By: Hollie Hojek
hhojek@kcautv.com
In 2012, the Federal Tuition Assistance program helped close to 10,000 soldiers earn a degree while serving their country. But this year, those degrees could be in jeopardy. Allen Jensen has been with the Army National Guard in Sioux City, for almost 10 years. Right now, he's working to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Ashford University. But more importantly he's able to be a stay at home dad and spend quality time with his son.all thanks to the Federal Tuition Assistance program.
"Well I don't have to spend that much on daycare and I get to be with my kids pretty much all week... and I don't think they mind it haha," said Jensen.
But quality time like Jensen has, may soon be coming to an end. That's because that tuition program has been "suspended" due to the Sequestration budget cuts. And that could make it much harder for the National Guard to recruit new soldiers.
"It's definitely incentive to have your school paid for and still make money on the side. That way I can still be a stay at home dad and be with my kids." said Jensen.
Lucky for Jensen, he is almost done with his schooling and will be covered under the program. But for other soldiers looking to sign up, the March deadline has already passed, and they'll have to wait until the program is re-instated, if that ever happens.
Now the Army National Guard is actually in a somewhat better position than active duty military when it comes to these cuts. The guard still offers state tuition assistance for soldiers looking to enlist.
