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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....
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....
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Retirement
Retirement
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 13
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
I consider it a retainer fee, when and if I am called back into service. Perhaps this is too socialist of a question, but so many vets want free healthcare for life...I'm talking little nickel and dime perks...not big ticket items. Disabled and retired....for sure but I like to think we take care of all of our vets....because invisible injuries are killing our vets at about 22 a month (suidices and homelessness).
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
There's a huge trade off though. We're citizens first. We have the same privileges and responsibilities as normal citizens. Taxes (fees), as much as I loathe them are one of those. If I am using a service, I should be paying for it, and I shouldn't expect my fellow citizen to foot the bill for it.
Now, that doesn't mean the democratic process can't work its magic and allow my fellow citizens to allow us perks, like waived hunter permit fees for disabled vets. Or that private organizations can't acknowledge our service with discounts. All of this is greatly appreciated.
I just have a hard time asking for them. I don't think I am entitled to some of these things.
Some like medical treatment for conditions that occurred or were aggravated while in service were part of the deal. Some like Education, again part of the deal. Others not so much.
Now, that doesn't mean the democratic process can't work its magic and allow my fellow citizens to allow us perks, like waived hunter permit fees for disabled vets. Or that private organizations can't acknowledge our service with discounts. All of this is greatly appreciated.
I just have a hard time asking for them. I don't think I am entitled to some of these things.
Some like medical treatment for conditions that occurred or were aggravated while in service were part of the deal. Some like Education, again part of the deal. Others not so much.
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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).
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
All the Hippies are in Southern Oregon and Portland....actually scattered from Ashland to Portland...your not safe from them until you head to Eastern Oregon.
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SPC Lukas Jones
Sargeant, you till be surprised to discover that the hippies are contained to Portland and Ashland only haha the rest of the state remains chock full of patriotic and greatful red necks who are more than accommodating.
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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.
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Boy, that is wishful thinking....when will we ever return back to our patriotic youth? Seems those days have come and gone.
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CPT Jack Durish
We certainly won't "return back to our patriotic youth" unless we return civics to the classroom...
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Suspended Profile
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.
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.
SSG(P) (Join to see)
I see it as a fringe benefit...to honor a veteran for life. With little perks, it voluntary because we love our country and do so out of respect for it, these younger, newer generations do not have the same respect from what I can tell...however with so many deployed with combat experience, perhaps this new generation is learning a little bit about Americanism.
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Suspended Profile
I've been in almost 8 years, and have often been lumped in with the , "New Army." As a tweener, I feel as if there is a paradigm shift coming. The new generations could use some garrison time and integration into the community. And the old school should realize that a changing of the guard is in order. The rigidity of yesteryear is not the prevailing force. The reason why the Army is so effective is because leaders are agile and adaptive. The reason why America has been so successful is because it is a melting pot of cultures and resilient to change over time. We are at an impasse, and if we want to continue on the course of success, we, as a people, both military and civilian must recognize change and aim to establish middle ground. Comprise = understanding. Understanding facilitates respect. How that respect is shown will develop as time goes. But if we stay in our silos, no growth occurs and we find ways to alienate others instead of making peers feel comfortable and grateful of our presence. If people don't understand why it is important to us to be recognized as veterans, then they feel no inclination to distinguish us. But if we set good examples as to why we are special (aside from the obvious, and actions they will never be fully aware of), then logically, why would the honor us as special?
Suspended Profile
Also, don't get me wrong, I totally agree that we should be honored for life.
Suspended Profile
Well, Scott, let me preface my next statement by saying that I work for a nationally known and highly regarded non-profit by the name of Swords to Plowshares. Swords is a veterans rights organization that has been around since 1974. It was created in response to the lack of specialized care needed to address the returning war vets of vietnam. Since starting at Swords, I have served as outreach for homeless veterans in San Francisco, Ca. In SF alone, I personally assessed 200 homeless veterans. All of which were faced by multiple challanges that do not exist in such high numbers in such a small population. Whether it be health, drug/alcohol abuse, or psychological issues, it would be a disservice to say we are not special. We are the smallest demographic that faces the highest number of shortcomings per capita. So, even when it comes to transition, the military has created transition assistance programs. Why do that if transition was so easy? Because the fact is, it's not. And people who never served cannot fully understand the obstecle that we face. And for those service members who transition without a hitch, it is an unrealistic expectation to assume that everyone else should have it just as easy (in the general sense. I know we all have to work to get where we're trying to go.) To continue, in SF alone, we served around 800 homeless or pending homeless vets and their families and close to 400 for employment and training assitance. Although I believe in picking yourself up by your bootstraps, a wise person will know that no man is an island and we all need something at some point. Pride is the number one thing that keeps us from getting help, and as service members, I understand that pride dies hard. But after looking into the faces of my brothers and sisters in arms who have made their homes under bridges, suffering from chronic illnesses, and using is the only thing that seems to ease the pain... I encourage every single one of us to take not only the benefits that we have so hard to attain, but to not shy away from help before you need it and can't get it.
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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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Well, if we look at the definition from a federal benefit stand-point, it would describe a combat vet or a vet with a campaign ribbon. For little perks, I think a 'loose' definition would be more appropriate; someone that has served honorably.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Instead of asking for a military discount...I ask, "Do you honor veterans?"... talk about two heads...try it, let me know how it goes? Thanks for your contribution SFC (Join to see)
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