You see a retired SSG parking in a handicap parking spot, but see him/her doing an intense cross-fit workout for 30 mins. What do you say?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:37:04 -0400

Let's say you have worked with this Service-member in the past and know for certain that he/she has never seen combat and has been on a "walking" profile since being an E4 or below. The Service-member is competent, but openly boasts that they will get "their due".

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 3:43 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:43:25 -0400

Not all disabilities are apparent. He may be cheating the system or he may have a legitimate disability.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 14 at 2016 3:49 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:49:35 -0400

I would say WTF dude, how come you have a handicap placard?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 3:49 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 15:49:54 -0400

i want to know why this sm has been on this profile e4 and below, who gave them this profile, and why. in the rc we have gotten many broken sm's from ac, that should'nt have been allowed, by med standards, ? recruiters?

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 14 at 2016 4:08 PM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 16:08:30 -0400

Take a video of him working out or pictures before you do anything.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 5:31 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 17:31:06 -0400

Some disabilities aren't visible - and not all are created in a combat tour. And lifting/crossfit isn't RUNNING, which impacts totally different joints and muscles - and impacts them in different ways.

You could do something silly and... adult... and instead of whining on here, actually approach the person and ask them to their face. They may well be shamming and scamming - and they may well have serious issues that you can't see.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2016 5:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 17:38:16 -0400

This definitely hits home to most people because I know and have been around a lot of Soldiers that are close friends who feel the Army or Service it self owes them for minor to small injuries or stuff they know they can claim because "it's so easy" to claim. If you are hurt then you are hurt it very well maybe the Militarys fault but be an mature adult about it. If your back hurts or is messed up and you claim some disability off it then don't ride a 24k motorcycle that you used your claims to pay for. I don't know.... I feel in your situation I would feel compelled to tell my battle he/she is a douche.

Response by SSgt Stephen Lindsey made Apr 14 at 2016 7:33 PM

SSgt Stephen Lindsey — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 19:33:27 -0400

If they have a DP Placard or License.....say nothing. They've done nothing illegal regardless of what one may think or feel.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2016 8:27 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 08:27:22 -0400

If this SM has been on a walking profile (given this might be a physical disability) before E4, why hasn't a medical board continued to investigate this? Given CrossFit does work other parts and helps alleviate any ailments pertaining to walking or running.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Apr 15 at 2016 11:19 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:19:58 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member - It's a retired SSG apparently abusing the system in order to get a better parking spot. I'm not disabled & subsequently have to park where I'm supposed to. We all have walked by a person who parks in the handicapped spot, slaps the window permit in the rear-view mirror, and sprints into the store. Pisses me off. But, at the end of the day, I couldn't park there anyway. I'll I can suggest is pick you battles. Let Karma intervene.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Apr 15 at 2016 11:24 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:24:02 -0400

I say nothing, not my business. If he is in wrong the M.P's or local cops will catch him sooner or later

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 15 at 2016 11:34 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 11:34:06 -0400

If the vehicle has a handicap placard or plate, not much you can do. Be ready for an altercation if you call him out. This is a nit compared to other aspect of taking advantage of system.

Response by SSG Jeremy Kohlwes made Apr 15 at 2016 10:23 PM

SSG Jeremy Kohlwes — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 22:23:33 -0400

If this person doesn't have a disable access plate or placard then they shouldn't be there. If they do then they had to show medical proof of an issue. Exercising isn't proof of not being disabled. I have a prosthetic leg and managed to complete the Bataan Death March (in 8hours too).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2016 5:59 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 05:59:57 -0400

Sounds like a dirtbag thing to do. I'd call 'em out, albeit privately.

Response by 1SG James Lampe made Apr 17 at 2016 3:03 PM

1SG James Lampe — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 15:03:19 -0400

Good post! I think we have all seen Soldiers who clearly fake injuries to avoid PT, work details, etc. It used to really bother me to see that right before a scheduled APFT, the wrist braces, knee braces and profiles popped up with a quickness. After a while I determined and saw it to be true that those who did so would also show that kind of behavior in other aspects of their duty and either eventually fail or just barely get by, and certainly had very little respect from their Soldiers past the rank on their collar.
I think that it speaks well of your character, sense of duty, honor and integrity that you find the behavior unacceptable.
This guy will get "his due", no doubt, but I believe he will be surprised that what he gets is far from anything positive. His behavior is indicative of a petty, pathetic underachiever who takes pleasure in such a small thing as scamming a handicapped parking spot. Of course I do not know him, but I trust your observations and comments as a Senior NCO and as such feel that my comments are probably very close to accurate.
V/R

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2016 3:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:30:50 -0400

You could casually ask them how they ended up getting a handicap placard and go on about how you can't find a great parking spot. This should be easy if you have known the person for awhile.

