Am I a Veteran?

[Hunter8282]

In high school I enlisted in the MI ARNG. I completed basic training the summer between my junior and senior years and then completed AIT after graduation. Each was 8 weeks long as I recall and then off to college.

I was on a 6x2 contract. I was never deployed or activated. Just weekend drills and 2 weeks in the summer. After the 6 years I got out and have an Honorable Discharge.

In trying to research this I came upon this document. fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42324.pdf

It's states: By statute, a "veteran" is defined as a "person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable."2
2 38 U.S.C. § 101(2); 38 C.F.R. § 3.1(d).

Is that in and of itself the core definition of a "veteran?" does my basic training and AIT satisfy this requirement?

I keep reading things about 180 days active service or during other set time periods. I once applied for an got approved for a VA home loan (though we did not use it). I am pretty certain I do not qualify for any other VA benefits such as medical, etc.

I have never considered myself a veteran but people have asked on and off through the years and I never really know what to say. I typically just say that I was in the ARNG.

I am humbled by all veterans and don't want to diminish their earned respect! THANKS to all you veterans!

 

[vt_shooter]

It would appear that in some contexts you are a veteran and in others you are not. Maybe when the topic comes up you can just say your served in the national guard and leave it at that?

 

[Bkreutz]

If you weren't a veteran, you wouldn't have gotten a Honorable Discharge. (you have to be in to get out)

 

[litenlarry]

Interesting...To me if you wore the uniform, you are a Vet....

 

[Alpo]

My opinion, to be a veteran you have to have been in the military. I've seen people say you had to fight to be one, but that's a COMBAT veteran.

Last I looked, National Guard was military, so YES, you are a veteran.

 

[legelegel]

By statute, a "veteran" is defined as a "person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

In general, active service means full-time service, other than active duty for training, as a member
of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or as a commissioned officer of the
Public Health Service, the Environmental Science Services Administration or the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the Coast and Geodetic Survey.

Prior to September 8, 1980, there was no minimum length of service necessary to be considered a
veteran for most VA benefits. However, for an individual who enlisted after September 8, 1980,
there are now certain minimum length of service requirements. The general requirement is either
24 months of continuous active duty or the "full period" for which the servicemember was called
or ordered to active duty

It appears that your 6 years of military service qualified you for a VA Home loan. Since you did not have any active duty service you would not be classified as a "Veteran" per se.

If someone ever asks you again if you are a Veteran, I would tell them this: "Yes, I served my county in the Army National Guard for 6 years."

 

[DR505]

Does the NG receive a DD-214?

 

[Hunter8282]

I do have a DD 214 but it looks like it was just releasing me after AIT from Ft Leonard Wood MO.

 

[11B Lifer]

214, discharge=you're a veteran. You were on active duty during your training. If you had been injured while in training, drill, or activation (like the National Guard or Reserves going into theater) you qualify for VA benefits-treatment. There are other differences in benefits etc. I 'm retired Army so I have a retired ID-and of course different benefits-but you are a brother Veteran- and thank you for for serving in the Guard. I always felt it took some sand for someone to be in the Guard and work a civilian job-
Some of the first casualties from the current conflicts were from the 39th Seperate Infantry Brigade-Little Rock Arkansas-

 

[OFT II]

If you weren't a veteran, you wouldn't have gotten a Honorable Discharge. (you have to be in to get out)

That says it all.

Thanks for your service.

 

[joeintexas]

In my humble opinion I would say you are a veteran. And I thank you for your service.

 

[Milpolice]

If you raised your right hand and took the oath of enlistment, served, and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, then hell yea, you are a vet. Thanks for serving.

 

[walnutred]

As far as most of us are concerned, yes. As far as the VA is concerned, maybe. I read in the American Legion magazine a month or so ago that they are trying to get the VAs definition broadened to include National Guard and Reserves that were not deployed or otherwise activated into Federal service. I hope they get that accomplished.

 

[CH4]

If you raised your right hand and took the oath of enlistment, served, and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, then hell yea, you are a vet. Thanks for serving.

Yeah, what he said!

 

[UncaGrunny]

+1. Honorable Discharge from an armed uniformed service = veteran, and don't let the legalese surrounding efforts to limit access to benefits make you think any differently.

If you'd been called, you would have gone. If you would've paid the ferryman's price in the process, you'd be entitled to the same honors anyone who stepped up are rendered.

Thanks for your service. Tomorrow is your day every bit as much as any other veteran's.

 

[DR505]

Hunter8282 - Don't forget to fly Old Glory tomorrow, it is in honor of you as well!

 

[Seanhagerty]

You wrote and signed that check. payable to the "United States of America" for any amount, up to and including your life.

You sir, are a veteran. Be proud. Enjoy your day tomorrow.

 

[LTC]

I see no reason to not consider you a veteran. You chose to serve, the government chose to not call you into active service.

You sir are as much a veteran as any of us who served on active duty.

Enjoy our day tomorrow and remember a few of your comrades.

LTC
Sgt. USAF 1966 - 1970

 

[DeathGrip]

I went to basic and AIT with guard and reserve.


Reserve and NG serve.

Regular Army serve.

Things can go bad here as well as elsewhere.

Once you take the oath and sign the papers you're Uncle Sams and he might have other plans.

You served.

Thank you for your service.

 

[Papa32129]

Thank you for your service.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD