced with limited academic credit transferability challenges. Due to
this sudden and irresponsible closure, these student veterans will not
receive their GI Bill Basic Allowance for housing – directly impacting
their economic well-being and stability. The American Legion shares the
frustration of all Westech College students and faculty. I’m appalled
that Westech College did not provide the students or faculty sufficient
advanced warning so that they could prepare for this major disruption in
their lives. When for-profit schools fail, America’s veterans suffer.
The American Legion stands with those veterans affected by this closure
and we have service officers standing by to assist. It continues to be a
shame that there are no federal regulations that allow these student
veterans to restore their lost benefits or seek remedy for their
financial hardship. This is exactly why The American Legion has asked
the U.S. Congress to pass HR 1216 – The Protecting Veterans From School
Closures Act of 2017. We urge all veterans affected to contact American
Legion Service Officers now at https://www.legion.org/serviceofficers.”
With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American
Legion, www.legion.org,
was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security,
veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for
the betterment of their communities through more than 13,000 posts
across the nation.
Contacts
The American Legion
Joe Plenzler, 202-861-2700 / 301-800-9457(cell)
John
Raughter, 317-630-1350 / 317-441-8847 (cell)
