Veterans Now Have Free Access To National Parks

[david_reaves]

As a disabled veteran I've had an Access Pass for several years. Attempted pandering or not, I can't see this as a benefit that will change anyone's vote. People that support the President would vote for him regardless and people who support Mr. Biden are also not going to be swayed by park admission. In the long run, it will be nice for veterans-- IF we can manage to keep budgets for parks sufficient to support the operations. If not, then in the end, no one is going to enjoy them.

[DougW]

Just remember, if it weren’t for us veterans, there wouldn’t be any US National parks.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by eye95

Some people do not have a full understanding of the “blank check” we veterans wrote. They resent the perks that some private companies and the government give us as a form of thanks.

There is a video kicking around the Internet of some person going nuclear over a “military discount” being given to another patron. After she is done ranting, other customers fall all over each other to pay for the military person’s meal.

I always ask for such perks. I never expect them. I am grateful for the gratitude expressed by these bits of consideration.

All gave some. Some gave all. I appreciate all those who gave far more than I ever did. I see some of them every day on my job, some of them with visibly missing parts, others whose missing parts are not visible at all. Unfortunately, many others cannot ever take advantage of military or veteran discounts. They are gone.

When it comes to "Military Discounts" I rarely ask but today while in a store buying a Garmin Inreach Mini someone behind the counter and noticed the hat I was wearing. My "proud vet" hat that I forgot I'd put on. They gave me the discount and I thanked them.

Regarding the blank check, I recall being told when i shipped out overseas that I had to go but didn't have to come back. No welcoming crowds when I did return. Luckily with all my original parts and pieces.

[Virginian]

I'm a veteran who also bought the senior lifetime pass just this year for $90 (80 + $10 fee). However, as someone stated earlier, the pass also gets you 50% off campground fees, as well as free entry to day use parks. This includes Corps of Engineers campgrounds as well. So, I don't guess I wasted my money.
Although I didn't buy the pass until I had already booked my first campground reservation at a COE campground, so I did miss out on that 50%.

[odomcb]

PhilFromMaine;2442918]So, now how is the underfunded National Park Service, or whomever, going to make up the difference in their budgets? Answer: their not. The result will be further deterioration of our National Park System all for political purposes. Geez, 5 days before the election. Is there no shame?/QUOTE]


It's a crying shame that most young people have no idea what patriotism or service for their country means. They walk around with their hands out expecting the government to give them something (education, home, money, welfare, food stamps, a free ride) and they don't think they have to give anything in return - it's owed to them. Then when a veteran gets a little something they get upset because they aren't included in the perk. Veteran deserves to be honored for what they did for their country. Some come home with no visible injury but have mental trauma, others come home missing limbs, but then some never come home. Maybe mandatory service in the military would teach these socialist believers something about life and sacrifice since they obviously have no clue. Of course if they were made to serve they would probably find a way to screw that up to - right PhilFromMaine?

[SeaDog]

I'm always amazed at how a post can turn from a good bit of information (in this case) into a politicly charged bunch of posts. I appreciate the info thanks

[Cyote61]

Here in Arkansas if you are a Vet and bring your DD-214 to the DMV to prove it, they put "Veteran" right on your drivers license.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by Cyote61

Here in Arkansas if you are a Vet and bring your DD-214 to the DMV to prove it, they put "Veteran" right on your drivers license.

I think most states have a veteran label available for their drivers licenses.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by NavyLCDR

I think most states have a veteran label available for their drivers licenses.

WA state also offers stickers that can be applied to license plates for Vets.

Some with Vietnam service ribbons and others just American Flags.

[NavyLCDR]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

WA state also offers stickers that can be applied to license plates for Vets.

Some with Vietnam service ribbons and others just American Flags.

Oregon is even better. We have lifetime vehicle registrations for veterans (1 vehicle per veteran). So my plate not only has the word veteran on it, but the even better word "permanent" instead of expiration stickers .

The problem with veteran plates, though, is that it is no guarantee that anyone in the car is actually a veteran. Only that it is, hopefully, registered to a veteran.