As far as Crossfit goes, Crossfit is for people of all ages, body types, and physical abilities. You can always scale down the exercises to accomplish them until YOUR completion. If running is involved that person could have scaled down. People need to know that you don't have to be in Ranger Regiment to do CrossFit.

As far as profiles goes, it is a touchy subject. There are some who will go get a profile to avoid deployments, field, APFT, etc, however there are those individuals who deploy, go to the field, take APFT'S, Get promoted because they are great Soldiers and Leaders. I think people tend to judge the book before flipping through the pages. Just because someone can run 5 miles doesn't mean they are the most qualified leader.. End Rant

Response by 1stSgt Russell Harrington made Jul 20 at 2017 6:04 PM

1stSgt Russell Harrington — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:04:18 -0400

Simple POS....

Response by SFC Joseph Lumpkins made Jul 20 at 2017 6:12 PM

SFC Joseph Lumpkins — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:12:46 -0400

It's hard to judge a book by it's cover and unless I'm a police officer then it's not my job to point out the error of his ways. The reason I say that is that if you look at me you will say that I look healthy, but the thing is I have endured 21 service related surgeries to include an L4-S1 fusion plus a spinal cord stimulator to help with the pain from the bilateral peripheral neuropathy that has developed and I have some days that my pain is bearable, but days that my back and feet are killing me and if I go out, I use my handicap plate that was issued to me from the department if motor vehicles plus I'm rated at 100% P&T through the VA, but again if you just loook at me you would never seen anything wrong with me.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 6:15 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:15:59 -0400

Nothing because he probably can't hear me say anything to him because of his 100% hearing loss... I am just saying you never know what is up with people. If they have a valid handicap placard, I would leave it be unless you knew for sure. Its kind of like if someone came up to you while in uniform and claimed you were committing stolen valor. I know that would annoy me, so I am not going to go out of my way to try and find a faker. Never assume.

Ok the second part of your question is a bit different (almost like two different questions as the first one implies it is a stranger). If you know the guy then just go up to him a strike a friendly conversation if it really bothers you. No reason you can say something like, hey man, you okay, because I see you are parked in a handicap spot... Did something happen?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2017 6:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:33:56 -0400

I can legally have a disabled veteran/handicap tag on my car, I don't have one, I don't want one. There are actually veterans who need it, but if you can walk, walk...Save the spot for someone who needs it

Response by SPC John Decker made Jul 20 at 2017 6:36 PM

SPC John Decker — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 18:36:31 -0400

I would simply call the police.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jul 21 at 2017 8:03 AM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:03:25 -0400

I don't understand the getting their due part.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 9:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 09:56:01 -0400

While picking your battles is a valid option, you also have others IF you know what his "disability" is. If he has some sort of back injury and he is doing intense back workouts you can film him and contact whoever he has his disability with and give the video to them. It all depends on how much time you have and how much this truly bothers you or affects you day to day life.

Response by SSG Michael Burdiss made Jul 21 at 2017 10:07 AM

SSG Michael Burdiss — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 10:07:37 -0400

You didn't issue the handicap lisence. Mind your own business. Get your own shit in order.

Response by PFC Griff Schoen made Jul 21 at 2017 11:49 AM

PFC Griff Schoen — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 11:49:43 -0400

I have a handicap placard that I rarely use. I have good says and bad. Unfortunately, my disable isn't visible. I don't have prosthetics. I haven't had knee surgeries. I don't use a cane or walker or hoveround. Yet, it sometimes takes everything I have to walk into the store. I feel the stares from people who think I'm faking. It hurts but they don't have to live with chronic pain. They don't get dizzy for no apparent reason. Sometimes, I simply fall down because my brain short circuits. Don't judge until you're in that situation. Not every disability is visible. If he parks illegally without proper placards, report him. If not, leave him be.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 21 at 2017 11:54 AM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 11:54:11 -0400

Not all disabilities are physically apparent. Nor does the person have to show you their disabilty card issued by the state. You think a person is abusing the handicap parking, call the police, they are the ONLY ones authorized to verify that the person is, in fact, authorized to utilize handicap parking.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Jul 21 at 2017 12:04 PM

SSG Robert Perrotto — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:04:11 -0400

I have nuerapathy in the first two toes of my right foot, which occasionally causes me to over balance and fall if I am not careful of how I walk, My disability is not readily apparent, and I have been confronted, despite having DV plates, and a state issued Placard. I tell them to call the police, and be prepared to be embarrassed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 12:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:06:11 -0400

Do they have a handicap placard? Then they can park in the handicap spot. I'm not going to assume someone's medical condition based on how they look. There are a lot of medical conditions that you can't see the effects of them. Not everyone "looks" like what people think handicap people should look like.

