Veterans -- Free eats and other deals on the 11th

[charlz]

I still carry a VA "File Identification Card." Lowes has accepted the card as proof of service.

I think I got the card when I applied for GI Bill benefits way back in 1969. The Bill sure came in handy, helping pay for my undergraduate degree and my first year of grad school.

Looks like (now) you only get a VA ID card if you qualify for VA Medical benefits:
How Do I Get an Identification Card? (VA Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment)

 

[jinman]

There is something I 've never been able to establish and that is the accepted legal definition of verteran. I was in the army reserves for 6 years back in the late 60 's - mid 70 's. Aside from the normal 2 weeks active summer camp each summer and standard active boot camp and AIT no other active duty. So what is the def. ? Was proud to serve and not really lookin' for any bennies, but I 've always wondered what is the accepted. Back then reservists were kinda looked down on.

Sailorman, the official VA definition of a veteran is that you had at least 90 days of continuous active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions. Veteran's pensions require that you be 65 or completely disabled and have served during one of the defined periods (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, etc.). There is a chance that some served between Korea and Vietnam or between Vietnam and the Gulf War and would not meet the criteria for benefits under this program, but would qualify for other benefits.

 

[smstonypoint]

Looks like (now) you only get a VA ID card if you qualify for VA Medical benefits:
How Do I Get an Identification Card? (VA Health Care Eligibility & Enrollment)

The VA card I received way back in 1969 wasn't an ID. I think its purpose was to provide a file number that I could use in communicating with the VA concerning my GI Bill benefits.

Steve

 

[jlsmith]

I just want to say THANK YOU to ALL vets and ex-military personal. Thank you for keeping all of us safe. :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[phiferpharm]

Sailorman, the official VA definition of a veteran is that you had at least 90 days of continuous active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions. Veteran's pensions require that you be 65 or completely disabled and have served during one of the defined periods (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, etc.). There is a chance that some served between Korea and Vietnam or between Vietnam and the Gulf War and would not meet the criteria for benefits under this program, but would qualify for other benefits.

I am not sure about the 65 years old part. I retired after 39 years of service in the Florida Army National Guard and got both my first federal retirement check and a State of Florida retirement check last week and I'm not 65.

If you are 60 or over, you draw the federal retirement and if you have more than 30 years in the FLARNG, you can also draw the State Military retirement after 60. I'm going to get a briefing on Tricare and swap my present ID for the retired ID sometime during the next week.

 

[sailorman]

Sailorman, the official VA definition of a veteran is that you had at least 90 days of continuous active duty and were discharged under honorable conditions. Veteran's pensions require that you be 65 or completely disabled and have served during one of the defined periods (WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, etc.). There is a chance that some served between Korea and Vietnam or between Vietnam and the Gulf War and would not meet the criteria for benefits under this program, but would qualify for other benefits.

Charlz and jinman:
Sounds about right to me. Different classifications of vets have been established. Especially the part about 90 days active service. When I was in the reserves the military was very careful that reservists' active boot camp and AIT combined did not add to 90. I was released from my active boot camp and AIT precisely at 89 days. I understand that it was a financial consideration for the government especially in terms of the G.I. bill and college tuition.

That 's ok with me because I don 't seek bennies nor particular feel entitled to them. Not to mention not needing or wanting to burden the system to the point that other who do need them can 't get them.

Just wondered if I am actually some kinda vet.

Thanks for the info.

 

[jinman]

I am not sure about the 65 years old part. I retired after 39 years of service in the Florida Army National Guard and got both my first federal retirement check and a State of Florida retirement check last week and I'm not 65.

If you are 60 or over, you draw the federal retirement and if you have more than 30 years in the FLARNG, you can also draw the State Military retirement after 60. I'm going to get a briefing on Tricare and swap my present ID for the retired ID sometime during the next week.

Yes, certainly your situation is different for a retirement. My definition was for the Improved Veterans Pensions which require that you are 65 or totally disabled.

 

[MikeD74T]

Looks like the restaurant offers actually encompass all veterans but the Lowes and Home Depot offers are really Active and Retirees only.

Not true everywhere, local HD & Lowes both accept my active duty military id that expired on 7-Jan-78 as proof of service for discount. I served for 8 years but am not a retiree. MikeD74T

 

[charlz]

Not true everywhere, local HD & Lowes both accept my active duty military id that expired on 7-Jan-78 as proof of service for discount. I served for 8 years but am not a retiree. MikeD74T

Every day or just on 4th/Memorial/Veterans?

 

[jinman]

I just saw a commercial on TV last night for Applebee's that stated their free meal policy for veterans. I think it is mighty nice of them to spend commercial advertising money to get the word out. They have always been one of my favorite restaurants and they will continue to be with their good food and good PR with the veterans community.:thumbsup: