Why does Lionel know if you are a Veteran

Lionel announced at York that Lionel will pay shipping costs to/from their repair facility for Veterans. 

That is correct.  I don't know what kind of "proof" of status might be needed, but knowing how some folks are these days, I hope the folks at Lionel ask for something.  Here in Ohio one's veteran status is indicated on the driver's license, so that would be easy enough to use as an ID.  And, of course, every vet has his or her DD214 or a similar official document, if needed.

 

Truly a great initiative by the fine folks at Lionel!

A good question soonut, did you ask back via email or phone if you needed to verify your being a veteran......and how?  I kind of wonder if you did not ask them, why not?  I also think Lionel is doing a great service to vets.  Thanks Lionel.

 

TEX

Steve

Lionel announced at York that Lionel will pay shipping costs to/from their repair facility for Veterans.

 

WOW!  That's great news for us Vets.  Thanks you Lionel.

Wikd Mary

Still have the mustang?

No proof is needed.  It's the honor system and Mike takes this very seriously. As a matter of fact he was very choked up while announcing this at the OGR grandstand meeting.

 

I would implore those who are asked to be honest.  Lionel is doing this to honor those who served.  Let's also honor them by not taking advantage of Mike's and Lionel's commitment to our vets.

 

Great job Mike and Lionel!  Check out at 11:15 of the video.

MartyE.

 

I put the VETERANS HOME as a part of my mailing address.  Just makes things a lot easier for the local post office.  You are correct MartyE about the Honor System.  Thanks for sharing.   Killian

 

Side Bar - California will have 8 Veterans Home by 2013.

 

VETERANS HOME - NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

POW/MIA YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

MartyE.

 

I have a friend in our Train Club that asked me question regarding this issue. Does the FREE shipping apply to Warranty Repairs only. I guess it is a little vague. Could you help clear that part up? I think Mike talked about this in his presentation. Sound like the FREE shipping to Lionel and return is for Warranty Repairs only!

 

Thanks,

 

Fred

A very nice gesture on Lionel's part and simple enough to send a copy of one's DD 214. I have a pocket card issued upon discharge in '53 that I use for the 10% discount at Lowe's and Home Depot. 

That's where having the little "Armed Forces" designation on the driver's license, down next to the organ donor logo, comes in very handy.

I must have missed that announcement but I think that is a wonderful thing for them to do. As a veteran I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of their offer. Way to go Lionel Ed

Fred

 

I would have to refer you to Lionel CS on that or email Mike directly.

 

Does the FREE shipping apply to Warranty Repairs only. I guess it is a little vague. Could you help clear that part up?

 

Allan

 

This is probably worth a mention in OGR if you haven't already.  Don't you think?

I learned two things from this thread: Lionel's free shipping (thank you) and my Ohio driver's license has my veterans status on it.  Cool beans. 

 I tried to use the veterans discount at Home Depot and could not get it. I was told you have to have a current military ID card or a retired military card. Maybe its poor training of employess on the stores part, but it ticked me off. It made it look like only people who are actively serving or retired from the military count. That is great that Lionel is honoring the vets.

Rob

All you have to do is take your DD-214 papers to your local VA Hospital or office and apply for "VA Membership". You may not be entitled to VA Medical benefits, but they WILL give you an "official VA Identification Card". A fellow veteran friend told me about that, and I went up to the big VA Hines Hospital and applied. Low and behold, they discovered I was eligible for VA Medical Benefits ALSO! I now get all my very expensive Asthma Medication through the VA, and the stuff comes once a month via US Mail, AND I don't need that VERY EXPENSIVE prescription drug insurance anymore.

 

Home Depot gives me the 10% discount every time I show my VA ID card. No problems.

 

I was there when Mike made the announcement at York.  He is VERY serious about this.  In case some folks haven't figured it out yet, Mike is a veteran and proud of his service. Way to go Mike and Lionel.

 

 

Ed Boyle

1LT USAR TC

I have a VA card , it never occured to me to try that. Thanks!

Rob

The Home Depot stores in Illinois give 10% discount every day of the year, upon presentation of my VA ID card. All my wife's landscaping "stuff", purchased early in the spring, got 10% off also.

You don't need any proof - Lionel takes your word for it. I needed to return a GG-1 for warranty work and I mentioned my time in the Navy when requesting a RA#. They emailed me prepaid UPS label to to put on the package. I emailed back that my printer was broken so they mailed me a prepaid UPS label. How strong is that?

MartyE & ALL

 

I contacted Mike Reagan yesterday to clarify this.  He told me that the FREE Shipping for Veterans is for "WARRANTY" Repairs only. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

 

Happy 4th Everyone!!

 

Fredstrains 

Hot Water, I was going tosend this via email, but your address isn't listed in your profile. Where exactly did you at Hines to get your VA ID card? Did you need any kind of appointment or special form (other than DD214) to get the VA ID card? I'm in Elmhurst, IL. Maybe our paths have crossed somewhere?

 

Sam

Sam,

 

I did not have an appointment. I just walked in, once I finally found the "main entrance", since the whole front is under construction, and said I needed to get an ID Card. They pointed me in the right direction, the whole process took about an hour, and the Disabled Vet that worked with me, eventually discovered that I was eligible for medical benefits too (Viet Nam era 1964 thru 1966). They "produced" the VA ID card (with my photo on it) right then and there.

 

I have been to Hines Hospital about 3 or 4 times for my various "breathing tests" and "Doctor check-ups". All very nice folks.  All due to the fact that I was only looking for a VA ID Card in order to get discounts at Home Depot; they all thought THAT was pretty funny. 

thats good to know---thanks---usn 65-70.

Unfortunately one of my new SD40-2's has issues with its sound. I called the Lionel number, talked to a customer rep and told her the situation along with my being active duty AF. Within minutes I had a UPS label e-mailed to me. While not a pleasant experience to have a new engine go bad (I do not want to turn this into a Lionel bashing thread as I am rather fond of this new engine) the experience to get it fixed so far has been superb - which is the point of my post.  -Len