Firstly, his book which got some facts wrong was written before he ran. Secondly he did not serve in the military other than ROTC, and was interested in medicine instead. His ROTC record was superb, so it is plausible that he was talked to and encouraged, and it is plausible he was told that he would get some collection of available scholarship help that came close to being a free ride.
Based on the evidence I have seen so far, It is plausible he may have made it up and embellished it on purpose. It is plausible he did not. I do not accuse people of lying until I have verified that they are...and this article smells a bit funny, since the characterization of the headline seems to be walked back from the impression of a totally made up story to a story that got some dates and details wrong.
I am not sure why he said it more than once the way he did, but I love the way he apparently handled the press today. I could give him a kiss for bringing up the way they coddled Obama and never ever vetted his past.