Military ID card for vets who aren't military retirees

sigp220.45

sigp220.45

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I haven't seen a thread about this yet, but if I missed one please delete.

Apparently a law authorizing the issuance of a military veteran card to guys who did some time but didn't retire (thereby getting a retired ID card) has passed and is awaiting signature.

Congress Passes Law Creating ID Card for Veterans | Military.com

Some states will put a veteran indicator on a DL, but not all do and not everyone has a DL.

The VA will issue a health card, but not everyone qualifies for VA health care (I don't).

It seems like a good idea to me. I never ask for the vet discounts and I don't walk around with a DD-214, but it would be nice to have the card. I wonder if it would work to shop in the commissary or BX?

Would you get one?
 
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Don't sound like a bad idea - but -
the VA is dancing as fast as they can.
They need to work on the problems they already have.
Dumping a massive new program on them is probably going to really jam them up!
Commissary and BX privileges? Doubt it.
These privileges are under budgeting attack and may go away for those of us lucky enough to have them.
I don't care that much for the BX but go to the Kirtland AFB Commissary on a regular basis.
 
Veteran ID

Looks like the VA will have the responsibility for issuance. By itself, it has the same value as a DD214, in terms of identifying a person as one who served in the Armed Services. That's it.
No benefits are attached to having one other than it may provide a means to determine that the holder served.

My retired military ID card does more for me than get me through the gate to shop at the NEX and Commissary and I know that our benefits as retired vets are on the line everytime Congress meets. Frustrating as some of this stuff can get at times, I am fortunate, and I know it.

Some retired Vets from other countries have little or no benefits attached to their service - and don't have any ID card of any kind to show for it. For whatever need/reason - I think any US Vet that wants a Govt issued ID indicating their service, should be able to obtain it. I also think state issued DL's with that type of endorsement is good idea.
 
Ohio only puts the emblem on Your Drivers License and most Stores wont accept that,I know Lowe's wont.And the V.A wants way too mutch imformation for Me to get a Medical Card even though I qualify for one. So the I.D. card is a good idea.
 
There are discounts/benefits offered up in the private sector by companies that honor service. I take advantage of some. If this makes it cheaper and easier for vets...I am all for it.
 
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The major reason is many retailers will offer discounts for veterans. Home Depot is one, usually 10%. I know I saved over $80 when doing some work in my bathroom. I know IL just passed putting Veteran on the drivers license.
 
I have no problem with the idea but some concerns about implementation. Perhaps DoD could issue such a card to servicemen at time of separation and VA could issue to prior service based upon DD214 with a modest fee for processing and issuing the cards (say $15 or $20). Over the course of years it would then become a standard procedure at time of separation from the service and VA would not have to be involved.

When Colorado started issuing Purple Heart license plates (about 1988 or so) the veteran had to take a DD214 to the county Veterans Service Officer and obtain the authorization form, then pay a one-time $10 fee for the plates. Later (about 2004) Colorado started allowing one set of Purple Heart plates per year to qualifying veterans at no charge (no registration fee, no road use tax, no license plate fees, etc) which I have enjoyed since.
 
Some states wave training requirements for vets for the purposes of a concealed carry licence. This constitutes a significant savings, since some of these classes are expensive and time consuming.

Also, there are times when proving veteran status with an ID card would be preferable to presenting a DD214. There may be personal information on a DD214 a vet would want to keep confidential.

I like the idea of an ID card, since I've never been comfortable about handing out copies of my DD214 willie-nilly.
 
sigp220.45 said:
I haven't seen a thread about this yet, but if I missed one please delete.

Apparently a law authorizing the issuance of a military veteran card to guys who did some time but didn't retire (thereby getting a retired ID card) has passed and is awaiting signature.

Congress Passes Law Creating ID Card for Veterans | Military.com


Would you get one?
Click to expand...

Yes I would. Having recently made several "high dollar" purchases at Lowes on household appliances & lawn equipment. An extra 10% discount would have be very NICE! :D
 
The reason for the program has little to do with helping veterans out, though this is the ostensible reason. It is all about tracking them. Remember the report from a few years back that identified veterans as a major area of domestic concern? Too many are three percenters etc. This is designed as an additional means of keeping track of veterans, gathering information, etc.

The government is not your friend and will never do anything "nice" without a hidden agenda.
 
Here in Virginia you can get a veteran's card from the DMV. Just take a copy of your dd-214, pay $10 and they will send you a card with your picture from your driver's license on it. Lowes, BassPro and lots of other businesses give you at least a 10% discount with your card.
 
Anybody that has served in any branch of service, the Government have all kinds of info on each and every one of us. They can track me all they want if I get my 10% off on home remodeling, lawnmowers, roofing painting etc. its saved me quite a few bucks this year as she who must be obeyed is in the process of redoing everything. I may be next.
 
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I worked on a base for almost 20 years. My job did take me occasionally into both the commissary and the BX, but not being a retiree, and being a civilian, I couldn't buy anything (unless I was on TDY to another base, which I did a lot). I can truthfully say that about the only advantage to shopping at either a commissary or a BX/PX was that you didn't have to pay state sales tax on taxable merchqandise. Prices didn't seem any better than the local stores.
 
Check with your county court house. In my county, you take your DD214 to the clerk, they enter it into their system, take your picture and present you with a veterans ID card. They give you a sheet full of places that offer discounts and thank you for your service. It was a painless process and I appreciated their sincerity.
 
Call me strange but I have no problem carrying a copy of my DD214 in my biker wallet with my other required license's. Never had to prove that I haven't "stolen valor" but have it in case someone calls me a lire. I saw they had passed this and wonder what information will be on it or it just says you served.
 
GatorFarmer said:
The reason for the program has little to do with helping veterans out, though this is the ostensible reason. It is all about tracking them. Remember the report from a few years back that identified veterans as a major area of domestic concern? Too many are three percenters etc. This is designed as an additional means of keeping track of veterans, gathering information, etc.

The government is not your friend and will never do anything "nice" without a hidden agenda.
Click to expand...

"Paranoia strikes deep.
Into your life it will creep.
It starts when you're always afraid,
Step out of line, the man come, and take you away..."
- For What It's Worth, Buffalo Springfield
peepwall.gif
 
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