Posted on Jul 6, 2015
GOOD IDEA? Veterans ID Cards could replace DD-214. Bill Passes House & Senate
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Share your thoughts on a Veterans ID Card replacing the DD Form 214.
On Monday, the U.S. Senate amended and passed with unanimous consent a bill from a Florida congressman which ensures every veteran receives an ID card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs without burdening taxpayers. The House passed the bill last month with 402 representatives backing it and no votes cast against it.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., introduced the Veterans ID Card Act earlier this year. Buchanan’s bill would ensure all veterans receive ID cards from the VA instead of just those who served 20 years in the armed forces or are seeking medical treatment for service-related wounds.
In pushing his bill in recent months, Buchanan has noted veterans are forced to carry DD-214 paperwork, which contains sensitive information including Social Security numbers, and an ID card would be more convenient and would do a better job of keeping their personal information secure.
“A simple, standardized ID card will make life easier for our veterans and serve as a reminder that our brave service men and women deserve all the respect a grateful nation can offer," Buchanan said on Tuesday.
Buchanan insisted his bill was budget neutral since veterans who opted for the ID card would have a small fee which the VA secretary would examine every five years.
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/buchanans-bill-replace-dd-214-veterans-id-card-passes-senate-without-opposition
On Monday, the U.S. Senate amended and passed with unanimous consent a bill from a Florida congressman which ensures every veteran receives an ID card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs without burdening taxpayers. The House passed the bill last month with 402 representatives backing it and no votes cast against it.
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., introduced the Veterans ID Card Act earlier this year. Buchanan’s bill would ensure all veterans receive ID cards from the VA instead of just those who served 20 years in the armed forces or are seeking medical treatment for service-related wounds.
In pushing his bill in recent months, Buchanan has noted veterans are forced to carry DD-214 paperwork, which contains sensitive information including Social Security numbers, and an ID card would be more convenient and would do a better job of keeping their personal information secure.
“A simple, standardized ID card will make life easier for our veterans and serve as a reminder that our brave service men and women deserve all the respect a grateful nation can offer," Buchanan said on Tuesday.
Buchanan insisted his bill was budget neutral since veterans who opted for the ID card would have a small fee which the VA secretary would examine every five years.
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/story/buchanans-bill-replace-dd-214-veterans-id-card-passes-senate-without-opposition
Posted in these groups: 
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 100
This would be great. It would make military verification easier, including on RallyPoint for our veterans.
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LTC Stephen F.
LTC Yinon Weiss, I suggest that RallyPoint offer its assistance to the VA as well as the assistance of its members: (1) members can verify that we already have ID cards or confirm we don't which would reduce unnecessary appointments and cards being produced, (2) members can notify other veterans who are not members who don't have either military or VA ID cards - I know a WWII and post Korean Vet in that category; (3) members can help identify other veterans who have dies so the government does not make the mistake of contacting a grieving family to set up an appointment with somebody who dies recently; and (4) most importantly members may be able to assist the VA in locating veterans who have fallen off the grid and are homeless or suicidal. This last point should be the most important so that this effort succeeds were the Affordable Care Act failed - reaching those who have not been covered and helping coordinate getting the VA to the people who need them most. SPC (Join to see), GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas, CH (MAJ) William Beaver, PO1 Tony Holland, SSG Derrick L. Lewis, MBA, DSL, DL, 1LT(P) L S, COL Mikel J. Burroughs; CW5 (Join to see); SFC Mark Merino, LTC Stephen C., TSgt Hunter Logan
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PO2 Kayla Modschiedler
I like this too, there has been a Vets ID card here in Franklin County (OH) for quite some time. It makes it easier to get a military discount if you do not have a VA ID card. Also, I have come across a few Stolen Valor Weirdos since I moved back here and this would hamper that kind of behavior.
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SFC Erich Pyles
There are times where I need to be seen at different VA hospitals or outpatient clinics across the country due to my job. However, I have to register and wait (up to a month) for approval in order to be seen at each location. Each time I have to provide documentation including a DD214 because the VA has not streamlined the record system. Nonetheless, I believe the NEW Veterans ID Card would be very helpful.
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LTC Stephen F.
