Lionel & Military Veterans

Not a 3-rail kind of guy, but if I were, I'd surely remember that even though I very rarely like playing the 'vet' card for discounts.

Good for Lionel!

p51,

    Lee the guy who tried to spit on the young Marine at the airport long ago as we came home, got a lot more than he could handle. Being a CID Federal Agent, I had the right to make sure our military men were not accosted by the enemy, foreign or domestic.  I enforced that law to the fullest extent, on that particular evening.  The punk doing the spitting had no Idea who I was, I was dressed in civilian suit and tie, to accompany certain Top Secret Military Intelligence Groups back into the states.  People accosting Military men and ladies in front of us CID Agents were in big trouble, it is actually a felony to interfere with US military personnel on active duty, while carrying out their lawful orders.  I brought those charges that evening. I am very grateful to companies like Lionel, not for the money, but for the realization that without our military men & ladies service, to our nation, there would be no Lionel company at all. 

PCRR/Dave

Dave I am all for it. But lionel should of paid for the shipping regardless. Since it was a defective item. 

P51, if you served this country I don't see anything wrong with getting a little benefit out of your service.  You put your LIFE on the line for all of us in this country.   Lionel and employees of Lionel obviously must realize that.  In my opinion military vets and others like police and firemen & women should get a lot more benefits out of us, that did not serve, and the government of this country.

Thank you, and all veterans, for your service and keeping me and my family safe.

Rick

Rick, Dave, I'm not giving grief to anyone who looks for vet discounts.

I'm just saying I rarely ever do so and never go looking for them. I was raised in a family where all but one of the uncles on Dad's side (he was the youngest of 5, all boys) were WW2 vets, and my Mom's only brother was in 'Nam. Dad was too young for Korea but way too old for 'Nam and served in the USAF in the late 50s when everyone had the draft hanging over them, for the minimum time and then got out. His father was a WW1 vet who fought in France, and his Grandfather was in the Spanish-Ameircan War. His great grandfather fought in the Civil War (and lived well into the 1930s but Dad doesn't remember ever seeing him). Dad has never made a big deal of being a 'vet' considering, I suppose, that all but one of his brothers fought in WW2 (all 5 served, but one brother was also an age that missed any conflicts). All my uncles who were in wars have passed on.

My brother retired as a USAF LtCol, having been in several war zones, but never while the shooting was going on.

But in my family, it's all hard for any of us to escape from the old-school mindset of a 'vet' being someone who was in a foxhole (or in one Uncle's case, being shot at while flying over the 'Hump' from India or China in a cargo plane).

When peopel thank me for my service, I feel very self-conscious about that. Yes, I'm very proud of my service, as it's really the only time in my life I ever was truly challenged by anything like that before or since (they thought I was a crazy old man humping through Army ROTC in my late 20s, the next youngest guy I pinned my 2LT bars on with was 5 years younger and was a prior-service SGT)...

I did have some stuff happen when I was in the military but nothing like I know happened to combat vets.

Your mileage will of course vary.

But I'm not finding fault with anyone who seeks or uses a vet discount. I have used them from time to time but I normally don't go looking for them...

Lee, You don't need to explain yourself to anybody here. I get it. The only time I use the discount is when I am spending more than 100.00 at Lowes or Home depot. Or for such places as bush Gardens, Mickey Mouse land and Lego Land. Its just too bad I cant get a military discount at Publix or Walmart when I am grocery shopping( 150 to 200 a pop)

 Dave: yes I could go to the commissary on MacDill and I do for certain Items. But since I found a German Bucher shop and no longer work at CENTCOM not as much anymore.

