Lifetime National Park Access for Veterans

Not sure if this has caught light yet, but I'd like to share this info to all my brothers- and sisters-in-arms who have served in the past and have a VA disability rating of 10% or greater will be given a free, lifetime access to all U.S. national parks and recreation. Below is the link via VA:

https://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/60...e-national-park-service-lifetime-access-pass/

 

I've known about this for many years. Unfortunately, the handful of times I've been to a NP, I either did not have my VA letter with me, or the park offices were closed for the season. I keep a copy in the truck for some time in the future when all the stars align correctly for me to my pass!

 

https://store.usgs.gov/s3fs-public/PassIssuanceList.pdf

Check the link, sometimes you can get them at random offices too. I got my military one at a BLM office not far from my house out here.

 

By far my favorite perk.

 

I hope those of you that qualify are able to benefit from this.

 

I’m a park ranger and those are my favorite passes to give out. And the fourth grader passes- those are cool too.

Most every park is fully open now, so you should be able to get one easily. I work at a National Monument. They also hand out and accept the interagency passes. I know REI does too, and I think maybe cabelas? Also field offices and some ranger outposts do as well.

 

I always pay. The parks need the $20 more than I do.

 

I like to contribute by buying merch. Two of those oval European stickers, shirts, etc.

 

Great to hear some feedback on this. Within the link, anyone should find a hyperlink to a pdf that has all the participating offices throughout the nation.

Happy Trails!

 

I got mine at Harper's Ferry NP a couple years ago, brought my letter, the 'lady' at the gate very 'kindly' informed me that "they'll give those to anyone" and asked if I had a permanent disability that seriously inhibits normal life activities, or something to that effect. So apparently you don't even need such documentation? Unless this is a change and the rating is now considered de facto evidence of disability, do now it IS required...

Now that I have it, I don't think I've actually used it a single time, usually I'm going to HFNP, and I just find parking in town anyway.

 

IDK what kind of operation Harper's Ferry is doing, but every park I've worked at you need proof of disability from a federal or state agency, a physician, or a signature on a statement of disability form. Maybe you could forge the last one? But regardless, there needs to be documentation provided that shows that you actually are disabled in order to get the access pass. We don't just "hand them out".

 

Could’ve been a seasonal aid or other person who didn’t know what they were talking about, but needed to say something that sounded good.

 

That's exactly where my mind went. Dealing with volunteers can be... difficult sometimes.

 

I dunno what she was, but she was rather bitchy about it. And I can guarantee after my experience getting a VA disability rating they damn sure don't "hand those out to anybody", ask my 30-month backpay check.

She didn't keep, or even really look at, my rating letter, just told me to fill out a line on a log sheet and sign it stating I had a permanent disability.

 

I think all combat vets should get free access.

 

Only thing required is a perm disability. That could be a 10% rating at perm. Not hard to get if you’ve been down range. Hell thats just tinnitus alone.

https://store.usgs.gov/access-pass

 

Some people (myself included) got lucky, no injuries. Still had to be there and fight, facing the same risks.

 

Real lucky if you didn’t come out with even tinnitus, TBI or PTSD. Not the mention lost limbs or amputations.

 

I would rather pay full price than have an injury though. I still think it wouldn't hurt to let combat vets in for free.

 

I am acquainted with someone who used to work for the VA and they were telling me that even folks who barely passed BCT yet got out within a year got at least 10%. In short, if these "veterans" can at least get 10% (and free lifetime access to national parks) combat vets can easily get the same perks.