Just because someone can work out doesn't mean they don't have some type of disability or medical condition. This is why people need to mind their own damn business. If you see someone park in the handicap spot without a placard call them in. If they have one, move along.

Also since when is combat the only place someone can get injured or disabled? I work with a trainer who has been a personal trainer for years and she has a prosthetic leg - and she never served. She lost part of her leg in a motorcycle accident. There are some soldiers who did deploy and got hurt when they got back home. Can we stop assuming we know someone's medical situation and can diagnose someone by looking at them?

Response by MSgt Vernon Anderson made Jul 21 at 2017 12:28 PM

MSgt Vernon Anderson — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:28:37 -0400

There are many disabilities that may not be physically view-able. I may look healthy but have an 80% disability rating. As long as person has disability plates/disabled veterans plate they may park in handicap slots. There are many a day when I do not use slots. The disability is between me and my doctor.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Jul 21 at 2017 12:42 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:42:15 -0400

Army sure has changed. On a profile since he was an E-4? How'd he ever get promoted. Seen my share of people when I was in get an injury or illness, get a profile, & couldn't make rank. Can't pass the PT test, no promotion. If he had a profile & still did passed the PT test anyways, then that profile was invalided by his own actions. I've had someone like this sent to me as a replacement in Iraq. Total slug. He had so many issues he could not wear his IBA & helmet. When we shipped him back out after 3 weeks, he had no problems lugging all of his gear all on his own. Hate using names but that is just being a slug.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2017 12:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:49:55 -0400

I think I will address the last line about "getting their due".
I see a lot in my capacity as a VA employee. There are claims that are completely obvious that they are fraudulent or exaggerated, and others that are more subtle and require development and sleuthing to determine whether or not they are eligible. The saddest ones are the claims filed by widows who have been told war stories by their spouse for years and come to find out that it is all BS when the VA finds out and presents why they were denied.
But what does happen is a fairly extensive physical (or mental, etc) assessment, along with a review of military documents to determine if:
A. The issue(s) they are claiming are really present
B. Whether the issues are permanent or temporary
C. That they in fact incurred the condition while on Active Duty

If A and C are met, they will get compensation. If not, they won't. Issues deemed temporary get periodic reviews in order to ascertain progress or worsening of the rated condition.

If this guy has the plates/placards saying he is handicapped, then he proved to the state that he meets the requirements for handicapped parking privileges.
If he is boasting about how he is going to "get his", he is a tool.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 21 at 2017 1:09 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:09:31 -0400

All this reminds me of an incident a few years ago. I was waiting for my grandson to get out of elementary school with several others. A man walked a good distance even though a prosthetic on one leg. Handicapped parking was immediately by the exit. I reminded him that he should use the handicapped parking. His reply, "Who is handicapped?" He got my respect and a handshake.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 21 at 2017 1:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:24:20 -0400

MSG Private RallyPoint Member -- as to your situation. I'd say let it go. He should have to get his handicap placard renewed every year or so. That usually takes a doctor's certification of a handicap. As long as the doc signs the paperwork there's really nothing you can do. Write it off to karma and believe that it will all come out equal in the end.

Handicap parking is a big deal with me because my wife is handicapped and must use a power wheel chair to get around. We have a handicap accessible van with handicap plates. We are at times inconvenienced when all handicap parking is taken at a place we are visiting or shopping. We normally find a regular parking spot. We have to pull part way into the spot, lower the ramp to let wife out, and then complete the parking. (Do this in a crowed commissary parking lot on Saturday and you don't make a lot of friends.)

I do get irritated when we see apparently able bodied people using handicap parking, but my wife--bless her heart--is quick to remind me that not all handicaps are visible. A person might have a heart condition that keeps them from walking very far, but look "healthy" to the casual observer.

