Some soldiers becoming college students

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the war in Iraq over and the draw-down in Afghanistan under way thousands of veterans are trading their combat boots for textbooks.

Many of them are choosing campuses in Central Texas.

Cadet Staff Sgt. Paul Hanneman is not your typical college student.

"I did three deployments while I was there, to Iraq and Africa," Hanneman said.

Hanneman tried college out of high school but quickly found out it wasn't for him.

"My dad told me pretty plainly, said I was on my own at that point," he explained.

But after eight years of serving in the U.S. Army as an enlisted man, he was ready to go back to school -- for free by using the GI Bill.

"The maturity things comes with time, comes with age and a little bit of experience, but I think everybody finds their way in life," Hanneman said.

Before the attacks of 9-11, soldiers had to pay into the G.I. Bill to receive the education benefits. Those who entered after 2001 automatically get a free education.

Hanneman is participating in the Green/Gold Active Duty Option Program at The University of Texas. He has 21 months to earn his degree, after which he will go back into the Army as an officer.

"I'm so happy to be apart of this and be here in Texas," Hanneman said.

It's an opportunity he hopes will shape a bright future for him, all thanks to Uncle Sam.

The Long Journey Home

KXAN and Leadership Austin have teamed up for an in-depth look at solutions to the challenges our servicemen and women face when they return home. Join us for the next Leadership Austin Engage Breakfast called "The Long Journey Home: Central Texas' Growing Veteran Population." It's on Wednesday at the Long Center's Kodosky Donor Lounge. Doors open for networking at 7:30 a.m. with the breakfast starting at 8 a.m.