Posted on Apr 14, 2016
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?
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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".
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Responses: 53
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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).
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SSG Larry Sellars
LCpl Jeff Moore - As a person with a handicapped parking permit, let me answer your question. Some days yes the space is needed and some doays no the space is not really needed. somedays start out good but go down hill quickly.
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Suspended Profile
SSG Larry Sellars - Yup. THREE back surgeries (none worked), hip replacement, etc. Some days are better than others; most are not.
Lt Col George C.
I am not disabled but would routinely park in a handicapped spot (with a handicap placard showing) and then help my severely disabled mother slowly walk into whichever store or hair appointment was on the docket that day. I would then return to my car and depart; but not without getting some evil stares or even threats to "handcap" me from passersby. Later, I would return to pick Mom up, park in a handicap spot, and run the gauntlet again to go get her and escort her back to my car. Just because the driver is capable doesn't mean their passenger isn't handicapped.
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MSG (Join to see) - 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.
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SPC John Zywiczynsli
as being a combat veteran in the infantry and having 3 knee surgeries at the age of 53 and the last surgery was a complete replacement I now have a handicap placard but only use it when its really bad! probably 10 % of the time because I feel others are worse off than myself. its called respect and manners. personally I have called police and informed establishments if I see a car in a handicap spot w/o a sticker
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Capt Bob Soldner
I do have a service connected disability for which I draw VA compensation due to an AO related condition, however I only use my parking permit on days I feel I need to. Rest of the time I park close as I can to my destination and walk. My feeling is there may be someone in worse condition than I and they will need it.
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SGM Erik Marquez
Well said Capt Mark Strobl
Its not my spot, so I don't get heated and not having it available to park in.
That said, I want that spot available for a handicap person to park in, so I am apt to say something if NO plate or decal is visible.
The best "encounter" I ever witnessed was a Medically retired triple amputee who asked the able bodied person driving "moms" car if she really needed that up close handicap spot all that bad, she could have his....The blubbering response about how she is "allowed" because the car has the plate and so don't talk to me ..was just bizarre...
The Vet responded that being "allowed" to do something is not the same as should do something ... I have no legs, and no arm...and I don't NEED that spot..whats your excuse?
Its not my spot, so I don't get heated and not having it available to park in.
That said, I want that spot available for a handicap person to park in, so I am apt to say something if NO plate or decal is visible.
The best "encounter" I ever witnessed was a Medically retired triple amputee who asked the able bodied person driving "moms" car if she really needed that up close handicap spot all that bad, she could have his....The blubbering response about how she is "allowed" because the car has the plate and so don't talk to me ..was just bizarre...
The Vet responded that being "allowed" to do something is not the same as should do something ... I have no legs, and no arm...and I don't NEED that spot..whats your excuse?
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MAJ David Stokes
I came across an issues like yours SGM; however, an unmarked police car and plain clothed officer was park in the apposing parking spot. He was the one that stopped the young girl. OF course, she got mouthy and processed to get a few tickets. That was followed by spitting on the officer... LOL, she spent the weekend in jail and mommy's car got towed.
Ahhhh the things you see when your waiting in the truck for someone to comeback out.
Ahhhh the things you see when your waiting in the truck for someone to comeback out.
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If they have a DP Placard or License.....say nothing. They've done nothing illegal regardless of what one may think or feel.
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LCpl Sidney Green
Bingo. Handicap doesn't mean totally handicapped 100% of the time. There are varying degrees of disability. Some handicaps you can see, some you cannot. I have had days when it takes me 30 minutes to put on a shirt.
I also knew one guy that had both legs amputated, but unless he wore shorts, no one would ever know. He could walk, run, and exercise in the gym the same as anybody else. Nevertheless, I know he had bad days and absolutely deserved a disabled sticker for when he needed it. He didn't need to lift his pant to show his prosthetics to anyone.
I also knew one guy that had both legs amputated, but unless he wore shorts, no one would ever know. He could walk, run, and exercise in the gym the same as anybody else. Nevertheless, I know he had bad days and absolutely deserved a disabled sticker for when he needed it. He didn't need to lift his pant to show his prosthetics to anyone.
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MAJ David Stokes
PO1 Philip Wolters - I with you there PO1 Wolters, I had spine surgery that went every direct but forward. Lost the use of my right arm and the total left side of my body is numb. Stay strong!
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SGT Thomas Carter
SGT William Shelton The handicap placards are for a physical disability not mental.
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CPO Gerald Burns
If someone has a DP placard, leave them alone. If you have ever applied for one, you have to have one or sometimes two doctors certify you as disabled. My disability is respiratory related and some days I can almost walk fast but usually not and sometimes I have to use a cane or walker to get around. I feel bad enough without someone harassing me for using what I rightly deserve.
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You didn't issue the handicap lisence. Mind your own business. Get your own shit in order.
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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.
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.
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MSG (Join to see)
Defensive much? I could also be an adult and spark conversation to increase awareness and stimulate conversation on a bulletin. Enjoy your Cross-fit work out!
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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.
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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.
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Not all disabilities are apparent. He may be cheating the system or he may have a legitimate disability.
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Capt (Join to see)
Most of the time I am fine. I walk almost every day. But, there are also times when getting into and out of my car is extremely difficult. My spouse is limited as to how far she can walk. She looks perfectly normal until she reaches the limit.
I hope those who judge never learn the truth the hard way.
I hope those who judge never learn the truth the hard way.
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Capt (Join to see)
Sgt Gus Laskaris - When you or your spouse develop a heart condition that is normally not a problem, but is such that a one block walk could kill you you will have a right to judge until then stick to what you know.
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Capt (Join to see)
Sgt Gus Laskaris - Once again you are making general statements in judgement when you have no knowledge of specifics. Believe it or not you do not know what you are talking about. For example, I can walk with relative ease. However, I often have much difficultly even getting in or out of a vehicle.
So easy to cast stones and judge. Much harder to get the facts.
So easy to cast stones and judge. Much harder to get the facts.
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MSG (Join to see)
Capt (Join to see) - Sir, I clearly stated a 30-minute Crossfit workout. I've seen Soldiers on a "no-run" profile who openly admit to entering Regional Crossfit competitions and boast about deadlifting 500lbs. I wish I could get the facts, but insurance companies in the civilian sector have to go to extreme measures of recording fraud. I just wish Service Members would be "called-out" for their fraud as well.
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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.
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PFC Griff Schoen
For right now, I'm in remission (Crohn's disease) so more good days than bad, thank God. Thanks for the comment.
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MSG (Join to see) -- 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!
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!
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