Oklahoma Veteran: Military Tuition Assistance Vital To Returning Warriors

Congress voted last week to reinstate the Military Tuition Assistance program. All that's needed to restore this popular program is the President's signature.

One Green Country veteran says the program is a vital to military men and women returning to the Homefront.

Ronny Sweger knows what it's like to transition from the military to civilian life. He says Congress needs to do anything it takes to help his fellow veterans make that change.

Sweger spent 16 years in the Army, most of those in special ops as a Green Beret.

When it was time for him to leave in 2009 he noticed very quickly the challenges that lay ahead.

"Me as a door kicker, as the tip of the spear, as whatever I was - it doesn't translate into the civilian world, but if I come out with a business degree, now I've got a potential career," Sweger said.

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Sweger says there is very little support for men and women leaving the military, but he's thankful for what's out there. His 6-year-old triplets, for example, have each been awarded $5,000 scholarships from the Folds of Honor Foundation.

"Due to items like the sequester, you never know what the government's going to do with their promised benefits so when you have an organization that steps up to the plate it's tremendous," said veteran Ronny Sweger.

Sweger decided to take things in his own hands and form the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors, The FEW. It helps the men and women serving in combat zones prepare for life after the military service is over.

He does it through adventure trips like skydiving or elk hunting, it helps the veteran loosen up and meet new people.

Learn More About The Foundation For Exceptional Warriors

"It's basically make a wish for a warrior. If a guy wants to do it, I try and facilitate it," he said.

Sweger was glad to see Congress step forward and restore the military tuition assistance program at least through September. Last year members of the military earned more than 50,000 degrees or certificates and took 870,000 courses through the program.

Sweger wants lawmakers to know just how important that chance for a life after the military is extremely important.

"Education benefits? That's our future after we get out; don't take those away," Ronny Sweger said.

The military tuition assistance program is for active military members only.