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Posted >1 y ago
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For those questioning why this is even an issue, I've seen this brought up on Facebook, and therefore I'll pass my understanding of it. First, let me say that I do have a VA ID card already as a disabled veteran, which I personally have not ever had to show for any of the reasons I'm about to list here. With that said, my husband is still AD, and in some circumstances, we show his ID.
The issues aren't stemming from medical or other VA benefits, as much as additional benefits from civilian agencies and companies. Personally, I think it has a lot to do with Stolen Valor, especially with the timing of the issue. For the sake of discussion, I'll leave that out of it, because nowhere does it say that this card would show that you were anything but a Veteran, i.e. awards and combat tours, which can also be the heart of Stolen Valor.
Discharged Veterans are making a case for the ID in instances such as applying for a driver's license in a state that gives a discount to Veterans, or allows for longer periods before the license expires. They have also made the case that, for Veteran's Day events where one would receive discounts, they are required to carry the 214 to show a cashier that they qualify for the discount. Similarly, places like Disney World, hotels, resorts, etc. that offer a discount price to Veterans either year round or during special promotions, often require proof of Veteran status. In these instances, the ID card would allow those who do not qualify for VA benefits, and therefore the ability to receive the VA ID card, the chance to prove their status easily without the added sensitive information listed on the 214.
The issues aren't stemming from medical or other VA benefits, as much as additional benefits from civilian agencies and companies. Personally, I think it has a lot to do with Stolen Valor, especially with the timing of the issue. For the sake of discussion, I'll leave that out of it, because nowhere does it say that this card would show that you were anything but a Veteran, i.e. awards and combat tours, which can also be the heart of Stolen Valor.
Discharged Veterans are making a case for the ID in instances such as applying for a driver's license in a state that gives a discount to Veterans, or allows for longer periods before the license expires. They have also made the case that, for Veteran's Day events where one would receive discounts, they are required to carry the 214 to show a cashier that they qualify for the discount. Similarly, places like Disney World, hotels, resorts, etc. that offer a discount price to Veterans either year round or during special promotions, often require proof of Veteran status. In these instances, the ID card would allow those who do not qualify for VA benefits, and therefore the ability to receive the VA ID card, the chance to prove their status easily without the added sensitive information listed on the 214.
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This is just an ID card to identify you as a veteran and not tied, necessarily, to any VA benefits. I think there is a separate VA card for that.
I have been out 30 years and have never found a need to produce evidence of my veteran status. People who know me know I served people that do no know me don't need to know. Is this our new "stolen valor" ID card so you can whip it out and say "hey. I am a real veteran". I can assure you whatever we spend on this will be too much. It will take too long to get and it will serve almost no purpose. A perfect bill to have made it through the Congress and signed by the president.
This is another muchado about nothing, feel good, veteran's law that will do nothing to fix the VA or meet the obligations already made that are not being met.
I have been out 30 years and have never found a need to produce evidence of my veteran status. People who know me know I served people that do no know me don't need to know. Is this our new "stolen valor" ID card so you can whip it out and say "hey. I am a real veteran". I can assure you whatever we spend on this will be too much. It will take too long to get and it will serve almost no purpose. A perfect bill to have made it through the Congress and signed by the president.
This is another muchado about nothing, feel good, veteran's law that will do nothing to fix the VA or meet the obligations already made that are not being met.
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MAJ Jim Steven
I see your points....I plan to have a retiree card, should have mentioned that.
Also, when my veteran card would be knowingly needed, assumed I would have DD214
Also, when my veteran card would be knowingly needed, assumed I would have DD214
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SGT JoAnne Bastable-Parisi
I work with a lot of older veterans who would want to have something like this for the discounts and for a sense of nostalgia, I think to have something physical in their wallets that they can show off. My grand dad always showed me his green retired card before I enlisted. Not everyone served long enough or had a VA rating to have anything like that. My state has the Vet desination on our license, but I'm also service connected and have a VA card and honestly, the only thing I use that for is to check into my appointments. The designator on my license is great for the airport.
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SGT Ben Keen
MAJ Jim Steven - Having your retirement card is great but carrying around a copy of your DD214 could be a hassle, trust me I tried. For the first few months, I would carry my DD214 so that if asked to prove I serve, I could. Then it started to get torned up and I didn't like having my SSN so readily available. then just like SGT JoAnne Bastable-Parisi, pointed out, states have started to put "VETERAN" on their driver licenses and yes it works great in airports yet in PA at least, it's an honor system where you go in and say you are Veteran and sign a piece of paper agreeing that if the state takes the time to review your paperwork and if the state can't find a service record than you may face criminal charges so it is less than perfect. And yes, I even agree with PVT James Strait, something that doesn't always happen but I enjoy his thoughts nonetheless, being a Veteran doesn't sum me up either. There is more to "Ben Keen" than just "Veteran Ben Keen". I'm a highly skilled IT professional who enjoys bike riding and I'm pretty good with my DSLR camera. I'm raising two amazing kids and working hard to make a difference in my community. Yet, having some sort of federally recognized Veteran ID card, that is fully vetted through the DoD may assist Veterans in navigating the all to confusing red tape that bounds our benefits.
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SGM (Join to see)
There are a few folk who were discharged before 180 days who seek to claim vet status for the purpose of free meals and discounts. Some places ask for an ID, many do not.
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