SFC Erich Pyles, The VA Choice System should have provided a "Temporary" VA Choice Program Card. They issued me one a couple months ago for Dermatology since there were no VA appointments available with 60 days. Call [login to see] for information or go to http://www.va.gov/opa/choiceact/
Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act | About the Program
Learn how to get started with the .
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SGM Matthew Quick, this may be a good idea especially (1) if veterans and their families are allowed to opt in or opt out; (2) all veterans who are also retired military will be opted out unless they choose to opt in; (3) all veterans who are still on duty [Active, National Guard or Reserve) and have current cards are opted out until they retire or leave the service; and (4) all veterans who already have VA Disabled Veterans ID cards are excluded.
They better be sure they screen out all dead veterans and do not upset grieving family members!
Background: I have 3 DD 214, I imagine they could digitize all the information from DD 214's, at taxpayer expense, so that it could be included on an embedded chip similar to CAC cards. Like may veterans that would mean I have retired ID card from DoD, a Disabled ID Card from Department of Veterans Affairs and now a ID Card from Department of Veterans Affairs.
Considering there are tens of millions of Veterans in this country and VA has been making herculean efforts to get disabled veterans to register for MyHealtheVet access.
If this is not done well [remember affordable care act website roll-out which was as a high a priority as this nation has had] it will alienate those it should be trying to help - those who should be on suicide watch lists, the homeless who will be difficult to track down, etc.
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas; LTC Stephen C., SPC (Join to see), SGT Forrest Stewart, CW5 (Join to see)
They better be sure they screen out all dead veterans and do not upset grieving family members!
Background: I have 3 DD 214, I imagine they could digitize all the information from DD 214's, at taxpayer expense, so that it could be included on an embedded chip similar to CAC cards. Like may veterans that would mean I have retired ID card from DoD, a Disabled ID Card from Department of Veterans Affairs and now a ID Card from Department of Veterans Affairs.
Considering there are tens of millions of Veterans in this country and VA has been making herculean efforts to get disabled veterans to register for MyHealtheVet access.
If this is not done well [remember affordable care act website roll-out which was as a high a priority as this nation has had] it will alienate those it should be trying to help - those who should be on suicide watch lists, the homeless who will be difficult to track down, etc.
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas; LTC Stephen C., SPC (Join to see), SGT Forrest Stewart, CW5 (Join to see)
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PO3 Jody Wangen
I went and registered at the VA about 14 years ago. they gave me a picture ID for free. I carry it, not my DD214. and why does their sample say county of san mateo instead of us government? is this from the us gov or the local gov? I think it would be only valid if us gov issues it as you check out.
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SSG Willis Baker
Ok, why have so many cards? One card fits all. It would have you DD-214, VA eligibility, and anything else they want to put on it. Initial card would be given upon ETS. When the soldier visits the VA and awarded disability then the card can be updated without have to get another one.
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PO3 Sherry Thornburg
I got my reservist ID before I left the service and that was it. I never heard of any of these other ID cards. It might indeed save a lot of trouble for visiting bases and proving prior military status.
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CW4 Laird Culver
Not a bad idea, but how will you discern between honorable, other than and dishonorable discharges? ID is a great concept!
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MSgt John Wylie
CW4 Laird Culver - Dishonorable discharges get no benefits, nor any kind of access. Thus NO card would be needed.
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PO3 Sherry Thornburg
CW4 Laird Culver - I'm pretty sure to get that first card one would have to go through some sort of background check to make sure of prior military status and discharge type. This is the government we are talking about.
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SSG Mike Angelo
I hope all veterans get the opportunity to receive a veterans ID card. Society is hard on the veteran regardless of rank, branch of service, and type of discharge. I believe that if an individual took the time to enlist, sign a contract, and did time in the military, that former Servicemember deserves to be recognized.
It is rough out here in a open and free society. Civilian folks do not know the difference between an 0-6 and an E-6. Society's laws are written as privilege, such as driving a car...laws are not written in the language for veterans. One law fits all... kind of deal...like a traffic stop or similar violation. At least with a veteran ID card, our legal system has the opportunity for change in a positive direction. And it's no cost to the taxpayer.
It is rough out here in a open and free society. Civilian folks do not know the difference between an 0-6 and an E-6. Society's laws are written as privilege, such as driving a car...laws are not written in the language for veterans. One law fits all... kind of deal...like a traffic stop or similar violation. At least with a veteran ID card, our legal system has the opportunity for change in a positive direction. And it's no cost to the taxpayer.