Lee,

   Please do not get me wrong, I was not arguing with you.  I happened to have been drafted 1st, applied to CID upon being drafted, was given a Battle Field Warrant Officers promotion, 163rd MISF and re-enlisted to become a CID Special Agent.  Great picture by the way, I love it, great looking dress blues, have a set myself.  My Father was a WWII, US Navy 46th UDT SeaBee Diver, better known today as the Seals, a Navy Command he helped to start.  He was some kind of put out, when I decided not to join the Navy, when I was originally drafted.  The companies who understand what it means to have given part of our life, to the nations protection, have my respect.  IMO it's a way for them to thank all the military men and ladies, for making their way of life possible.  Once someone sees a man or lady give their life for this countries protection,

it changes that person forever.  I believe the heads of these companies are some of those people, that have walked the walk.  I never forget why these men and ladies are so important, I risk my life to protect them for many years.  It makes no difference to me whether the military person was male or female, a PVT or a General Officer, I protected them all with my very life.  Suzu makes a good point however, about a defective product, I am still glad however that companies like Lionel believe as they do, about our military Veterans.  People Like RickC & his family are why military personnel risk their lives on a daily basis.  RickC I was proud to have served for families like yours.

PCRR/Dave

I take great pleasure in buying active duty military personnel lunch or dinner, secretly, at restaurants.  It was part of my training.  

Dad is a Korean War Vet.  I had a Home Depot refuse him his discount once on a large riding mower purchase.  I read that snot-nosed manager the riot act.

Volphin,

    Seems they now give the Veterans a discount at the check out register, sense Lowes is treating us so nice, Home Depot has now started, but you definitely have to ask.

There are lots of different businesses now participating also. 

PCRR/Dave

Lowes and HD have been giving a 10% veterans discount for some time.  It was nice when I spent $900 on building materials last year.

Dave  If you go to his website, besides a lot of good information and links. They also list everybody who gives military discounts. Also sign up for the early brief. 

 http://www.military.com/

Dad felt the same way about his WWII service aboard LST 710: ask and he'd tell you, but he didn't like to brag about it or hold it over anyone. I was never able to serve and regret it.

BTW, the National Park Service also has discounts and some free admissions. On Veteran's Day weekend, a whole slew of restaurants and businesses offer all sorts of discounts, free meals and free drinks to those who served. Even if you're like Dad and don't like to make a fuss, that might be a good time to haul out your ID.

One of the neatest veteran-related things I've seen was a Dennison (Ohio) Depot Canteen Day back in the '90s. Veterans were encouraged to wear their uniforms and pose beside the reconstructed canteen tables. When we all got on the train, I noticed two gentlemen in the next seat and recognized their airborne shoulder patches. One was 82nd, the other was a Screaming Eagle--and yes, he jumped on D-Day. They were happy that anyone realized what their insignia meant. 

I sent you an Email.

I know!  That's why I was so POd.  They refused his Vet ID, saying it was only applicable to active duty.  I should have had him take his business elsewhere, but dad didn't want the hassle...  The man took a bullet for this country, and by golly I was not going to see him disrespected.  Needless to say, they credited his account.

Volphin. Something you have to realize. The requirement to get Mil discount you have to have a Military ID card. They don't have to accept the Veteran's ID Card ( Not the same as a Mil ID card)unless issued by the VA.

Dave, I am curious how do you get the break on shipping? Just ask or do they want a copy a 214 or similar? While I qualify as a vet, as a Lionel Service Center I am not sure I would get it nor would I ask but friends may be interested in this.

Pete

I wasn't aware of that. I guess since I paid to ship my Legacy back it's too late but now I know for the future.

Home Depot specifically told me that they needed the Veteran's ID card that was issued by the VA.  That's what I have, and I've never had a problem.

 When you are shipping to Lionel just tell them you are a veteran and they will take care of it. They e-mailed me a prepaid label for the package.

Douglas

I can't remember which card(s) he has in his wallet.  I'll check.

Mine is the one with the flag on the front and it's labeled Department of Veterans Affairs.  There's a picture and a barcode on the right down the side.

It looks just like this one:

They don't have to accept the Veteran's ID Card ( Not the same as a Mil ID card)unless issued by the VA.

