Does having received a draft notice make someone a veteran?

SrA Sheila Holmes — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:19:59 -0400

Last night a person that I know from a local motorcycle group (not Legion) said that the group honored her father who recently passed with a flag line. She said that they pressured her into the flag line even though her father never served in the military and she told them that. The headquarters President justified it by saying, “Well he received a draft notice, didn’t he?”

Later in the conversation, she mentioned one of our mutual friends as being a veteran and that he would not have allowed anything like stolen valor. I told her he was not a veteran and that we actually both belonged to the same American Legion and he grew up hanging around the American Legion post, but he is a member of the Sons of the American Legion; he is not a Legionnaire, not a dual member, and he is not a veteran. We argued for about five minutes over this and I finally hung up.

I’m returning my colors tomorrow; I never even wore them but I don’t feel comfortable with this group now.

I see the draft notice as different from actually having served. Am I wrong?

03/16/2020 Edit: Yesterday, one of the members contacted me back and clarified, "The flag lines are for anyone we want to honor, first responders, military, and our families are very high on the list." As they say here in Phila, "I'm feelin some type of way about this." I told him he needs to educate the entire group on who their flag lines are for, and as a representative of the organization, the secretary should know better.

03/23/2020 Edit: The moto group is NOT the Legion Riders -just a local moto org that promotes themselves a veterans and first responders group)

09/07/20 Edit: Well, after much anxiety, I wanted to update about this. Covid hit and I haven't been back to that group. The Sgt at Arms felt I shouldn't make any hasty decisions, but I just knew it wasn't a right fit. More recently, after watching the group respond to peaceful BLM march with "No they don't" when marchers proclaimed, "Black Lives Matter," and screaming at the marchers "Black Lives Splatter," display their flag line as if fellow protesting citizens aren't patriotic, use the local VFW with confederate flags and a woman veteran screaming and flipping off protesters, and watching two of their trucks dump black diesel smoke right in front of peacefully marching protesters, I cut ties with the group by initially removing the vast majority from facebook. The very next day, their Sgt At Arms felt the need to send me a private message on FB, "I see you unfriended me, friend," with a big ole thumbs up, which I ignored. A few days later, he sent me this big long Trump rant about how he was supporting troops (he never served) and I let him have it. I told him I don't care who he votes for, but his behavior doesn't represent me, and if he contacted me again, I'd file harassment charges -and I blocked him on messenger. Two days later he sends a text, "I've been ordered to collect our patches from you. Namely our backpatch and alpha chapter." I told him I burned them and that if he contacted me again, I'd involve the police. So that's that. Always go with your gut.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 4:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:23:34 -0400

Draft Notice as in "Congratulations, you are hereby drafted. Please report to your nearest induction center"

Response by PO1 H Gene Lawrence made Mar 12 at 2020 4:24 PM

PO1 H Gene Lawrence — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:24:05 -0400

I see having served, no matter the circumstances. If you wore the uniform and received an honorable discharge, you are a Veteran that has served.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2020 4:39 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 16:39:37 -0400

SrA Sheila Holmes You are correct. Receiving a draft notice is not the same as being a veteran.

Response by SPC Robert Bobo made Mar 12 at 2020 5:00 PM

SPC Robert Bobo — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:00:42 -0400

No he didn't serve, Every kid I grew up with signed up instead of waiting for the draft notice in an effort to get the mos we wanted, by 1973 , we were all in the service

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Mar 12 at 2020 5:13 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:13:21 -0400

No your not.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 12 at 2020 5:24 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 17:24:39 -0400

Why question yourself?

You knew the answers all along.

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 12 at 2020 6:23 PM

SGT Robert Pryor — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:23:34 -0400

You are exactly correct. The problem is, no doubt, at the local level. that is not, and has never been,the policy of The American Legion.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Mar 12 at 2020 6:44 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:44:25 -0400

SrA Sheila Holmes Amazing ... I'm in awe of their 'buffoonery'.
(I've been waiting for 25 years to use that word in a sentence.)
Please thank them for the opportunity.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 3:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 03:19:15 -0400

Of all the things to worry about in the world.

