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Spring flowers are blooming, the summer travel season quickly approaches and Veterans are joining the 330-million yearly visitors enjoying U.S. National Parks.
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities.
The Access Pass admits disabled Veterans and any passengers in their vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle fee areas; and, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. In addition to free entry at participating parks, the Access Pass includes discounts on expanded amenity fees; such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.
Veterans who have a VA disability rating, (10 percent or higher) are eligible for the Lifetime Access Pass—with two ways to apply.
First, disabled Veterans can apply in person at a participating federal recreation site. Simply present photo identification (Drivers license, State ID, Passport) and documentation proving a permanent disability (VA awards letter, VA ID with service connected annotation, VA summary of benefits, or receipt of Social Security disability income). That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The packet should include:
-The Access Pass application form
-Proof of residency
-VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Pass delivery expected 10-12 weeks after receipt.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide.
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal parks for free with the Lifetime National Parks Access Pass from the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Good for entry into 400+ National Parks and over 2,000 recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the service and sacrifices of Veterans with disabilities.
The Access Pass admits disabled Veterans and any passengers in their vehicle (non-commercial) at per-vehicle fee areas; and, the pass owner plus three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. In addition to free entry at participating parks, the Access Pass includes discounts on expanded amenity fees; such as camping, swimming, boat launching and guided tours.
Veterans who have a VA disability rating, (10 percent or higher) are eligible for the Lifetime Access Pass—with two ways to apply.
First, disabled Veterans can apply in person at a participating federal recreation site. Simply present photo identification (Drivers license, State ID, Passport) and documentation proving a permanent disability (VA awards letter, VA ID with service connected annotation, VA summary of benefits, or receipt of Social Security disability income). That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Second, if applying by mail, send a completed packet and $10 processing fee to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The packet should include:
-The Access Pass application form
-Proof of residency
-VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Pass delivery expected 10-12 weeks after receipt.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide.
National Park Service
Hiking
Camping
Travel
Disabled Veterans
Responses: 45
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MAJ Matthew Arnold
There is a great website for the National Parks Service which lists all the parks and monuments. Also, my state, Utah has a great site the lists all the state parks, so I'm guessing Ohio will have a similar website. Check out the websites.
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CDR S Eagle
The National Park Service's website is http://www.nps.gov. This link takes you to the home page. Click on the link to "Find a Park" and a list of the states opens up. Scroll down to your state / the state you are interested in and click on the state's name. NOTE: some "parks" (especially trails, like the Oregon Trail) are in multiple states.
Worth Checking Out: the Junior Ranger programs. Look under the "for Kids" link in each park's website.
Worth Checking Out: the Junior Ranger programs. Look under the "for Kids" link in each park's website.
NPS.gov Homepage (U.S. National Park Service)
The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
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There indeed are bears in Yellowstone! There are plenty in the back country.
One of my most important achievements is that I have taken my children to national parks, battlefields, monuments, and historic sites in every state in the United States! I have also had them on many tribal reservations, state historic sites and parks. It has made them more well rounded than many of their peers and all of them love the outdoors.
I love many of the national parks but my favorite is still Yosemite.
One of my most important achievements is that I have taken my children to national parks, battlefields, monuments, and historic sites in every state in the United States! I have also had them on many tribal reservations, state historic sites and parks. It has made them more well rounded than many of their peers and all of them love the outdoors.
I love many of the national parks but my favorite is still Yosemite.
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MAJ Matthew Arnold
Over the 19 years of our marriage, in scattered conversations, I've told my wife that I been to this national park or that national park. So, I couple months ago she asked, which parks and how many parks have you been to? I started naming them off and then remembering that I'd been to this one or that one. Anyway, turns out I've been to about 45 nat'l parks and monuments including most of the really big ones like Yellowstone, Redwood Forrest, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Independence Hall, etc. I am very thankful to my parents who travelled with us all over the US and took us to such important and beautiful places. I applaud your efforts to show your family those great sites.
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