Lifetime National Park Access for Veterans

Pretty much my thoughts. The problem is, a lot of the younger guys that get out for non medical reasons, leave in a hurry. They don’t listen to the classes and a lot of senior leadership could be more helpful during out processing. All my guys that sat down for their out brief with me got a run down of CFR 38.

 

This is awesome, just told my buddy about this and they didn't even ask to see his VA card. I'm still AD so don't think I can apply.

 

You should be eligible for a free one as an active duty member. You’ll just have to replace it annually. Unless they changed it, I haven’t paid for access for years!

 

For sure, I definitely take advantage of the annual pass, replacing it every year. Hell, I'd probably lose the lifetime pass anyway.

 

Yep active military and their dependents qualify for the military annual pass. Just have to show a CAC or dependent card

 

Aug 2018 I went to yellowstone; as I attempted to pay, i asked the attendant/ranger about the program. She refused my money and sent me to the registration office - which didn't open for about 3 more hours. After some photos, I went to the office and spoke to another ranger. She didn't ask for any certification; just my signature verifying my status. Then I got my card. Was an incredible experience and everyone was really nice and eager to help.

 

If you have VA ID card that's all you need for proof of service connected disability . My VA ID card has the the words "service connected" under my picture

I go to Oahu to visit my brother every year and my favorite place to visit is Pearl Harbor. I just show this ID card at the ticket booth and my brother and I get in free

If you've got a County VA office it's worth the trip to get the ID card

 

not to mention the terrible reputation of the veterans administration. most would forgo any money to deal with another massive faceless bureaucracy that jerks them around with more paperwork, deadlines, and regulations

 

Then they almost all try to submit when they are older and more mature. Then realize it’s almost impossible after you have been out for 15 years, no longer have your medical records and now have a history of the claimed issue in civilian life.

 

I got the pass and it’s been well worth it.

and as for the VA, they now have the 30 day policy. Usually you get a rating in 30 days unless you want to fight the initial rating they give you.

 

That’s pretty impressive, hopefully it’s still fair. Rubber stamping no would be an easy way to hit that deadline.

 

Come to J. Percy Priest Lake visitor center sometime and let me know you are coming and I will make sure you have a pass. Just bring a VA ID or a DD 214 and you'll be good to go.

 

I've had one for a long time. Useful.

 

I skip Yellowstone and enter through Grand Teton National Park.
The Craig Thomas Discovery Center s outside the park gate and is super easy to navigate, even now.
If you go in, use the right-hand register (over by the bear canisters behind the counter, they're black plastic cans with numbers on them)

Show an active or retired ID and you they'll give you an annual military pass.
If you want the lifetime pass you have to show something that proves permanent disability. the parks website shows what they're used to seeing to show determination

 

I got the Military Pass at a local BLM office in September this year (2021). As I don't have a VA rating, my pass was still Free, but only valid for one year. I can get a new one every year.

Interestingly enough, when I went, I naturally took my DD214, so I could prove my Veteran status. The clerk looked at me and said "Oh, we can't accept DD214 as proof". Seriously?? The same Federal government that issues me the DD214, when I was discharged, can't accept that same DD214 as proof that I served???

Fortunately for me, I have the 'VETERAN' designation on my state issued drivers license. They happily accepted that as proof of my service.

I don't know about other states, but in California, in order to get that VETERAN designation on your license, you first have to go to your local Veteran's Affairs office, have them fill out a specific form stating that you are a Veteran, and then the DMV will accept that form. And of course in order to get the VA's office to approve, you have to show them your DD214.

If this doesn't demonstrate what a complete and total fustercluck the government is, I don't know what will

 

i STHIS STILL VALID?

 

the annual pass deal is, got a new one recently. not sure on the lifetime one.

 

Yeah still good, I got my lifetime pass at Glacier NP last Oct.

That is rather fucked up. I rolled up to the gate at the park showed them the computer-generated letter that says I have a VA rating and they gave me the lifetime pass. A DD214 looks way more official and would be more difficult to fake than the letter I got.