Response by SPC Richard Zacke made Mar 13 at 2020 10:24 AM

SPC Richard Zacke — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 10:24:35 -0400

SrA Sheila Holmes It's very simple if you did not serve on active duty you are not a veteran. I've heard it said that if you don't serve for 180 days you are not a veteran (I'm not sure about that one). Ask to see his DD-214 that will end the argument.

Response by SGT Randell Rose made Mar 13 at 2020 11:14 AM

SGT Randell Rose — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:14:51 -0400

You are completely right. I too quit a well know group over simular reasons.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 13 at 2020 12:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 12:31:38 -0400

Sounds like that lodge is desperate for numbers and is lowering the bar to increase the recruiting pool...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2020 2:23 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:23:50 -0400

If we're using that logic...everyone who registered with selective service is a veteran......

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 13 at 2020 8:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 20:08:23 -0400

In the military we often refer to status. A person who gets a draft notice but never serves, well his status is civilian. He was a civilian waiving a draft notice. Nothing more. It would take a lot of crack smoking to argue otherwise.

Response by PO1 George Hoover made Mar 14 at 2020 12:31 PM

PO1 George Hoover — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 12:31:57 -0400

No way

Response by SPC William Szkromiuk made Mar 14 at 2020 4:20 PM

SPC William Szkromiuk — Sat, 14 Mar 2020 16:20:20 -0400

I just wonder sometimes.

Response by PO2 Dale Brown made Mar 16 at 2020 6:40 AM

PO2 Dale Brown — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 06:40:34 -0400

F no, there are a lot of Canadians who received theirs befor their new citizenship.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 10:57 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:57:38 -0400

Really? The type of foolishness you have described contributes to 'Stolen Valor".

Response by SSgt Steven Day made Mar 16 at 2020 11:01 AM

SSgt Steven Day — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:01:34 -0400

Ask them what rank they were. No rank, not a vet. At least attend basic and be an E-1 to try to claim this...

Response by 1SG Dave Carello made Mar 16 at 2020 12:45 PM

1SG Dave Carello — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 12:45:13 -0400

Ok, YOU ARE RIGHT! First, a Draft notice recipient is NOT now, nor ever will be a Veteran period. Now it sounds like they are in "Damage Control" Mode. The American Legion National rules and regulations are clear.

Response by CSM Danny S. made Mar 16 at 2020 1:23 PM

CSM Danny S. — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 13:23:34 -0400

Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 16 at 2020 2:09 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:09:29 -0400

Unless You actually got drafted and served in uniform for at least 180 days You are NOT a Veteran. The exception would be if separated due to injury as a result of Military service prior to that required service time or service that a DD Form 214 was issued for. A daft notice is a piece of paper NOT Military service Not everyone that gets a draft notice is accepted, they may be rejected for one reason or another to even begin service.

Response by Maj John Bell made Mar 16 at 2020 2:11 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:11:32 -0400

The other night... I saw the stars in the night sky. So I'm claiming I am an astronaut.

Response by LT Mike Folker made Mar 16 at 2020 2:49 PM

LT Mike Folker — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:49:22 -0400

Gee, I sorta recall getting a "draft notice" back c. 1971; just shy of the end of selective service. (Oh, & I STILL have my Selective Service Card.) But sure never occurred to me that NOW I was a veteran!
Chugged down to the "draft board" like a good do-bee, a week or so later; but they had no record of my having registered nor of my being sent a notice.
Trouble was, my family had moved to another state, which is where I received the notice, & I had registered in the state where I turned 18. The board in that state had either lost or misplaced 100s of records: A few hours of "long-distance" calls to find that out. No one could explain who sent or how I'd even received the draft notice. They thanked me for my time.
Some years later, I enlisted. Even much, much later, after I was discharged, I never thought of myself as a veteran until some lawyer told me I was eligible for "some" veterans bennies.
Sounds to me like this "draft notice = veteran" is some madcap scheme to pad the ranks.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 4:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 16:04:19 -0400

Well, Bob in the Seventies Show considered himself a combat veteran because he was a private in the National Guard.

