A UW-Eau Claire student veteran says it's his turn to say thank you to our lawmakers. Tuesday night, the governor thanked David Jeske for his service during his State of the State address.

Jeske served in Iraq in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Now, in 2010, he's a Marine Corps veteran who's happily studying finance at UW-Eau Claire. Thanks to the Wisconsin GI Bill, his education is free.

"I'm the kind of guy who really has to work hard on my academics to do well and that really lifts a tremendous weight off my shoulders," Jeske says.

Tuesday night, Governor Jim Doyle introduced Jeske to the entire state of Wisconsin during his final State of the State speech. It's a moment Jeske says was overwhelming.

"At one moment, everything flashed into my head. Everything you've done. It was very emotional. I got a little choked up; it was very honoring," Jeske tells us.

The governor thanked Jeske and all our troops for their service. But, as the applause continued, Jeske said it was he who wanted to say thanks for his education.

"In my opinion, the return on that investment will be felt a very, very long time," Jeske says.

Jeske is a sophomore at UW-Eau Claire and the president of the Veterans Club.