What can I use a proof for veteran's discounts (DD214 just confuses most people)?

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:47:41 -0400

Ok people need some help with this. I've been asked a couple of times now for proof of veteran status for a veteran discount at various places. A lot of people do not understand that you don't get a military ID upon leaving the service, so they look dumbfounded when you show them your DD214 on your phone off drop box or something similar. With that, I don't have much interaction with the VA , I'd rather not be a bother as there are others who need their services more, so what kind of picture ID proof of service is out there?? Thanks!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 7:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:49:51 -0400

In Florida you vet a V on your drivers lic if you present a DD214 at the DMV

Response by SGT Edward Thomas made Jun 12 at 2015 7:50 AM

SGT Edward Thomas — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:50:50 -0400

I know from my experiences, that many people only think retirees are the only ones that are veterans.

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jun 12 at 2015 7:56 AM

SFC Nikhil Kumra — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:56:19 -0400

Interesting. So I guess it looks like in July Illinois will have the veteran status on their ID card.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jun 12 at 2015 7:57 AM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:57:45 -0400

You can get a VA medical card. They're free and you don't necessarily need medical services to get one. Sure nice to have in case you need help!

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 12 at 2015 7:58 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 07:58:02 -0400

Arizona will put VETERAN on your ID Card/Driver's License with proof of military service.

Most businesses will also accept a membership card from a veteran's organization such as VFW, American Legion, etc.

Response by Cpl Wesley Pies made Jun 12 at 2015 8:20 AM

Cpl Wesley Pies — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:20:00 -0400

I don't know how long you were in but when I got out after my 4 active I got an IRR (inactive ready reserve) ID for my 4 years inactive. Plus in Ohio on my drivers license it says armed forces on it

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 12 at 2015 8:53 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 08:53:29 -0400

Trot your DD214 down to the local VA office and get a VA card.
Just about everyone is eligible on a tiered service.
http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/apply/veterans.asp

Veterans Eligibility - Health Benefits

For the purposes of VA health benefits and services, a person who served in the active military service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable is a Veteran.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 12 at 2015 9:14 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 09:14:45 -0400

VHIC Card (Veterans Health ID Card).

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made Jun 12 at 2015 10:25 AM

SGT Kevin Brown — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:25:18 -0400

You don't need to utilize VA services to be enrolled in the VA. Being enrolled in the VA gives you a VA ID card which is proof of being a Veteran. Their are also apps and services which you can sign up for which prove you are a veteran, but only if said company offering a discount accepts information from that app or service. Aside from getting a VA ID card, there is talk about a veteran ID card, but there is still tons of debate facing that idea.

Response by SPC Ophelia Moye made Jun 12 at 2015 12:00 PM

SPC Ophelia Moye — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:00:39 -0400

The card I ordered from http://www.veteranprograms.com/id1366.html and Veterans Advantage (especially the ID from VP), has been working fine thus far.

Veteran ID Card

Veteran ID Card, veteran identification card, ID card, vet ID, Vet ID Card, vet identification card, veteran card, veteran identification, Veterans ID Card, VA Card, how to get a veterans ID card

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Jun 12 at 2015 12:38 PM

LTC Jason Strickland — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 12:38:05 -0400

SFC Nikhil Kumra, while I can't help you with in-store discounts at retail establishments that you visit locally, you can have access to online retailers via ID.me - the same company that authorized your credentials on RallyPoint.
Visit http://www.id.me to establish your account as a veteran.

ID.me – Turn Your Identity Into Currency And Access.

ID.me allows you to create a single sign-on and verify your group status to unlock exclusive discounts, rewards and resources.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 2:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:11:08 -0400

THANK YOU SFC James Sczymanski!!! You hit the nail on the head. SFC Nikhil Kumra, you're not taking anything extra from a veteran!! I hear that to often from other vets; it akin to someone saying "get a PT profile your're weak", "mention you might need mental health help and you're branded a weak Soldier", no no that is anything further from the truth.

You served, you are entitled to the benefits you earned because for your service. The benefits are the same across the board only difference is what level of benefits you are entitled too or percentage of disability.

Keep in mind SFC Nikhil Kumra, you may think you're great shape now or whatever but time has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. Please, you may have some reservations about the VA, but at least you will know it's there just in case as a backup.

I said my piece..

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jun 12 at 2015 4:49 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 16:49:16 -0400

I don't know what state you live in, but often when you get your state issued ID, there is a box that that you can check that states if you're a veteran. You'll have to bring your DD214 to the DMV but your ID will be annotated with "Veteran" which you can use to prove your status.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jun 15 at 2015 5:27 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 17:27:00 -0400

SFC Nikhil Kumra, you only solution would be to go to the nearest VA Admin Office where you will show them your DD214 and they might issue a VA card.