Response by PO1 Bill Penn made Mar 16 at 2020 7:17 PM

PO1 Bill Penn — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:17:13 -0400

No, draft notice is telling the person to report. And therefore doesn’t make on a veteran until they served.

Response by PO1 Robbie Bell made Mar 16 at 2020 8:38 PM

PO1 Robbie Bell — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 20:38:25 -0400

That’s a ridiculous notion. As a veteran, how do you feel about a person that got a draft notice and then ran off to Canada? Whether intentional or not, not fulfilling a draft notice makes you NOTa veteran.

Response by PO2 Scott M. made Mar 16 at 2020 9:10 PM

PO2 Scott M. — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 21:10:35 -0400

I agree, being a draftee who DIDN'T serve means he is NOT a veteran. That might sound mean to some, but it's the truth.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Mar 16 at 2020 10:51 PM

SP5 Dennis Loberger — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:51:13 -0400

I received a draft notice in 1972. Having received one does not make me a veteran. Having served in the military makes me a veteran.

Response by SPC Michael Terrell made Mar 16 at 2020 10:55 PM

SPC Michael Terrell — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 22:55:39 -0400

By that twisted logic, all of the draft dodgers who fled to Canada are Veterans.

Response by MAJ Bob Firth made Mar 17 at 2020 9:20 AM

MAJ Bob Firth — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:20:36 -0400

Draft notice does not confer veteran status.

Response by SP5 Frank Kronen made Mar 17 at 2020 9:20 AM

SP5 Frank Kronen — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 09:20:55 -0400

NO! You might fail your physical and you NEVER TOOK AN OATH!!!

Response by SFC Bryan Haley made Mar 17 at 2020 11:14 AM

SFC Bryan Haley — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:14:38 -0400

Veteran status is given once an individual has completed 180days consecutive service. The only exemption that I’m aware of is an individual who is injured during there Basic Training or (AIT for the Army) and can no longer continue there service so they are given a service connected disability which entitles them to Veteran status.( If I’m wrong someone please correct me but don’t be a BF and demoralize me ). A draft letter is not qualification of Veteran status.

Response by CPO Nate S. made Mar 17 at 2020 12:23 PM

CPO Nate S. — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:23:58 -0400

SrA Sheila Holmes Really??? "...received a draft notice..."! Are you kidding me?

The answer is NO the person is NOT a VETERAN. If they did NOT serve (aka have a VALID DD-214) to prove their service or they have VALID EVIDENCE from DMDC or DFAS or even a Veterans CARD from the VA, all of which are cross-referenced then this is STOLEN VALOR on the part of the "...motorcycle group..."!

I have no problem honoring an immediate family member (e.g. parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, 1st cousin, etc., aka someone somewhat immediate), BUT if say for the sake of argument my great, great, great, great, great grandfather on my mother's side served in the American Revolution and NO-ONE on her side of the family or on my dad's side ever served since that point in history that DOES NOT, IMHO, entitle me to be a "family member" of a former service member just to get special treatment, just because of that "very distant" relationship. It is fine to speak about your family tree, but to say your family served and the ONLY connection TODAY is to someone's military service >240 yrs ago, seems sad, again IMHO.

Finally, if someone is going to serve in a leadership role (aka Organization Secretary) they should be armed with the process for providing a flag that should be SOP for the organization and documented in a flyer, tri-fold pamphlet, official bylaws, etc. something, that person or any member of that club can have. Otherwise, people can make whatever decisions without regard to any set of standards.

Frankly, if they approached me in this manner I'd consider reporting this under the "Stolen Valor Act" after consulting legal council. My tolerance for this kind of behavior by those who have NOT served and think they are justified in lumping in kind of LAME logic is somewhere below Whale crap at the bottom of the ocean and the actual ocean floor!!!

FYI, on both sides of my family for >240 yrs members of my family have proudly served including my father during Korea. So, I am not impressed with the "...motorcycle club's..." attitude! Besides, I know "Real Bikers" that would not be impressed either!!!

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Lt Col Charlie Brown, Maj Marty Hogan

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 17 at 2020 12:28 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:28:21 -0400

Absolutely Not SrA Sheila Holmes!

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 17 at 2020 12:31 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:31:13 -0400

What? Is this a serious question?

Response by Col Jincy Hayes made Mar 17 at 2020 1:12 PM

Col Jincy Hayes — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:12:10 -0400

No, because a draft notice required you to report to yhe equivalrnt of MEPS for a physical. Lots of guys got out of serving with flat feet, diabetes, enlarged heart, asthma, etc. If he can produce a DD-214 it's a different story.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Mar 17 at 2020 1:18 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 13:18:42 -0400

I always used to get those you are winner mailings- and then when I opened it not so much...a draft notice is similar if the person never served. Without catching what the MC is about hard to answer this. I would not have stood in a flag line for someone that did not serve- but was he a life long civil servant or first responder? Some charters allow for that, but are not military only affiliated.

Response by WO1 Craig L Wirth made Mar 17 at 2020 2:04 PM

WO1 Craig L Wirth — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:04:16 -0400

I received a notice about why I hadn't registered for the draft... while I was going through Basic. I sent a letter back and told them... Too late, Already shaved my head, training and going to Germany.

Response by WO1 Craig L Wirth made Mar 17 at 2020 2:29 PM

WO1 Craig L Wirth — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:29:15 -0400

No! Receiving a draft notice does NOT make you a veteran.

Serving and wearing the uniform makes you a veteran.

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Mar 17 at 2020 11:10 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:10:44 -0400

Are you kidding me?

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Mar 17 at 2020 11:14 PM

1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 23:14:39 -0400

There is no Oath of Office administered unless enlisted or inducted, not for showing up for getting the letter, or even taking the induction physical and being classified 1A. The Oath is what makes a member of the military, whether by enlistment or by commission (I am privileged to have taken the Oath under both conditions).

Response by SSG Wayne Piercy made Mar 18 at 2020 5:18 AM

SSG Wayne Piercy — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 05:18:07 -0400

.No.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Mar 18 at 2020 9:30 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 09:30:25 -0400

To answer the question. No, just being a recipient of a draft notice without having actually served does not qualify someone as having served. No DD214, no discharge status, etc etc.

But to address the bigger issue that seems to be driving your passion. No military honors were rendered. If the Legion Riders did a flag line to honor someone that’s their discretion to do so. This is not equivalent to receiving a firing party, last salute or military burial. Treating someone as a patriot isn’t a violation of any laws.

Response by PO2 David Allender made Mar 18 at 2020 10:09 AM

PO2 David Allender — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:09:45 -0400

To be a vet is to serve at lease 6 months honorably in service. The best description of a veteran that I have ever read is this: "A VETERAN is someone who at on point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the UNITED STATES of AMERICA up to and including their life." A person that gives back what their nation has given to them. A love of country for all of those that seem not to care care in the least for the VET. Today, it seems reminiscent of the Nam era where the vet doesn't count for anything, yet he/she serves with honor and gratitude to a grateful nation. I served 10 years in the U.S. Navy, 1 tour in Nam, and then 28 years with Tennessee Valley Authority (Public safety officer). I feel that I served 38 years for my country. In TVA, I was a Federal policeman, an EMT, a Fireman, and a rescue person, although this was just on TVA property. I served as a volunteer in the local Fire Dept., a volunteer in the local Rescue Squad, and a volunteer on an Ambulance. So I served my country and my community. I am grateful for the service I performed for my country and my community. I know that I did not serve 20/30 years in the Navy as many of you have, but I feel that I served my Country and community. I thank every serviceman and woman that has or is serving now. I welcome home everyone who has served in combat somewhere in this world. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get on the soap box and tell so much, but what I said is the truth. The check was paid in full. I am now 78 years of age, and I remember a lot of what I have done over the years. As Johnny Cash sung a song about "A RAGGEDY OLE FLAG," He ended the song, saying that he was proud of that raggedy ole flag. So am I, even when I was taking ROTC in High School. I hope that everyone agrees with me on that one item.