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SGM Matthew Quick, this is my second post.
This card passed unanimously because it will not cost the taxpayer anything. It will be low tech and voluntary. This card is not meant for anybody who already has a military ID card or a VA Disability ID Card. This card is designed to give ID to those veterans who have no form of military or veteran ID. This will help those with no drivers license to have government ID and this will help veterans have proof for those places that provide discounts for veterans.
"Buchanan’s bill would ensure all veterans receive ID cards from the VA instead of just those who served 20 years in the armed forces or are seeking medical treatment for service-related wounds."
"Buchanan insisted his bill was budget neutral since veterans who opted for the ID card would have a small fee which the VA secretary would examine every five years."
SPC (Join to see), CW5 Charlie Poulton, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, LTC Stephen C., PO2 Mark Saffell, SPC Andrew Lucas, MSG Ramon Hidalgo-Acosta, SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S., MAJ Keira Brennan, CW5 (Join to see), CW4 (Join to see), SGT Forrest Stewart, SGT Rick Ash, SGT Anthony Rossi, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas, SPC David Hannaman, SSgt (Join to see)
This card passed unanimously because it will not cost the taxpayer anything. It will be low tech and voluntary. This card is not meant for anybody who already has a military ID card or a VA Disability ID Card. This card is designed to give ID to those veterans who have no form of military or veteran ID. This will help those with no drivers license to have government ID and this will help veterans have proof for those places that provide discounts for veterans.
"Buchanan’s bill would ensure all veterans receive ID cards from the VA instead of just those who served 20 years in the armed forces or are seeking medical treatment for service-related wounds."
"Buchanan insisted his bill was budget neutral since veterans who opted for the ID card would have a small fee which the VA secretary would examine every five years."
SPC (Join to see), CW5 Charlie Poulton, GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad, LTC Stephen C., PO2 Mark Saffell, SPC Andrew Lucas, MSG Ramon Hidalgo-Acosta, SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S., MAJ Keira Brennan, CW5 (Join to see), CW4 (Join to see), SGT Forrest Stewart, SGT Rick Ash, SGT Anthony Rossi, SMSgt Minister Gerald A. Thomas, SPC David Hannaman, SSgt (Join to see)
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LTC Stephen F.
MSG Ramon Hidalgo-Acosta, I am glad that the place you live allows you to include the fact that you served your country in uniform on your drivers license.
One thing I have learned about this nation is that each state is different and while they have many laws in common they each have a unique state government structure and many unique laws, etc. I know many people in Virginia government both at the state and local level - many served in uniform and a number in combat.
I expect that a number of states have a capability for those who drive to get a drivers license with indication on it that they are a veteran, I don't know about the US Territories like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, etc. and expect that all the vets who live out of the country might like to have one
The card under discussion is not designed for any veteran who has any service-connected disabilities. This card won't get you into a military base or any VA funded treatment. It should help those vets who can't drive and don't have any ID and those vets who want to take advantage of discounts for veterans plus the comfort of being able to look at something which proves they served their country in uniform.
I have my military ID and VA Disability card and won't need the card under discussion. I know two people who do - one is 92 and the other in his late 70's.
One thing I have learned about this nation is that each state is different and while they have many laws in common they each have a unique state government structure and many unique laws, etc. I know many people in Virginia government both at the state and local level - many served in uniform and a number in combat.
I expect that a number of states have a capability for those who drive to get a drivers license with indication on it that they are a veteran, I don't know about the US Territories like Puerto Rico, American Samoa, etc. and expect that all the vets who live out of the country might like to have one
The card under discussion is not designed for any veteran who has any service-connected disabilities. This card won't get you into a military base or any VA funded treatment. It should help those vets who can't drive and don't have any ID and those vets who want to take advantage of discounts for veterans plus the comfort of being able to look at something which proves they served their country in uniform.
I have my military ID and VA Disability card and won't need the card under discussion. I know two people who do - one is 92 and the other in his late 70's.
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LTC Stephen F.
Yes I wholeheartedly concur with you about consistent good and respectful treatment of Veterans throughout this nation and its territories MSG Ramon Hidalgo-Acosta. And I certainly agree, I pray that God would bless each veteran and those who care for them.
