New Flag Symbol Helps CT Veterans Get Benefits
As a Viet Nam era veteran, I am well aware of the benefits that are available to former members of the military; the GI Bill and the Veterans Administration (VA) come quickly to mind. On a more local scale, there are many stores and retail outlets that also provide discounts to veterans; however, getting those benefits can sometimes be rather difficult because being a veteran is not a recognized status.
That should change now with the passage of a bill, now in effect, to allow the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to place an American flag on a veteran’s driver’s license or identity card (see image at right), making them easily identifiable to merchants and service providers who offer veterans discounts. Aside from allowing veterans to qualify for discounts, this symbol will also alert emergency officials during a crisis that the patient is a veteran and may have special insurance coverage or assistance. Another benefit is that it provides a free lifetime pass into any state park, forest or state recreational facility to any resident who is a disabled wartime veteran.
In order to qualify for this benefit, veterans must submit to the state Department of Veterans Affairs a completed application and proof of honorable discharge, such as a DD-214, at least 30 days prior to visiting a DMV or AAA office. The application can be downloaded on the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs website by clicking the “Application for veterans flag” link. The Department of Veterans Affairs will verify the veteran’s military status and electronically notify DMV of the request prior to the new driver’s license or ID card being issued.
The flag symbol will be added to veteran’s license or ID card at no additional cost at renewal time or when it is first issued. Veterans can also request a flag symbol by mailing an application and additional documentation to the state Department of Veterans’ Affairs at: CT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, ATTN: VETERAN’S FLAG ON DRIVER LICENSE OR ID CARD, 287 WEST ST., ROCKY HILL, CT 06067.
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