Response by AA Richard Tallini made Mar 18 at 2020 12:24 PM

AA Richard Tallini — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:24:18 -0400

Sounds like a collection of morons, on two wheels.

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Mar 18 at 2020 12:27 PM

SSG Sidney Galloway — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 12:27:03 -0400

My uncle's draft notice came 2 weeks after he died. Does that make him a Veteran, posthumously?

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2020 6:46 PM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:46:27 -0400

Did the right thing, any jack@$$ that thinks receiving a draft notice, but never attending basic is a veteran, is stealing Honor and Valor. You should report them to the regional headquarters and blast their name everywhere until they recant of their ignorantness.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2020 2:29 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:29:09 -0400

Looks like there was miscommunication somewhere along the line. The person is not a veteran, but if a family requests any kind of support, Veteran Service Organizations usually help out in any way they can.

Response by Sgt Roger Smith made Mar 19 at 2020 4:38 PM

Sgt Roger Smith — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 16:38:16 -0400

Do they have DD214's. If not they aren't Vets!

Response by SFC David Dean made Mar 19 at 2020 4:50 PM

SFC David Dean — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 16:50:10 -0400

Not even close. Unless a person acts; meaning that they entered the Active component, Active Reserves or National Guard, then no veteran status. If they attempt to further perpetrate this sort of conduct, they could conceivably face charges of false valor.

Response by Cpl Ron Baker made Mar 19 at 2020 7:57 PM

Cpl Ron Baker — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:57:49 -0400

Hanging out at a Veterans organization is definitely NOT the same thing as being a veteran.

Response by PO1 David Shepardson made Mar 20 at 2020 6:24 PM

PO1 David Shepardson — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:24:25 -0400

No, I think 180 days is the qualifier.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2020 8:40 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:40:14 -0400

Publishers clearing house sent me a letter saying I may have already won
Guess what, still not a millionaire

Response by PO1 Woody W. made Mar 21 at 2020 3:13 PM

PO1 Woody W. — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 15:13:55 -0400

Sheila,
In order for any American (or authorized immigrant> to achieve "Military/Armed Services Veterans Status," they must have successfully and honorably served in a branch of the Armed Services for a MINIMUM of 180 Days.... UNLESS revoked by "due process" <read legal and/or administrative actions>. In most cases, 180 days is the standard amount of time for an individual to obtain initial and specialized training to achieve combat readiness.

I've always had issues when someone within a group believes and manipulates the rules to qualify whoever they want within their "group." It's very liberal way of thinking, especially in a country that believes and practices the "Rule of Law/Rules/Regulations," IMNSHO.

Response by MSgt Allen Chandler made Mar 22 at 2020 5:49 PM

MSgt Allen Chandler — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 17:49:48 -0400

First let me say that in most cases it doesn’t matter. If a person is trying to take credit for being a veteran Con somebody And get something out of it that’s one thing but if it’s a ceremony for the deceased hey give us a break. Legally a veteran is anyone that has a DD 214. From my point of you you become a vendor in the day you graduate from basic training.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Mar 22 at 2020 6:39 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 18:39:35 -0400

Not hardly! Does going to school means you graduated?

Response by Pvt Antonier Bolton made Mar 23 at 2020 10:08 AM

Pvt Antonier Bolton — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:08:41 -0400

At that time we had to draft and you get drafted and serve your town on a bro you are a veteran and if you get hurt within 180 days if you get this charge for medical reasons you are a veteran because you serve your country willfully. A veteran is one who go in and volunteer to fight for the country and to defend it because the same time you defend you defend the Constitution of the United States that up for father had written. A long time ago we told the military that they are volunteer would not workBecause it takes more to fight a war then book knowledge one have to have common sense to go along with it A true military veteran do not take sides when it comes to politics. Never look down on a person military service put yourself in their shoes if you were to get hurt how you feel if someone same thing about you And a lot of guys who went to Vietnam at the time was drafted And some guy hurt people within the 180 days. Compared to the date Boot Camp is nothing. The Boot Camp I went through you get beat up and everything in other words they kind prepare you in case you get to be prisoner of war. Never look down on a persons service to the country I’m sure in your records in the military you can have someone said same thing about you you’re not a veteran and And a true veteran never look down on another veteran And we all win in the military to fight for the same thing freedom.

