I would like to bring a topic to the public attention. There is currently a bill on the table in Congress called HR 2985, otherwise known as the The Veteran's ID Card Act. Currently the only people authorized to have a veteran's ID card are those who retired after 20 years of military service, and those who are 100-percent disabled. There are millions of other veterans out there who would like to be able to provide proof of honorable service to their country without having to produce their DD-214. Their DD-214 contains all their personal information throughout their entire military career.
Under the current legislation it would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide a photo ID to any eligible veteran who asks for it; it also allows for a small fee to be charged. The fee hasn’t been established yet but it will allow the ID to be made at no cost to the state or government.
There are many companies out there who are eager to hire veterans. These IDs are a good way for potential employers to verify their honorable service to our country. It will also will allow for veterans to be able to take advantage of a company’s military discount, which isn’t but 15 or 20 percent. Maybe a free meal around Veterans Day or Memorial Day. It makes them feel good to know that their blood, sweat and tears over their years of military service are appreciated. The state of Virginia already has set up and put in place through the DMV a state-run veteran's ID program. With North Carolina priding itself on being the nation’s most military friendly state, why are we falling behind?
— Joseph Gunn
Asheville
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