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
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Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 100
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It sounds like a good idea up front. I've known several older veterans who waited months to get a copy of their DD-214 from the records people. I don't know that a card is less easy to lose than a piece of paper when they probably aren't used that often. I'm sure there are some conspiracy theorists out there who will believe that a chip will make it easier to track us down for some nefarious purpose, but they can probably do that anyway.
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I agree that it could be a good idea if implemented properly. LTC Ford posed many great points and I think they are valid. Maintaining the DD-214 can be difficult for many individuals where a simple ID card is much simpler.
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And where is the space for the school, awards, deployments, etc?
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LTC Stephen F.
SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S., if by chance this is well thought out, all the information on DD 214 could be digitized and stored on a small chip like the one embedded in the CAC card. It would be great if the veteran was able to review the data before it was entered and that changes could be made to correct spelling, dates, etc.
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SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S.
sure they could .. and who would be able to read them and at what expense.
one thing about paper and pencil .. it never "crashes" and you don't need batteries!
one thing about paper and pencil .. it never "crashes" and you don't need batteries!
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Super idea! As long as it's not a tracking device and doesn't turn into a "Brave New World".
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Took them long enough. Paper should become obsolete real soon. Let's save some trees.
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Suspended Profile
So plastic cards that are do not decompose are better than paper?
Sgt (Join to see)
MSgt Ronald Stacy - Yes, because plastic cards can be shredded. ie old credit cards.
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Suspended Profile
huhhhh????....How you advocate saving the environment and using plastic in the same thought.....maybe i'm lost.....anyway.....God Bless.
Sgt (Join to see)
MSgt Ronald Stacy - Yes, you'll lost. I'm not saving anything. Rather carry a card in my wallet versus a piece of paper that can rip anytime and causing me to print another copy.
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He really makes it sound like veterans are carrying around this document with them all the time. The only time I ever bring my DD-214 out of my personnel filing cabinet is if my employer asks about it. Other than that I never carry it around with me. It seems like this politician is trying to show he supports veterans. I mean, how often does someone really challenge your status as a veteran?
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SP5 Joel O'Brien
I've mentioned this elsewhere on this post, but maybe a photo will better explain what I have. This is a laminated, mini DD-214 I was given when I separated from the Army in 1976. It's a tiny bit bigger than a credit card. I've carried it in my wallet ever since. A magnifying glass helps to read it but it's been handy on occasion. I guess they don't make these anymore?
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The first question that comes to mind is access to military installations. Currently if you do not retire, just get out, then you do not have base access. That is unless you get a base job. So, will the rule stay the same or will any veteran, retired or not have access? If the rule doesn't change, how will they differentiate? Colors? A simple X in a box?
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Suspended Profile
Why would they need to differentiate....all retirees are veterans and would get this card......not all veterans are retirees so they still wont have a blue id.
Think the intent of this is to streamline VA type things....nothing to do with DoD policies ....two completely different things. BTW i'm still against it.....seems like it would cost a lot of money and no-one can tell me what benefit it gives the veteran other than being able to say I have yet another ID card.
Think the intent of this is to streamline VA type things....nothing to do with DoD policies ....two completely different things. BTW i'm still against it.....seems like it would cost a lot of money and no-one can tell me what benefit it gives the veteran other than being able to say I have yet another ID card.
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Why in the world would we need the government to issue us an ID card to identify us as veterans? What is the purpose? If someone says "hey, you are stealing valor", you can whip out the ID card and say "no I am not". Really? How long do you think it will take to have knock offs of those on the internet for sale?
I have never needed to prove I was a veteran to anyone except an employer, once in 30 years. Another waste of money, another agency or sub agency, more government employees etc.
If you really want one we could have the states add it to the Driver's License process. Put a V on it for veteran and no extra card to carry or lose, no need for more federal employees etc.
I have never needed to prove I was a veteran to anyone except an employer, once in 30 years. Another waste of money, another agency or sub agency, more government employees etc.
If you really want one we could have the states add it to the Driver's License process. Put a V on it for veteran and no extra card to carry or lose, no need for more federal employees etc.
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SGT Rick Ash
Cpl Neely,
In Kentucky they have already implemented it on the Drivers License. On the right hand side of the photo the word VETERAN is displayed vertically. Of course, I had to physically take a copy of my DD214 to the county clerks office. I then went back to the Sheriffs office where they take your photo and your license pops out the other end with the
Veteran ID. I have no idea what data, if any, is contained in the mag stripe on the reverse. For those restaurants that offer a veteran discount you still have to point to your DL for the clerk to input it manually. I think an integrated card would be great!
Thanks,
Rick Ash
In Kentucky they have already implemented it on the Drivers License. On the right hand side of the photo the word VETERAN is displayed vertically. Of course, I had to physically take a copy of my DD214 to the county clerks office. I then went back to the Sheriffs office where they take your photo and your license pops out the other end with the
Veteran ID. I have no idea what data, if any, is contained in the mag stripe on the reverse. For those restaurants that offer a veteran discount you still have to point to your DL for the clerk to input it manually. I think an integrated card would be great!
Thanks,
Rick Ash
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