June 30, 2009 New G.I. Bill, Iraqi security takeover Play video

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Burlington, Vt.) - Tuesday was Tammy Duckworth's first trip to Vermont, and the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs assistant secretary came bearing good news for veterans.

"This post 9/11 GI Bill is the largest increase in benefits for veterans since the Vietnam War," Duckworth said.

She joined Congressman Peter Welch in Burlington to talk about the new G.I. Bill, which takes effect in August, and gives recent veterans the opportunity to get a college education for free.

The bill is especially relevant on this day, as American troops begin their withdrawal from Iraq, as the U.S. hands over control to the country's security forces.

President Obama, who at the same time as the direct pull-out of troops, is also increasing benefits to veterans," Duckworth said.

While touting the increase in benefits, Congressman Welch also applauded the move to bring troops home. He says it is about time that happened.

"Frankly, we're at that point where it's up to the Iraqis to secure their own future," Rep. Welch said. "The American military, the taxpayer -- we've been there for 6 years and a trillion dollars -- at a certain point, Iraq has to take responsibility for its own future."

Welch says he expects there to be continued turmoil in Iraq.

Since Monday, four American soldiers have been killed in combat, and a car bombing has claimed dozens lives.

"There's going to be civil strife in Iraq, because

there are many underlying problems -- division of oil, sectarian divisions -- that cannot be resolved by an outside power," Rep. Welch said.

Some, including former Vice President Dick Cheney, worry the withdrawal will result in more violence in Iraq.

But Matt Howard, who served in Iraq in 2003, believes the Iraqi people are ready for sovereignty and cannot achieve peace until American forces leave.

"Let's give them credit, that this culture, which is the cradle of civilization, can in fact step up and govern themselves," Howard said.

Norwich University President Dick Schneider said he is confident President Obama would not move forward with the pull-out if he did not believe it would be a success.

"And everyone who's served over there from Norwich or wherever wants them to be successful -- that's why they sacrificed for them, the be successful.," Schneider said.

And the American people, he thinks, are ready for this war to come to a successful close.

NECN's Anya Huneke reports.