VA names 1 millionth GI Bill beneficiary

A milestone for the new GI bill.

The Veterans Affairs Department has announced the 1 millionth receipient of benefits under the post-9/11 GI Bill.

He is Steven Ferraro, a 10-year Army veteran who fought in the Iraq war and has three kids. Ferraro is studying communications at Middlesex County College in Edison, N.J.

About $30 billion in new GI Bill benefits have been awarded to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, service members and their families since the program started in 2009.

The new GI Bill helps pay for both public and private tuition along with housing, books and other fees.