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PO3 Nichalas Enser
Just in case anyone misses the other post - 40 states/localities already provide Veteran ID cards. Think this is a good idea, but they should have just mandated that all States and Territories *optionally* include 'Veteran' for any honorably discharged individual.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/good-idea-veterans-id-cards-could-replace-dd-214-bill-passes-house-senate?urlhash=800324
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/good-idea-veterans-id-cards-could-replace-dd-214-bill-passes-house-senate?urlhash=800324
GOOD IDEA? Veterans ID Cards could replace DD-214. Bill Passes House & Senate | RallyPoint
Share your thoughts on a Veterans ID Card replacing the DD Form 214. On Monday, the U.S. Senate amended and passed with unanimous consent a bill from a Florida congressman which ensures every veteran receives an ID card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs without burdening taxpayers. The House passed the bill last month with 402 representatives backing it and no votes cast against it. U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., introduced the...
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LTC Stephen F.
PO3 Nichalas Enser, thank you for providing the information about the 40 states that provide the opportunity to include veteran status on state ID and the link to the website.
After thinking about the issues, I think one of the primary purposes of the bill to provide a picture of a veteran on an ID card which includes no other sensitive information like birth day, SSN, military service number, etc.
There has been a lot of concern about skimming information from credit cards etc., and misusing information provided by the elderly.
After thinking about the issues, I think one of the primary purposes of the bill to provide a picture of a veteran on an ID card which includes no other sensitive information like birth day, SSN, military service number, etc.
There has been a lot of concern about skimming information from credit cards etc., and misusing information provided by the elderly.
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SGM Matthew Quick I think it a great idea. I'm wondering what type of information will have to be supplied to get one for Korean and Vietnam Veterans? It really didn't say anything about how to apply for it. I would like to get my Dad one of these.
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SFC Jeremy Stocker
Good Idea, However the DD214 need to be keep as it contains more the a card can.
For instance I have 3 pages of DD214
.
For instance I have 3 pages of DD214
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SrA Winston Stanley
Actually a card has the ability to store more information than a piece of paper or three if there is a chip in it already. The CAC cards have been leading the way for some time now.
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This sounds good for those who are not retired. Instead of creating a whole new card, why not issue a regular VA Card that doesn't say Service Connected? This would save money because the cards are already in the system.
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SGT Steve Oakes
SSG Baker you are trying to introduce a completely unknown element into the VA. Common sense.
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If they do it right, it could be awesome. If they use the cards with the chip similar to the chip on cell phone sim card, then they could link it right to the Military BUPERS. So not only would it then identify the servicemember, but it would also provide easy access to their information should they need it. I am surprised that this passed so easily, it makes sense so why aren't they fighting it.
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PO1 Tony Holland
Not sure that it should provide too easy access to government systems --- too easy
to hack.
to hack.
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SGM Matthew Quick
As long as the ID card has a chip or strip on it that contains a digital copy of the DD214 this may be a good idea.
However, when a service member is out processing, they get their DD214 right away since it can be generated locally. If we switch to this ID card, how long would it take for a service member to get that? Hopefully the base ID card offices will have access to this form so that they can also generate them locally and the soon to be discharged veteran will get this ID card immediately.
As long as the ID card has a chip or strip on it that contains a digital copy of the DD214 this may be a good idea.
However, when a service member is out processing, they get their DD214 right away since it can be generated locally. If we switch to this ID card, how long would it take for a service member to get that? Hopefully the base ID card offices will have access to this form so that they can also generate them locally and the soon to be discharged veteran will get this ID card immediately.
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
PO1 John Miller great minds think alike. I hadn't read your reply, but upon seeing the photo on the original that was my first thought as well.
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As mentioned in other threads, some states are already adding "Veteran" to driver licenses as a way to make vetting easier however, its a honor-based system so there are loop holes. Buchanan's program will ensure that the Veteran has served and is fully Vetted.
The only concern I have is some Veteran who doesn't know what is going on, thinking he/she spotted a "Fake Veteran" because they don't know about the new ID cards. We have seen it happen before, I'm sure we will see it again.
The only concern I have is some Veteran who doesn't know what is going on, thinking he/she spotted a "Fake Veteran" because they don't know about the new ID cards. We have seen it happen before, I'm sure we will see it again.
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