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by eye95

Some people do not have a full understanding of the “blank check” we veterans wrote. They resent the perks that some private companies and the government give us as a form of thanks.

There is a video kicking around the Internet of some person going nuclear over a “military discount” being given to another patron. After she is done ranting, other customers fall all over each other to pay for the military person’s meal.

I always ask for such perks. I never expect them. I am grateful for the gratitude expressed by these bits of consideration.

All gave some. Some gave all. I appreciate all those who gave far more than I ever did. I see some of them every day on my job, some of them with visibly missing parts, others whose missing parts are not visible at all. Unfortunately, many others cannot ever take advantage of military or veteran discounts. They are gone.

Roger that!
On this forum the "golden rule" should be followed. Keep your politics on "facebook" -

[JS Stanley]

Originally Posted by U.S.ArmyVeteran

Roger that!
On this forum the "golden rule" should be followed. Keep your politics on "facebook" -

That's good..hahaha. No facebook for me.



Wouldn't the timing be more for Veterans Day rather than the election. The earlier a communication, the more chance the intended audience will hear it.



To all the Veterans...Thank you!

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by JS Stanley

Wouldn't the timing be more for Veterans Day.......

To all the Veterans...Thank you!

My first thought also. In fact I saw it on Military.com as a Veteran benefit.


On behalf of all that have served are serving now and "gave that last full measure if devotion". Thank you for your consideration.

[yukongold]

I carry a miniaturized copy of my DD214 but it looks like that won't be good enough.
It looks like my state will want $26 to issue a replacement drivers license with the added 'veteran' designation, so I guess I will need to apply for one of those Veteran ID cards from the VA. It appears there is no charge for them.
For anyone else that needs one, the process starts here:
https://www.va.gov/records/get-veteran-id-cards/vic/

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

One of the more friendly Veteran states. IMHO only

South Carolina has 33 different Military License plates.............33!

Plate Gallery

And us old fart residents get a %15 discount at State Park Campgrounds

[D W]

Originally Posted by U.S.ArmyVeteran

One of the more friendly Veteran states. IMHO only

South Carolina has 33 different Military License plates.............33!

Plate Gallery

And us old fart residents get a %15 discount at State Park Campgrounds

Alaska is the same way. Aside from the standard Army, Navy, USMC, USAF, USCG, National Guard, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor and POW plates, the following military unit insignias on plates are available. If your military insignia is not listed, it can be special ordered as long as it's a bonafide unit insignia.

Military Unit Designations, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, State of Alaska

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by SeaDog

I'm always amazed at how a post can turn from a good bit of information (in this case) into a politicly charged bunch of posts. I appreciate the info thanks

Ain't that the truth

I always type my postings then go somewhere else. Come back and think........ do I really needed to make my opinion public? Mostly I do not hahah
My version of counting to 10. Probably should have reconsidered this one also! lol
Emotional restraint a lost art.

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by D W

Alaska is the same way. Aside from the standard Army, Navy, USMC, USAF, USCG, National Guard, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor and POW plates, the following military unit insignias on plates are available. If your military insignia is not listed, it can be special ordered as long as it's a bonafide unit insignia.

Military Unit Designations, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, State of Alaska

Very nice! And very specific. Alaska could end up with thousands! I have to come visit some day. Still on my bucket list.

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by flightconn

For political purposes? Not a veteran are you?

He obviously NEVER served anything greater than himself, or put his life at risk for anything else either.

Nor does he have any respect for anyone who did!

Well, he is right down there with Jane Fonda............and those of us who served in the Republic of Vietnam will forgive Jane......when the Jews forgive Hitler!

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by PhilFromMaine

So, now how is the underfunded National Park Service, or whomever, going to make up the difference in their budgets? Answer: their not. The result will be further deterioration of our National Park System all for political purposes. Geez, 5 days before the election. Is there no shame?

I guess Phil YOU will just have to start paying "Your Fair Share". In other words, Your Fees will Double or Triple! Oh Boo Hoo!!

Cant wait to hear that happens, then you will have an honest reason to snivel and whine!!

It would be too easy to get political here but I will refrain.