COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland unveiled a plan Tuesday that he said will bring more veterans to the state seeking a college education.

The “GI Promise” extends in-state tuition rates to veterans attending college on the GI Bill.

It is the first program of its kind in the nation.

Strickland said he would not be surprised if other states follow with similar programs of their own.

Currently veterans can attend college on the GI Bill only in their own home state.

Strickland’s plan makes all veterans “honorary Ohioans” for the purpose of getting a college education.

The plan has the support of Central State University President John Garland, who attended CSU after serving in army during the Vietnam War.

“This is truly a strong of genius on the part of Gov. Strickland and the Chancellor of the Board of Regents to open up our system to make all veterans honorary residents of the state of Ohio,” Garland said.

Garland said the move to bring more veterans here could play a part in CSU’s plan to increase enrollment at the Greene County school.

“We are going to let everyone know when we travel around that if you are a veteran you are an honorary Ohioan and you will get in-state tuition rates,” Garland said.

Spc. Leondre Dow of Dayton, a member of the Ohio National Guard, was among a group of service members in attendance at the governor’s announcement.

“It is going to make Ohio look that much more appealing,” Dow said.

Dow said the plan will help attract more veterans to Ohio.

Strickland signed an executive order Tuesday putting the tuition plan into motion.

He said the move will help boost the state’s economy.

Jim.otte@whiotv.com