Response by Pvt Antonier Bolton made Mar 23 at 2020 10:23 AM

Pvt Antonier Bolton — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:23:02 -0400

My dad served in the military he was 16 years old back in World War II and got out when the Korean war broke out he went back in the Korean War he retired in 1969 after Vietnam and he was never drafted. And he went in the military to keep the spread of communism going throughout the world. And right now if you are the age where you can still serve in the military why you are not going back if you are a veteran to and this would mean a veteran if you are willing to serve anytime as needed it’s so happens some cannot go back because of that disability won’t because they got discharged within 180 days because of disability and if you had broken your leg in the military within 180 day you would’ve been discharge automatically no end bus about itThat’s the reason why they asked you before you go and did you have any broken bones or any psych problems and they would not let you in the military doing your physical. Because one day if we have to fight China they will need every veteran out there to go back in the military and Russia.

Response by Pvt Antonier Bolton made Mar 23 at 2020 10:35 AM

Pvt Antonier Bolton — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:35:18 -0400

And a true veteran would never criticize the constitution of the United States but they will uphold the Constitution of the United States in a true veteran believe in democracy for all. And not the color of a person skin. And there are many veterans who were drafted in Vietnam they got killed in Vietnam and it seem like you’re a person who just went in the military doing a peacetime war The reason because there no draft. So please do not disrespect another person because of that service put yourself in their shoes while they get drafted or why did I spent 180 days in the military it can happen to one of your son go in the military and get a broken leg within 180 days he be sent home automatically so be careful what you say about people or how you treat them because of their service

Response by MSG Allan Davis made Mar 23 at 2020 10:50 AM

MSG Allan Davis — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 10:50:00 -0400

No absolutely not a veteran. Second you don’t have “colors” only legit MCs have colors dude.

Gar 1%er

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Mar 23 at 2020 2:06 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 14:06:29 -0400

No. Receiving a draft notice is not the same as serving. My Dad received a draft notice but he was rejected from the draft because he was working at NASA at the time as a wind tunnel technician.

Response by CWO4 Tim Hecht made Mar 29 at 2020 10:58 PM

CWO4 Tim Hecht — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 22:58:36 -0400

A draft notice was only that. The local draft board was notifying an individual that they were being drafted and ordering them to report first to the draft board in response to their notice (where the individual could “appeal” the notice) and then to send that person to the local Armed Forces Entrance and Examining Station (now called MEPS) for a pre-draft physical and mental exam. If the person passed and no exemption was given by the draft board then they were most likely sworn into the Army. There was a time when supposedly someone went down the line and told the draftees what branch they were drafted in to.

In 1970 one normally must have served 181 days (6 months and a day) to be considered a Veteran for VA Benefits. I retired in 2001 so I don’t know if the 181 days still holds true.

Response by SFC John Fourquet made Mar 29 at 2020 11:36 PM

SFC John Fourquet — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 23:36:16 -0400

You are correct. No one is a veteran if they did not actually serve in the military.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Apr 12 at 2020 5:46 PM

LT Ed Skiba — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 17:46:09 -0400

Not sworn in...not a veteran.

Response by TSgt Robert A Nichols made May 26 at 2020 3:32 AM

TSgt Robert A Nichols — Tue, 26 May 2020 03:32:32 -0400

I know several people that gat their draft notice, but never served in the military. no they are not veterans!

Response by CW3 Dan Mackey made May 26 at 2020 9:02 PM

CW3 Dan Mackey — Tue, 26 May 2020 21:02:37 -0400

He is a veteran of the mail. Everyone had to register for the draft in the 60's, 70's and 80's does that mean that everyone that turned 18 in those decades is a veteran?
NO

Response by PO1 Kevin Goldston made May 29 at 2020 2:10 PM

PO1 Kevin Goldston — Fri, 29 May 2020 14:10:26 -0400

As long as you have an honorable discharge, you're a veteran.