I did once call the police to report a car with no handicap placard or plates parked in a handicap spot. I might not have bothered, but the car was there over 8 hours. The cops showed up in about 10 minutes. I learned that in my part of Illinois, violation of handicap parking is a "civil matter." It isn't a criminal act, so the cops need somebody to be there when they show up and they must be willing to sign a complaint. In my case, the cop politely explained all of this and then wrote a $250 ticket to the parking violator. Justice!

Response by SGT William Shelton made Jul 21 at 2017 1:31 PM

SGT William Shelton — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:31:50 -0400

You are aware that you can get a handicap placard for mental health issues also you don't need to be physically disabled to be considered handicap.

Response by CPO Daryl Reed made Jul 21 at 2017 1:37 PM

CPO Daryl Reed — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 13:37:37 -0400

To many people are quick to judge, or criticize! A disability can be internal so you don't see the disability, I live with a internal disability daily, some days I feel I can doing anything, other days I feel I can't get out of my house I am mentally and physically drained. At the young age of 51, I wish I can turn back the clock to see if I can correct the issue that could have caused my disability! I am now 56 and everyday I wake up is a blessed day. I went through a open heart surgery, to repair the internal damages, five years doctor visits weekly before I submitted for a handicap license plate. People need to Stop judging this man for his ability to do what he does cause he probably hasn't been able to or supposed to be, I see a driven person to want more out of his life.

Response by SGT Anna Kleinschmidt made Jul 21 at 2017 2:45 PM

SGT Anna Kleinschmidt — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 14:45:53 -0400

I don't always "look" disabled when walking around the store. But if I wasn't walking with a cart I wouldn't make it very far. I can walk a short distance to the cart area with ease but after that it starts to go down hill. I know people think that I am faking it. It really isn't any of their business I know and my doctors know. I will say something if I see someone without a tag or plate parking, because I typically need that spot and many will be taken but other than that I don't know by looking what another's disibalities are.

Response by SPC Michelle Nelson - Thompson made Jul 21 at 2017 3:08 PM

SPC Michelle Nelson - Thompson — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:08:51 -0400

I had a severe back injury in Korea. It wasn't treated for 17 days because the "doctor" at the TMC I was covering didn't like women in his Army. I was put on bedrest and pain medication by the nurses. When I got back to my home unit they did an x-ray with a wet read that showed a fracture. It wasn't what was causing the problem, but more bedrest. Sent me to Osan AB for treatment. I'm sure the entire hospital heard me scream from the basement. Essentially all my muscles had frozen to the point, "it is as if all these vertebrae have been fused." The real problem was not found until over a year and six physical therapist later. He diagnosed me by watching me limping down the hallway. They also did surgery on the ankle I broke in three places in Korea. I was the no only one not drunk when I broke it. The PA on call was gay, I didn't give a shit about that. I did care he was a woman hater. Two of the people I was with were the x-ray techs. We could all see the fractures, except him. My ankle was the size of a football and almost black. I was given Tylenol and crutches. I lived on the third floor. Once I got back stateside they did surgery within a month. The podiatrist was messing with it before an x-ray and dislocated it. I'm looking at the talor dome poking through my skin. He jumped back letting go, it popped back into place. I never regained full range of motion. I was put on a permanent profile between that and my back. Nobody made a stink about it because I busted my ass and knew what I was doing. I was filling a PA slot in the basic training area. I didn't care about making rank. I loved my job. I liked fixing soldier's who would have been permanently disabled if one of the medic shammers had seen them. I maxed out my time in rank. I eventually had to go to the Spec4 board, and passed. I knew all the DS's. They offered to let me go through NCO school without doing the PT. I just couldn't do it. It felt like cheating. I then was sent to Germany, with a permanent profile. From there, all hell broke loose. I literally was put in the worst unit in Germany. Where they sent all the higher up screw ups. It was an Apache unit. They had more flight accidents than the entire European Theater combined. They ended up changing the name because of the bad rep. The unit was sent to Bosnia. Those left in rear detachment we're physically and mentally abused. I was medevacced to WRAMC. I spent eight months there. I ended up with 80% and unable to work. I have a disabled placard. I don't use it if I don't have to. I have one ruptured and two herniated discs in my lower back, SI joint disfunction, and spinal stenosis. I may only limp slightly going in. I use shopping carts as a walker instead of my forearm cane. I am usually a lot worse coming out than going in. My mother is also disabled and I take her everywhere.
I would highly suggest not confronting anyone. If they don't have the correct placard, call the cops. I have borderline personality disorder, leaning towards PTSD. On a good day I'd chew their ass like a DS. If it was a bad day, it would not be so good. I usually do many trips in one day and then need two days at least to recover. I get cortisone shots in my spine. Unfortunately, you can only do those until I've maxed out the amount of steroid. There are times I fall because I can't feel where my leg is. It hurts like an sob and I wish I could cut it off, but at the same time I can't feel where it is and have to use a motorized chair to shop. I did go off on one person, she was in front of me in line. As I was leaving I heard her say, "fat don't make you disabled." I got up in her face and essentially told her, no fighting for your right to be an ignorant bitch does. Getting sub standard medical care for physical, mental care does. Then I laid into her four kid with clothes two sizes too small, no shoes and filthy while she uses her EBT card to by junk food, has her $180 nail job and $220 hair extensions. Does popping out kids to get welfare and teaching her kids to game the system make her ghetto trash? The look on her face was priceless. She caught me on a good day. She was speechless. I looked her up and down, said thought so, and limped off.
You don't know the state of mind someone is in. Especially if they're in pain. I see teeagers using what's probably their parents or grandparents placards, but I just let it go. Now in this situation, if there were no placards I'd call the cops. I have before when the truck was in the space 12 hours.
I do carry those large sidewalk chalk sticks. I have been know to draw parking spaces around asshats that take-up two spaces. Then write ___________ parking. Then posted it on Facebook. I may pay for it for a couple of days, or a month. It's really worth it. If it's a bad day I have pre-printed "tickets" I had made. Sorry about any misspellings or rambling. Visiting bio family in Canada and currently heavely medicated. Which I hate.

