Veterans Discount

[cokebottle10]

I like to barter when I buy things. I have been ask if I was a veteran? If so then they could give me a discount. I have told them that I served in the Army from 77 to 80 but did not consider myself a veteran.

I have never considered myself a veteran. I worked in a Direct Support Patton in El Paso TX. (more like a 9 to 5 job) Never left the US. The only time I was given a loaded weapon other that qualifying was when I had to guard some Korean Missiles out at White Sands. Five rounds for a 12ga shotgun. I still remember that sergeant saying “Whatever you do, don’t shoot at the missiles!”

Any way my license was coming up for renewal. In NC if you show your DD-214 and it says that you were “Honorably Discharged” then you can get “Veteran” on your license and get Veteran discounts at places like Home Depot.
 
I went ahead and did this. But now I’m starting to feel a little guilty having it. I don’t think that the discounts were mean for me. Should I feel guilty using it? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
David in Fletcher NC.

[Valkorado]

You, Sir, are a Veteran!  You don't have to risk your hide to serve, or to deserve the benefits associated with your service.  And you don't have to be the head of the snake to be vital to the animal.  Thank you for your service.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sure, they were meant for you. I don't remember ever handling weapons during my 4 years in the Navy. We might have in Boot Camp, but I don't remember doing so. That said, I never expect or look for a Veterans discount. I never think about the Senior discount unless they ask me.

[da prez]

   It goes back to "All gave some, Some gave all".
  Not everyone is front line. I use my Veterans discount and am proud of my service time. I was in during Viet Nam. I did over three years. I never left the states. I also became an instructor.
  This still makes me a veteran , but I will side step for those who went out of the states.

                                              B T W
 We have a granddaughter in the Air Force , soon to be a Captain , and stationed at Fort Hood Texas.
  We will be going down for a week or so before Christmas.
                      Texas , beware , I am bringing old2soon with.

                                                       da prez

[solo1]

It took me awhile to think as a veteran.  I served in Korea during the Korean war and was above the 38th parallel.  I saw the results of combat but wasn't in combat.

I finally realized that serving in a medical clearing company was part of the overall support of combat troops and Marines.  I did not like the term REMF.  (Rear Echelon M F's)

Anyone who served in the Armed Forces, no matter when, where, or how, is a veteran.  All of us ,whether drafted or enlisted,  could've been called to combat, that was the terms.

[Serk]

IMHO, if you raised your hand and took the oath, you're a veteran.

But I get what you're saying.

My dad was in the Air Force during Vietnam, was in for 8 years, but refuses to claim "veteran" status because he never got shot at.

And on the other side I have another relative that was badly injured in a motorcycle accident shortly after enlisting, got a full medical discharge with 100% disability and is living off of that, and proudly claims "Disabled Veteran" status.

[gordonv]

Anyone who served in the Armed Forces, no matter when, where, or how, is a veteran.  All of us ,whether drafted or enlisted,  could've been called to combat, that was the terms.

Thank you all for your thoughts, I've been wondering the same thing.

Now my side of things. I only made it through cadets and the the Reserves to age 20, when full time work and girls where more interesting than joining the regular forces, and I dropped out. In BC they started having license plates with Veteran on them, no known benefit, just promoting pride in what you had done. I think the US Reserves are different than in Canada. I believe if there was a call up, I could have been drafted in.

[scooperhsd]

You, Sir, are a Veteran!  You don't have to risk your hide to serve, or to deserve the benefits associated with your service.  And you don't have to be the head of the snake to be vital to the animal.  Thank you for your service.   

This is exactly correct.  You ARE eligible for a VA Loan, correct ? There's your answer.

Not everybody can be the tip of the spear, some just support those. But what you did was necessary at the time.

And yes - I do have Veteran on my NC DL.

[hubcapsc]

My Daddy told me about how he "puked his way to Europe on the troop ships"
in WWII... to play in the Army Band.



He's the driver of the closest Harley...

-Mike

[cokebottle10]

Thanks guys, I got more out of the Army than they ever got out of me. I didn't plan it that way but that's what happened. A good education, learned to be responsible for myself, Take pride in whatever I do, and much more. I went in as a Teenager and came out as a Man.

