I joined the Navy at 17 in 1954 and picked the longest school, which was Aviation Electronics Technician. Loved it, and made AT2 (E5) before I turned 21 and was discharged. I immediately began working as an electronics technician in the new computer industry. By 1968 I had an ex-wife and 3 children, and had just been fired from my job as an operations manager in a computer service bureau because "I did not have a degree." I used the GI Bill at that point to go to the University of Minnesota, where I tested out of a lot of courses and earned a BA in 9 quarters, just over 2 years. The GI Bill paid tuition and helped support my children so I could devote most of my time to studies. In 1971-1973 I had more eligibility, so I completed an MS in Management Information Systems at the U of M's business school.
While my eligibility ended, I continued, using my Navy-inspired technical skills to make a living while studying for a Ph.D. at the same school. My doctoral dissertation was finished in 1977, and I became a full-time Management Information Systems professor at the business school, now the Carlson School of Management. I retired from a successful research and teaching career there in 2001. Since then I have been doing volunteer work including building websites for nonprofit organizations.
Very clearly, the GI Bill was there when I really needed help and a boost, and it helped me into a successful academic career -- and a productive retirement.