Response by SGT Philip Klein made Jun 7 at 2020 4:45 PM

SGT Philip Klein — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 16:45:34 -0400

Response by Sgt Ed Allen made Jun 9 at 2020 5:11 PM

Sgt Ed Allen — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:11:23 -0400

Sorry, but no. If you did not report to basic training and server a minimum of 90 days, you are not considered a veteran.
It is possible to be declared a veteran if you did not graduate from boot camp due to medical conditions and such, but not until the 90 day time has passed.
There were many who received draft notices and then, either were not medically fit enough to serve or were turned away for other reasons. Others simply did not show up or fled their responsibility.

Response by Pvt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2020 12:07 PM

Pvt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 12:07:40 -0400

Sounds spot-on to me WAF .Sf.

Response by SSG Cliff Richardson made Jul 24 at 2020 3:10 AM

SSG Cliff Richardson — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 03:10:38 -0400

You did right in leaving this group. Cudos to you, stand your ground. I served from 1978 - 1993, in that time I was an actual expert in infantry, and all the great wonderful things that go with it, I have had the honors of arguing my point to a 3 star Corps CDR, along with his 2, and several 1 stars in Hoenfels Germany over tatics, His differed from mine because of his level, but I am an expert trained in battle space anylisis, in the end I won. My CO a Cpt. just about shit on himslef during this. But it taught me a valuable lesson, stand your ground if you know you are completley right, in the end they will respect you more for your courage, then your talent! If they don't get it because they are civilians and just want to use this as an excuse to cash in on military stuff, you made the best move. Drive on Sister, we got your 6!!!

Response by SrA Sheila Holmes made Aug 1 at 2020 11:52 PM

SrA Sheila Holmes — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 23:52:17 -0400

At this point, I’m going to say I’m glad I never joined that group.
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc%5D(https://www.delcotimes.com/news/blm-march-turns-tense-in-rifdley-township/article_c612917a-d43c-11ea-befb-934f56f1aa53.html?fbclid=IwAR3SRrjkk-KSK0GgwXKvelRGFmvtVSnMhUbSzCJYW02nvHbfbjztWcb8TRc)

BLM march turns tense in Ridley Township

RIDLEY TOWNSHIP — A mostly peaceful march turned tense Saturday as crowds of mostly white men bum-rushed Black Lives Matter protesters as they neared the township police station before police

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Aug 1 at 2020 11:59 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 23:59:16 -0400

About as much as me calling myself a pro golfer because I won $10 in a skins game

Response by SPC Ted Hunt made Sep 6 at 2020 9:17 PM

SPC Ted Hunt — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 21:17:08 -0400

No!

Response by SGT James Parker made Nov 17 at 2020 7:04 PM

SGT James Parker — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 19:04:00 -0500

Bro.. Communists b.. really

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 14 at 2021 12:16 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 12:16:37 -0400

Having intercourse doesn't mean you are pregnant.

Response by SPC Charles Nesbitt made Jun 23 at 2021 12:12 PM

SPC Charles Nesbitt — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 12:12:46 -0400

No, he would have had to finish boot came and probably AIT to be a real Vet and not been kicked out of service for something he did.

Response by Capt Wayne Burden made Jun 25 at 2021 12:51 PM

Capt Wayne Burden — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 12:51:32 -0400

Someone receiving a draft notice and becoming an instant veteran is true only if drinking a light beer makes one pregnant.

Response by SSgt Robert Van Buhler III made Jun 27 at 2021 9:14 AM

SSgt Robert Van Buhler III — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:14:56 -0400

Implying you ride with the Legion even as a wannabe vet in itself is stolen valor, not that I claim valor for being in the AL. I do admit I served proudly and would not join a group that dishonored the modest title of "veteran" by disrupting behavior at a public event. I attach dignity to my service and claim some by being a veteran, which I would not want to soil be bad associations.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Jul 5 at 2021 11:24 AM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 11:24:04 -0400

Just because someone received a draft notice does not mean that they are a veteran. A veteran is someone who served in one of the military branches. A veteran will have a DD-214. Regardless of the type of discharge, all service members have one and a call to the VA with a person's SSN can confirm.