I always felt and still feel that since I was in during peace time and only severed three years I do not deserve being called a Veteran. I guess that’s why I feel guilty using the discount.

I think that I’m going to use it in the big box stores but not take advantage of it at other places.

Thanks,
David in Fletcher NC

[scooperhsd]

Thanks guys, I got more out of the Army than they ever got out of me. I didn't plan it that way but that's what happened. A good education, learned to be responsible for myself, Take pride in whatever I do, and much more. I went in as a Teenager and came out as a Man.

I always felt and still feel that since I was in during peace time and only severed three years I do not deserve being called a Veteran. I guess that’s why I feel guilty using the discount.

I think that I’m going to use it in the big box stores but not take advantage of it at other places.

Thanks,
David in Fletcher NC

Whatever you feel comfortable with David -  anyone who served is not going to criticize your decision.  But in my opinion - you're as much a veteran as anyone else who served this country, in what ever military capacity - and I include the Coast Guard in that.

[old2soon]

To my rather limited knowledge You took the same exact Oath that I and ALL My brothers and Sisters did. AND That WAS a contract payable in full that May or Ma NOT include your very life. While I Never actually had boots on the ground in Nam I've flown close enough to it to not ONLY see it but also able to SMELL it. Your DD214 tells it ALL Sir!  Please-NEVER again question whether or not you are a Veteran-You Are a VETERAN. Be proud that you are, RIDE SAFE.

[Mr Whiskey]

IMHO, if you raised your hand and took the oath, you're a veteran.

The only time I was given a loaded weapon other that qualifying was when I had to guard some Korean Missiles out at White Sands. Five rounds for a 12ga shotgun. I still remember that sergeant saying “Whatever you do, don’t shoot at the missiles!”

...& for the record, I don't remember anyone, anywhere, EVER, bein' willin' to give my crazy a$$ a loaded gauge and ask me to guard some missiles!
Thank you for your service Brother

[Rams]

You, Sir, are a Veteran!  You don't have to risk your hide to serve, or to deserve the benefits associated with your service.  And you don't have to be the head of the snake to be vital to the animal.  Thank you for your service.  

I whole heartedly agree.  

Remember, most folks didn't get to pick what they did or where they served.    I was infantry in the Marines.   Military service is not  mandatory, whether that is a good thing or not is debatable but, those who do serve honorably are true Veterans.   I respect each and every one of them.

While the % may not be correct, as I remember, something like 90% of all service members are support services.   Remember, until the ground is occupied, you/we don't control the area.    We can not and do not have control of an area with just air or fire support    Those that take and hold the ground are a small part of the actual military.    The vast majority of the time I spent in the service of this county was as a support person, whether that was as a staff weanie intel officer, as an Artillery Forward Observer, as a Scout Pilot, as a Test Pilot or as the commander of an aviation maintenance unit.   I am proud to call myself and all who have served as Veterans.  

Edited:  BTW, I'm told the VA will issue a Veteran's ID if you provide them with a valid "Honorably Discharged" DD314 DD214.   I should look into that, have a couple of them laying around here somewhere.
I can't say that everywhere offers a Veteran's Discount but, I do frequent some retail establishments that show their appreciation to veterans.    I frequent those stores (not necessarily because of a 10% discount) because, I appreciate the effort to honor Vets.

[Jess from VA]

"Honorably Discharged" DD314.
That's a DD214

And before January 1, 1950, the predecessor 214 was the WD AGO 53, WD AGO 55, WD AGO 53-55.

DD = Dept of Defense

WD = War Dept

   

[Rams]

"Honorably Discharged" DD314.
That's a DD214

I stand corrected.   

[gregk]

More & more places are giving Veterans discount, all you need to do is ASK. I show my old metal VFW life membership card. Open your mouth and ask. In the last couple years more an more places are showing appreachin to us vets.

[CajunRider]

I see a lot of responses from veterans...  Take it from someone who is NOT a veteran.

If you served, you ARE a veteran. 

I have many friends who served.  Some were in the thick of it, some were support for those in the thick of it.  Whether you were front line or not, you did what the military told you to do which means you did something important. 

