WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will partner with Richmond International Raceway for the upcoming NASCAR doubleheader titled, the “Post-9/11 GI Bill NASCAR Weekend at Richmond,” culminating with the Sept. 11 Air Guard 400 Sprint Cup series race.

“We want Veterans to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to taking advantage of the educational opportunities they’ve earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “We want all Veterans to know and use this important benefit. This NASCAR event will help us reach millions of Veterans to inform them of the benefits and services available to them.”

Landon Cassill, driver of TRG Motorsports’ No. 71 Chevrolet Impala, will be sporting the Post-9/11 GI Bill logo during the Sprint Cup race as well.

TRG Chief Executive Officer Kevin Buckler said, “We are happy to help spread the word to our Nation's Veterans and Servicemembers about the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and to be carrying its colors on our NASCAR Sprint Cup car at Richmond. The Post-9/11 GI Bill will help a lot of people who have helped us to enjoy our freedoms every day. I can't wait to see the car hit the track."

VA provides world-class health care and benefits, ranging from education and employment training to home loan guaranties and, at life’s end, burial honors worthy of our Veterans’ service. VA medical research is a recognized leader and the agency has embarked on an ambitious effort to end Veterans’ homelessness in five years. Information about other programs and services available to Veterans is online at www.va.gov.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to Veterans with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.

Tuition is paid based on the highest in-state tuition charged by a public educational institution in the state where the school is located. The amount of support students may qualify for depends on their time in service and where they attend school.

The bill also offers some Servicemembers the opportunity to transfer their benefits to dependents.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill has had a positive impact on a lot of people,” driver Cassill said. “I have a good friend who served in the military who is currently using the new GI Bill to get his education. I am looking forward to helping get the word out and having a great run at Richmond.”

Since inception of this historic new program, VA has issued nearly $4.8 billion in Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit payments and opened the doors of higher education to nearly 340,000 people.

“We are extremely pleased to partner with this all-American event to generate awareness of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and all of the opportunities available to our country’s Veterans and service men and women,” said Keith Wilson, director of VA’s Education Service. “We look forward to providing valuable benefits information and services at our booths at the raceway, and hope to reach many who qualify and those who may know someone who served and could benefit.”

VA representatives will staff an informational display during race weekend in the midway for anyone interested in learning more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill or other VA benefit programs. For additional information, visit the Post-9/11 GI Bill online www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.