Response by SFC Shane Funkhouser made Jul 21 at 2017 3:17 PM

SFC Shane Funkhouser — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 15:17:49 -0400

I have a messed up back and neck I've had surgery on both, I qualify for a disabled plate but have never bothered to get one. There are days I can barely walk but I do exercise as much and as vigorously as I can to try to keep the strength up in my back and neck because when I don't the pain is much worse. I realize that many sham the system but not everyone who exercises are one of those. Of course his comments would lead me to believe he is.

Response by SGT Sunny Lalingua made Jul 23 at 2017 4:53 PM

SGT Sunny Lalingua — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 16:53:59 -0400

I am an 80% disabled vet who has "never seen combat" while on active duty... PLEASE REPHRASE YOUR CONCERNS. You leave far too much assumption, BE MORE SPECIFIC.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Aug 1 at 2017 9:59 AM

1SG Russell S. — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 09:59:52 -0400

Having never been in their shoes I will not throw daggers. Like been discussed, a DV or Handicap plate required proof. Bottom line, so what, be thankful you are healthy.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 1 at 2017 11:12 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:12:28 -0400

One simple question. What is the purpose of handicap/disability parking? My view is for those with physical limitations.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Aug 1 at 2017 11:15 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 11:15:04 -0400

The best way to respond to that type is to point out to them an old lady struggling to walk farther to the store because he took her crip spot.

Response by 1SG Dave McWilliams made Oct 9 at 2020 10:39 PM

1SG Dave McWilliams — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 22:39:40 -0400

If he has tags and a handicap slip then he is legal and it
Doesn’t matter what you think about what he does or doesn’t do . Move on with your life troop .. one day you will get old and all the bs you thought was important doesn’t matter anymore

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2020 11:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 23:01:03 -0400

Report it to local law enforcement. It's not snitching, if the action is illegal. Junior enlisted I might have a word with first, but leadership knows better and deserves the full consequence. Your can not violate the law and live the army values.

Response by SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee made Oct 10 at 2020 1:01 PM

SSG Watis Ekthuvapranee — Sat, 10 Oct 2020 13:01:36 -0400

Ask him to help him train you because you got shrapnels on a shoulder and a shot in the can, but you still want to be as fit as him and can do all of that for career progression. :)

Response by SSG Jeremy Howard made Nov 7 at 2020 11:07 AM

SSG Jeremy Howard — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 11:07:06 -0500

I am the perfect example of this discussion, Ok to start I am retired, so you know by now you go through the process of evaluations and VA claims when you are basically on your last year. Disability is assessed in different categories. He could very well have parts missing you can't see or feel. I know first hand how the reactions are about this subject. I try not to park in the handicap section forsake of some one who might be worse off them me. But there are days in witch are bad and can barely walk yes I am disabled. But I try not to abuse it just for sake of close parking. I have done this in a large unit parking because it is legal for me and I would leave regular spots open for the Soldiers and they would get in trouble for parking illegally.Yes the MP will ticket you I have a fellow coworker who's packard fell and they put a ticket on his window he didn't have his DV plates yet. But they back looking for him and realized he was a Disabled Veteran Ticket was thrown away.