I never served, but I am VERY grateful for all those who did.    

Side note, I attempted to join the Air Force.  I wanted to fly. 
They wouldn't take me due to not having 20/20 vision.  So I paid for college instead. 

[Raider]

You sir, are a veteran and the discount is for you.  In fact, I'm on the other side of NC, but if I end up your way, I'll gladly buy you a veteran to veteran meal!

[The emperor has no clothes]

you did what the military told you to do which means you did something important

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

But I know what you meant. 

[MarkT]

I keep a miniature copy of my DD-214 in my wallet.  Sometimes comes in handy if it's requested or it gets me a discount.  I don't have a problem if they offer it.  I served, was in theater, was a weapons mechanic and was fired upon while un-armed.  That pissed me off.  Good thing they were lousy shots.  Also the AK has crappy sights; is not a long range weapon and they couldn't get close to end of runway from the jungle cover.  Still we were working under klieg lights at night, were sitting ducks if they had any shooters.  I was a REMF and proud of it.  Combat troops were a small % of deployed; they needed and deserved all the rear support we could provide.  We were the guys loading the zoomies with weapons for ground support.  I used the GI Bill to get my degree and guarantee my mortgage.  No qualms on that, after getting spit at by my countrymen on my return after they forced me to go with the draft, I figured they owed me.

You may have seen this - it's been on my Veterans page for a while:

THANK A VET - SHOW THEM YOU CARE

Don't let our Vietnam homecoming happen to our boys, ever again. If you see a veteran home from the war - buy his drink, lunch, give him a ride, anything you can do to say "thanks".

(The following is not to toot my horn - it's to serve as an example, and show it made his day - or maybe longer.)

I recall when I came home from the nam, (weapons tech) I stopped wearing my uniform - it just attracted hate.  I was in a bowling alley bar, home on leave, in my civvies, and an old guy bought all my drinks.  Said your money is no good here.  I tried to thank him - he said no thanks, please, you've done enough.    I never forgot that.  I think he was a WWII vet - right age anyway.  It was the only thanks I ever got - for another 25 years or so. Including from my family.

I was in my favorite cafe for lunch last year - there was a young, very fit man with short hair with what I took to be his folks.  I asked the owner, is he in the service?  She said yeah, he's in the Corps, a sergeant on leave from Afghanistan.  I told her, "I'm buying his lunch - and his folks too.  And don't tell him until I've left.  I don't want thanks.  He's done enough.  Just tell him a Vietnam vet wants him to be appreciated."             She said "I'm gonna cry."

Some weeks later, next time I came in, she gave me this note Included in the envelope was his Marine Challenge Coin:

 

[John Schmidt]

I went over to the local VA clinic here in Orlando and asked about getting vets ID. They told me there wasn't plain vanilla veteran's ID unless you sign up for medical service....which I didn't. Am I missing something or is there actually a Vets ID card available?

[Rams]

I went over to the local VA clinic here in Orlando and asked about getting vets ID. They told me there wasn't plain vanilla veteran's ID unless you sign up for medical service....which I didn't. Am I missing something or is there actually a Vets ID card available?

John,
I honestly don't know the ins and outs of getting a Veteran's ID but, I've seen several of them.   I honestly didn't look close at it or ask much about how to get one but, one gent did tell me that all he had to do was bring in his DD214.    That may have been for a med sign up, I honestly don't know.

But, I have seen several of them.   Next time I do, I'll ask.

Edited:  Just found this.

https://www.reference.com/government-politics/can-veterans-id-card-169cd5d33e7b4fde?qo=cdpArticles

Full Answer
The Office of Veterans Affairs offers veterans identification cards to those who previously served and are eligible for Veterans Affairs health care benefits. The veterans identification cards issued by the Veterans Affairs office are predominately used to serve as an identification for veterans who are coming into the Veterans Affairs office to check into the office or receive health care or medicine. It is possible for any civilian who was in any branch of the U.S. military including Army, Marines and Coast Guard, as well as Navy and Air Force, to receive a veterans identification card a long as they do not have a dishonorable discharge from their branch of service.
Although the Veterans Affairs office issues these cards, there is no official Department of Defense identification for civilians who previously served in the armed forces. Many veterans claim that these identification cards do not hold up as proof of service when given to some state officials.

