LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Gov. Bill Richardson was in Las Cruces Thursday to promote the new post-9/11 GI Bill, which has been effective since Aug. 1.

More than 30,000 New Mexicans have served in the armed forces since the 2001 terrorist attacks. But of that number, fewer than 3,000 used to the old GI Bill to go to college.

Reaction to the post-9/11 GI Bill has been positive, KFOX reported.

“It is the most sweeping change for our veterans today since our fathers came back from world war two,” said John Garcia, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.

However, by looking at the numbers of those who utilized the old GI Bill, there seems to be a problem, officials said.

“The problem is not enough of our vets know enough about this program,” Richardson said.

The new GI Bill is available to anyone who was active-duty on Sept. 11, 2001, or after. Eligible veterans can get up to four years of full tuition and fees paid for at state universities or community colleges. They can receive a monthly housing stipend and even up to $1,000 for books annually.

“The most exciting part you can transfer the eligibility to your spouses and to your children,” said Garcia. “We didn't have that in the Montgomery GI Bill. Now you can also have your kids go to school because you defended this country.”

Also unlike the older program, the benefits are good for eligible veterans for the next 15 years.

“So I urge our returning vets to go to school, go to college,” said Richardson. “You can get a lot of help the country is saying thanks.”

Even if you are an eligible veteran and plan to stay in the military, there is still a big reason why school may be your best option, officials said.

“To be able to stay in the military and retain rank, or get promoted...now, you need a secondary education,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. James Rivera.