Response by MSG Clyde Mills made Nov 8 at 2020 6:49 AM

MSG Clyde Mills — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 06:49:41 -0500

I’ll be happy to jump in and answer this one as well and use myself as an example. My wife and I pull into a local Sam’s Club handicap parking spot. And as she’s getting out of the car a gentleman yells out at her, well you don’t VKOOL handicap to me. She replies, your right, I’m driving my husband who is. By this time I’ve gotten out of my side of the car and caught the last part of the conversation and then the gentleman says, well you sure as heck don’t look handicap either. My reply to him is the same I give to everyone who makes this same assumption about not seeing an obvious handicap at once on the outside of a handicap person was as follows. Well sir “ I don’t think your Stupid either,” but I won’t hold that against you” and we went into the store . The same goes for this SSG. Doing the Pgysical Fitness routine for 30 minutes and parked in a handicap spot. He may have a severe case of PTSD and the Workout Routines help him cope and deal with it in ways that medicine or other types of mental help can’t help him. Handicap people have different types of ways they deal with the medical issues that help them get through each day. As do I from having 5 major back surgeries on my back.

Response by SFC Anthony Mattek made Nov 11 at 2020 10:52 PM

SFC Anthony Mattek — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 22:52:17 -0500

If you do not have intimate knowledge of their injuries, leave it for the MP’s to Handel when you call on your fraud claim. But do not, “I repeat, do not violate HIPAA to find tour answers as you are only inviting more questions to come your way of someone were to ask you where you came upon your information

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Jan 22 at 2021 9:06 AM

LCpl Jeff Moore — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:06:19 -0500

My grandfather that had a disabled parking pass, wouldn't use it unless it a last resort. He said those spots are for folks in wheelchairs or crutches

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Mar 22 at 2021 12:55 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:55:49 -0400

What I have done and will do again is call the cops.. If the car has no Disabled tag or License plate then they don't belong there. Those of us that do have the license and use a walker need the space.

Response by CPL Jason Northedge made Apr 22 at 2021 2:25 PM

CPL Jason Northedge — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:25:20 -0400

I'm proud of all these comments. No BS bashing or negativity. I'm also service connected disabled. If he's got a placard then he's got one for some reason.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 24 at 2021 4:53 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:53:23 -0400

It is very difficult for me to get into and out of my vehicle. It hurts a lot especially when I twist. Running a marathon is never going to happen. I do swim but not like before I fell off a 2nd story roof. However if there is no twisting involved and I have taken the time to stretch and warm up so the muscle spasms subside I can deadlift, bench press, back squat, military press, and kettlebell routine. Once I cool down I pay dearly for it but I do it to keep in shape. I wouldn't be surprised if it's similar for the SSG.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2021 11:51 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 23:51:45 -0400

If you know for a fact that they are not handicap but are using a placard then you can notify the authorities who can ask that retired SSG for the placard credentials they have to carry along with that placard. I'm a disabled vet, I have my DV plates on one vehicle and my handicap placard in my other.

Response by SGT Christopher Vicchitto made Aug 25 at 2021 11:17 PM

SGT Christopher Vicchitto — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 23:17:30 -0400

So as someone with a 100% disability let me simply say that i have good days and bad days. I workout physically several times a week. That's when I can see because I experience seizures and migraines many times a week. There are days when I can power walk for miles no problem and then there are days when I'm huddled in the cold and dark waiting for the shooting pain to subside even a bit. Even with a proper placard and an army ballcap on I still get the aggressive questioners asking how I'm disabled. Usually after less than 5 minutes of chat they're still grumpy when they realize yes I'm disabled and you're misplaced anger just shows how small a person you were.

Response by CMSgt David Bridge made Sep 19 at 2021 9:49 PM

CMSgt David Bridge — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 21:49:44 -0400

I’m 100% disabled vet and I have a Handicapped parking permit. On my good days it may seem I can walk quickly into a store or building. I’m missing 3 organs, have heart and lung issues not to mention knee, back, shoulder and heart surgery. Don’t judge the book by it’s cover -

Response by SGT Thomas Carter made Nov 21 at 2021 7:24 PM

SGT Thomas Carter — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 19:24:07 -0500

Inform the chain of command.