[Jess from VA]

... is there actually a Vets ID card available?

Not that I've ever heard of.  Mark's idea of a miniature DD214 is a good one (or full size folded up, I don't know how a miniature is readable).  I also suppose a copy of an honorable (or general) discharge certificate would work.

Retirees (or medically retired) get a military ID.  But not those of us who served for less than a retirement.

Veterans in receipt of some form of veteran's benefits or healthcare probably have VA ID showing veteran status (not a VA home loan, or education benefits).

Someone mentioned VFW or other veteran service organization membership.  I know that most of these outfits use some due diligence to determine veteran status before conferring membership,  but we had plenty of guys represented by various veteran service organizations who did not actually qualify as a veteran for VA purposes.  I doubt many restaurants and stores would reject a VFW/TAL/DAV/OPH/etc membership card, but that would not substitute for a DD214 for VA benefit purposes (we always pull your full military record from NPRC in St Louis to make an initial determination, assuming you are not one the unlucky ones that had theirs burned in the 1973 fire).

A copy of your bad conduct discharge (BCD) or dishonorable discharge (DD) (both from courts martial conviction) or Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC) (from an administrative discharge) won't cut it.  Any of these extinguish your legal status as veteran.  However, if you were administratively separated for cause with a UOTHC from your last enlistment, but had one or more earlier enlistments that ended honorably, you are still a veteran (of the earlier enlistment(s), not the last UOTHC enlistment).  Officers don't serve enlistments, and whether regular or reserve, their service is generally continuous, and not broken up by separate enlistments.

[Oldfishguy]

I went over to the local VA clinic here in Orlando and asked about getting vets ID. They told me there wasn't plain vanilla veteran's ID unless you sign up for medical service....which I didn't. Am I missing something or is there actually a Vets ID card available?

Ya, I've never heard of a Veterns ID card either; unless of course you are part of the VA health system.  I just keep my original dog tags on my key chain if need be.  Kind of dangerous with SSN on them but it is a daily reminder to me and worth the risk.  And then, no one outside of service personnel know what a DD214 is.  

I feel in many ways how the OP feels about peace time service.  For those of us that served in peace time we all know the real heroes are the war/conflict vets; in my mind it is another level entirely.

David (SGT)
US Army 1980-83

[da prez]

   I do not have a PHD , I have a DD214.

       Yes , it is a V A issued medical I D card that I use for proof. If they honor Veteran status , then they usually accept the card as ID. Home Depot has a picture if the card for checkers to check against for scan. The next time I am there I will ask to see the other card.

                      da prez  Army 1966-1969

[Willow]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?   

[Serk]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?   

Ya' know The Marines are a department of the Navy, right?

...the men's department...

[Willow]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?  

Ya' know The Marines are a department of the Navy, right?

...the men's department...  

No. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps are both under the Naval Department.  The Naval Department and the Navy are not the same thing.  The Navy and Marine Corps each have their own representative on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  There are five services in the Deopartment of Defense.

The Navy has in the past been long distance transportation for the Marine Corps.  The Marine Corps provides necessarily military presence on naval vessels.

   

The history of the Marine Corps predates the Declaration of Independence.  In the early days and subsequently the Marines provided the fighting force on ships necessary for providing the means of boarding enemy ships and other military needs.

[Jess from VA]

I wonder when was the last time men from one ship raided/boarded another in battle?

(I'm not talking a stealthy Seal/commando type raid or a sapper raid like the USS Cole, I mean when two ships got close enough you could swing over on lines, as it may have been with square riggers)

[The emperor has no clothes]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?   

The sophisticated branch. 

[Rams]

I wonder when was the last time men from one ship raided/boarded another in battle?

(I'm not talking a stealthy Seal/commando type raid or a sapper raid like the USS Cole, I mean when two ships got close enough you could swing over on lines, as it may have been with square riggers)

Most likely back before Willow enlisted.     I think.   

[Rams]

The sophisticated branch. 