Response by SFC Dwight Beaver made Jul 11 at 2021 5:12 PM

SFC Dwight Beaver — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 17:12:44 -0400

HELL NO...
Thats like saying I was born in the early 50s and a Korean War veteran... Or I served during the Vietnam War (not in country) so I'm a Vietnam veteran...

Response by MSgt Kerry Lundy made Jul 19 at 2021 8:58 AM

MSgt Kerry Lundy — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 08:58:35 -0400

I received my draft notice the same day I took my physical to enlist in the USAF. That did not make me a veteran but three tours in Vietnam and two years in Thailand supporting those who were still in Vietnam, the EVAC of people from Vietnam while Saigon was falling did. So all of you wanna be veterans can go p--s up a wet rope! I retired from active duty 21 years after my enlistment. The Legion and VFW turned me off after one visit to each.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jul 28 at 2021 3:00 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:00:24 -0400

Tens of thousands of young men, maybe more got their draft notices & never served. They were either unfit to serve, had extenuating circumstances, or hightailed it to Canada. Read all of our lips: Receiving a draft notice does not make a person a veteran. Period. One guy I worked with was already a combat vet before he got drafted. He just graduated high school & went to work for Air America before he got his draft notice. He did 3 years in Southeast Asia before he came back home. He then got picked up as a draft dodger & put into the Marines. He saw more action working for Air America but it wasn't until the Marines took him that he was considered a veteran. Halfway thru his tour in Vietnam the Marines realized he spoke most of the languages & dialects in the region. Before that he was only pushing papers in the rear.

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Aug 3 at 2021 8:20 PM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 20:20:58 -0400

Does getting junk mail from Publishers Clearing House make you a millionaire?
Fuck no he's not a Veteran.

Response by CPO Jack De Merit made Aug 7 at 2021 3:19 PM

CPO Jack De Merit — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 15:19:28 -0400

Common Sense says that the answer is no UNLESS you report to the draft facility and are enlisted in a branch of the military. Then you are a veteran but only if you serve.

Response by SGT Andrew Anderson made Aug 7 at 2021 4:59 PM

SGT Andrew Anderson — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 16:59:32 -0400

A lot of people who got a draft notice went to Canada, I don’t think anyone would consider them veterans!

Response by Sgt Jake Middlebrook made Aug 21 at 2021 6:23 PM

Sgt Jake Middlebrook — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 18:23:59 -0400

People running splinter groups under the umbrella of a large and respected organization is nothing new. Back in the 60 George Wallace, Bull Conner and Ax Handle Maddox were all on the Democratic ticket. As an active duty member you need to be really carful to ask what organizations really do and really stand for. If it is the case as it appears here they have misrepresented who they are and what they do then resign quickly as you have.

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Aug 29 at 2021 12:50 PM

SPC Donald Moore — Sun, 29 Aug 2021 12:50:54 -0400

Getting a draft notice does not make you a veteran. Having actually served in the military makes you a veteran. There is a clear line and people that want to make it fuzzy are just lying to themselves.

Response by Cpl Raymond Wiltshire made Aug 30 at 2021 11:28 AM

Cpl Raymond Wiltshire — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:28:45 -0400

Unless you "served your time" and (IMHO) received a discharge under honorable conditions, you're not a Veteran. People that started boot, but never finished are in the same boat.
Notice how everyone wants to be a "veteran" nowadays. Even "draft dodgers" from my era.
For all my brothers and sisters out there that served their country honorably, I salute and thank you!

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2022 11:19 PM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 23:19:17 -0500

Absolutely not. Period. You know, I keep getting Publishers' ClearingHouse letters that say I have THE winning ticket number that's included in the letters. Go ahead, ask me how many PCH Sweepstakes I've won. I'll give you three guesses, the first two don't count. And you'd better not let General Patton catch wind of this veteran scam. He'd come back from the grave, sure as I'm a foot high!!!

Response by CPL Stephen Maddaloni made Jun 26 at 2022 12:58 PM

CPL Stephen Maddaloni — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:58:40 -0400

He'

NO