Should veterans have fees waived?

2015-02-03T01:42:17-05:00

In Oregon, a disabled veteran doesn't have to pay for registration...
I do not know all the laws in all the states, but I have always said that vets paid, and continue to pay, and certain fees should be waived...or less. Like Military plates, they shouldn't cost us extra....I'd like to see drivers license renewal fee get waived, as well as State Park entry fees, hunting and fishing licenses should be waived as well

Are there fees you wish were waived for veterans? Ie. like out-of-state fees for colleges are waived now....

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 2:58 AM

2015-02-03T02:58:07-05:00

Another fee I'd like to see waived for veterans is dog permit fees, and public swimming pool entry fees....is that asking too much.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 3 at 2015 3:02 AM

2015-02-03T03:02:09-05:00

If I remain in the United States, I am going back to Oregon to retire. For a state with a lot of hippies (lol) they have GREAT benefits for their disabled veterans! At 100%, I can get free college for my family thru the masters level (classroom space available).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 3:25 AM

2015-02-03T03:25:52-05:00

So, to be fair as I can be, I feel that it is a double-edged sword to get a lot of perks for our service. On one hand, yes, we raised our right hands and committed to doing what less than 1% would. Are we entilted, yes (IMO).

However, I can also understand the argument that we chose and choose to serve under no duress or corersion. Our duty is/was voluntary and therefore, should not be subject to any additional perks. There are a lot of people who don't feel like we should be entilted to many beneifits, and we fight for that opinion to be validated, whether we like it or not. Further, as service members, it is imperative that we contribute to our communities. By indulging in the, "I served my country" mentality, we do the one thing we try not to do in foreign countries, and that is appear as arrogant, entilted douche knuckles.
Lastly, living in the Bay Area of California, where "miltary discount" is like a running joke in my household, I feel it is so much more refreshing and rewarding when someone or an entity expresses their gratitude beyond obligation.
Point in case, before a flight to Arizona for a best warrior competion (I was in uniform; I know I was wrong, but it was news to me) I was waiting to board the plane. Hall of Fame basketball player, Bill Walton told the employees to allow me to board first. I thanked him, and he said, "No, you guys deserve all our thanks."
To me, that is what it's all about. We serve with no outside forces obligating us, so civilians who return that, are the ones who make up for those who look at us in any other way than deserving.

Response by SSgt David Tanner made Feb 3 at 2015 3:45 AM

2015-02-03T03:45:43-05:00

In the state of Alabama disabled veterans don't pay state taxes only county and local tax, if you 100% and own a house you don't pay the property tax at all.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 3 at 2015 4:25 AM

2015-02-03T04:25:05-05:00

I am aware that members of the military are eligible for free admission and membership to national parks. And I actively inquire about businesses giving military discounts. I do find that Oregon has a much more friendly attitude toward military and vets than other states, and knowing about the waivers on registration is awesome foreknowledge. I would like to see a federal adaptation of such a program especially as I am soon to be moving back to California where registration costs are twice as high as Oregon's. But I agree that all states should provide such be idiots to those who have already paid such a high price.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 4:37 AM

2015-02-03T04:37:41-05:00

One thing that bothers me is paying for tolls driving to and from drill. Tolls should be waived when in uniform.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 3 at 2015 7:45 AM

2015-02-03T07:45:43-05:00

This is a tricky question.

I'm a firm believer the user of services should pay for them.

That said, there are a few exceptions where society as a whole "can" (not necessarily should) foot the bill.

Things like Driver's Licenses, Hunter's Permits, etc are usage based fees. Those that don't use them, don't pay.

I don't mind that states offer perks to veterans (and Combat/disabled veterans), however I have a hard time asking for additional perks. It strikes me as "entitlement." I knew what the deal was when I signed up. Everything above and beyond that was extra. Unless we have a real "need" for something, I can't justify requesting it. And if we do have a need for it, it should probably be codified into Federal Law and routed through the Dept of Vets Affairs.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 3 at 2015 7:50 AM

2015-02-03T07:50:34-05:00

As you know each state is different because each state has their own budget. Now with that said some states are much more friendlier to the military while others are not and this is in no way a Federal issue. Do I think veterans should have fees waived no because they use the services and that service requires assets, people, computers, buildings, etc... Do I believe in a discounted fee sure but not completely waived otherwise you create even a bigger budget issue at each state level.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Feb 3 at 2015 8:19 AM

2015-02-03T08:19:13-05:00

Texas is awesome. I only pay 3 bucks a year for my registration and get hunting and fishing licenses for free plus to much other stuff to type on here

Response by SGT James Elphick made Feb 3 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-02-03T10:23:33-05:00

This probably isn't a popular opinion but at what point does this stop? To me it is starting to feel like Veterans are expecting the world for a few years of service. Granted for many of us that was several deployments and some hard-fought combat but this is getting ridiculous that Veterans think they should have a free ride the rest of their lives. I understand there are some perks that are nice, especially for disabled Vets, but to expect them is starting to go a little too far in my opinion.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 3 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-02-03T11:54:44-05:00

I have no objections to any benefit that accrues to veterans, especially disabled veterans. I appreciate the expressions of gratitude for our service no matter how glib they may seem.

However, I didn't serve just to get "free stuff". I served to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution so that everyone had an equal opportunity to keep the stuff that they earned.

I would far prefer that Americans show true appreciation of the gifts of liberty that we fought to preserve for them.

That citizens would vote in greater numbers and vote with thoughtful consideration.

That they would rebel when politicians violate the Constitution even when those violations seemingly provide We the People with a benefit (like unearned entitlements).

That they would turn away from big government and turn off the propagandists who purport to be journalists.

That they would replace indoctrination with education in our schools and colleges.

If they did these things, I would feel that my service is truly appreciated.

Response by SGT Beau Thomas made Feb 3 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-02-03T12:15:34-05:00

I see a couple of problems with waiving fees, it kind of hard to define what a "veteran" is legally, and non veterans have to pay the difference in fees which to me is unfair.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-02-03T18:39:50-05:00

I've been pondering this question all day. I think I like the actual idea of it more than if it were to be implemented for any random fees, DL, hunting fees, etc. I always want to pay my share or make my contribution to the community.
I agree with what Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS said that if I'm a user of services, I should pay for them. On the other hand, if I were going to Disney World (last visit was 1998 before all the free park entrances) I would certainly enjoy a gratis ticket to Disney. But I wouldn't expect it be given to me. If it's offered, yes, I would use it. If not offered, I wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
I live in an area where asking for a military discount is a joke. Any waiter/counter person will look at me like I have 2 heads or back away like I have rabies (or measles) where I live. It doesn't hurt me to ask, if no, then alright, no need to argue about it.
Your question is a tricky one and I like it.