Oh, OK.   I knew there would be a new politically correct name................ 

[scooperhsd]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?  

Ya' know The Marines are a department of the Navy, right?

...the men's department...  

No. The U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps are both under the Naval Department.  The Naval Department and the Navy are not the same thing.  The Navy and Marine Corps each have their own representative on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  There are five services in the Deopartment of Defense.

The Navy has in the past been long distance transportation for the Marine Corps.  The Marine Corps provides necessarily military presence on naval vessels.

   

The history of the Marine Corps predates the Declaration of Independence.  In the early days and subsequently the Marines provided the fighting force on ships necessary for providing the means of boarding enemy ships and other military needs.

I count 4 in DoD - Army , Navy , Marine, Air Force.  The Coast Guard , while it is an armed force, was normally under DOT (transportation), now Homeland Security, in peacetime. They would transfer to DoD in the event of declared war, as a part of the Navy.  I would like to know what you're considering the 5th DoD.

[Novavalker]

I did many things they told me to do. Lots of them were standing around and waiting. The military (at least the Navy) is not the peak of efficiency.

The Navy is military?   

Actually Willow the Navy pretty much runs your Explosive Ordnance Disposal School In Eglin AFB and Indian Hd Maryland.

Don't ask me how I know this.

Of course then there are the Seal Teams.

Hooyah......Deep Sea Divers ! 

[CajunRider]

The Navy is military?   

Honestly, I have no idea...   

But I do have a friend of mine who was Navy.  He spent a few years touring under Arctic ice "trolling for commies" as he would say.  I'll ask him about it Monday morning at the office. 

He didn't have one of the keys... you know, the one you turn and punch in a code to launch...  But, he was working under orders of the guys with the keys. 

He told me many stories of the drills.  Only they didn't know it was a drill, just an order to launch.  He said they'd push the button, butts would pucker for a second, and then a great relief that nothing came out of the sub that would start WWIII. 

He also told me stories of the fire drills... which they pretty much knew were drills.  Until one day they opened a hatch and black smoke billowed out.  "Pucker factor, off the charts!" he said. 

Give that man a stout and a cigar, ask a question or two... and some good stories are told.   

[Willow]

Just light hearted poking, of course.  There are some very fine military persons in the U.S. Navy.  Some were trained by Marines.  Some wore red crosses and went into battle with Marines.  Some drove dozers with M-16s by their sides.

[fudgie]

Thx to all the Vets! 

No to hijack but I get EMS discounts. Anything from free pop to hotel discounts to a few hundred off my tires. We are classified under Homeland Security (for the time being) so always get gov discounts at hotels.  The SO hates it. She call us the 'welfare recipients of the healthcare field'.  She always say the NP/RN never get discounts or free coffee. I tell her well they feel sorry for us cause we make $10/hr compared to their $30-$75/ hr. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thx to all the Vets! 

No to hijack but I get EMS discounts. Anything from free pop to hotel discounts to a few hundred off my tires. We are classified under Homeland Security (for the time being) so always get gov discounts at hotels.  The SO hates it. She call us the 'welfare recipients of the healthcare field'.  She always say the NP/RN never get discounts or free coffee. I tell her well they feel sorry for us cause we make $10/hr compared to their $30-$75/ hr. 

I don't understand how the pay difference can be so huge ? Is the supply of EMS so great as to drive down the wages ?

[fudgie]

Thx to all the Vets! 

No to hijack but I get EMS discounts. Anything from free pop to hotel discounts to a few hundred off my tires. We are classified under Homeland Security (for the time being) so always get gov discounts at hotels.  The SO hates it. She call us the 'welfare recipients of the healthcare field'.  She always say the NP/RN never get discounts or free coffee. I tell her well they feel sorry for us cause we make $10/hr compared to their $30-$75/ hr. 

I don't understand how the pay difference can be so huge ? Is the supply of EMS so great as to drive down the wages ?

Just the opposite. Shortage around here because its hard to make a livable wage. Most medics go on to be nurses since the pay is better. Boss says were not 'market sensitive' and its still a technical job not a professional one. No way i'd be a nurse. I like the streets.