John that's the card they will take and what I was talking about. . There are other organization that are creating veterans ID cards. I just recently had one sent to me as unsolicited mail. Keep the card to get discounts and please send donation. Unless it is issued by the VA these other cards are worthless.  That was my point. Another thing is that a company will offer military discount, but in some cases the employees don't know company policy or understand it.. This is more common in areas that don't have a large military or military retiree population. Some companies will also ask accept a copy of DD214 in lieu of VA or Military ID card.  I went to a Auto parts store that offered mil discounts. The parts guy refused to give me the discount. I asked him why and stated it was company policy.. He started on a rant about being a Vietnam vet and that nobody gives him a discount. After about 10 min when he finally stopped. I simply said I would. His jaw hit the ground, I asked him If he had a valid ID card from the VA. He said yes and showed it to me. I told him that's all he needed to show and he shouldn't have any issues. He did know that and thanked me. The moral of the story is not everybody knows and sometimes need to be educated on the correct forms of IDs 

I am glad Lionel is doing this and using the honor system.  But I still believe if the product is defective they should be paying for the shipping.

I had no idea there was a VA issued vet card, I assume any honorably discharged veteran can get one? I need to look into getting one, what type of VA office would I go to, to get one?

I still have my inactive reserve card, as officer's one don't carry expiration dates (and I'm wearing the current ACU uninform in it). I always have it in my wallet as a second form of ID as that sometimes is needed. Works really well at airports, too, for some reason.

Lee go to the VAs website.  You ID card will work as long as it is not expired. The link is a starting point.

 http://www.benefits.va.gov/hom...contact_rlc_info.asp

Doug

The VA issued card is for possible medical benefits.  I believe I was told when I got it that you had to be potentially qualified for some medical benefit to receive it.

Looks like this card is for people in the VA healthcare system, which I am not:

http://www.va.gov/health/NewsF...n-VA-Health-Care.asp

John I don't know what the requirement to get one is since I am a Military Retiree and have an Mil ID.. Like me, Lee should be eligible regardless to get one since he is a combat veteran and is automatically qualified to receive free VA Medical care for 5 yrs after discharge..

Like me, Lee should be eligible regardless to get one since he is a combat veteran and is automatically qualified to receive free VA Medical care for 5 yrs after discharge..

Lee  You need to call them to confirm or deny.

I am not a combat vet, FYI. It's been 8 years since my discharge, though.

I have been receiving Veterans discounts on large ticket items at Lowe's for years by showing a pocket size laminated copy of my form DD-214. For a long time Home Depot's local manager would not approve Vet discounts and I stopped shopping there.

Nowadays, upon showing your DD-214 in North Carolina, the State will reissue your driver's license with a Veterans designation.

I recently replaced our 17 year old fridge with a $2,700 unit which was on sale down from $3,300. The Lowe's appliance saleslady saw my Navy/USMC cap, asked if I had ID, and proceeded to apply the additional 10% Veterans discount. To say the least a very liberal policy and enormous savings which her Boss approved.

All of the lumber and wiring for two large O gauge layouts[built at two locations in '92 and '97, dismantled in '08 and '09] came from Lowe's as well as a new table saw and routers[s].

[I did recycle the lumber from the '97 takedown to use for my little condo attic operation which amounted to a 100% discount].

If your DD214 says OEF/OIF/OEF-TS. Kuwait/IUD counts. I would have to check but since I also was KFOR and SFOR so I don't know if that was included but I don't see why not. I got shot at and my vehicle sustained damage in Kosovo and had to deal with the MAD Mortar man taking shots at Bonsteel 

Mine doesn't have any of that. I never left CONUS for any trouble spots on active duty.

I don't see any of those things on my DD-214, and I never took any mortar fire either.  Being on an aircraft carrier, we were pretty well protected.

The OIF/OEF/KFOR/IFOR/SFOR/Desert Storm/Desert Shield was ment for Lee as this would have covered both our time period in the Army. 1990 thru 2013. I cant tell you how the Navy dose their DD214. Since I wasnt involved in Panama or Somalia Idid not list them. 

Lee

I am a combat veteran from Vietnam while in the Marines over there in 67 and 68.

You are a veteran and I think you should contact your local VA and go apply for the VA card. Mine is exactly the same as the one John displayed.

There is a code (privately) that the VA will assign you on the card bar code. It is in reference to medical care.

Irregardless of discounts or not you should have one just for your own satisfactions. You earned it get it.

It took my Vet friends and family 35 years to get me to do it, so I'm just trying to pass it on to you.

At the least when you got nothing to do just check it out.

Larry

Lee I sent you an Email Still call me. You still may be eligible for VA benefits and trust me you will want to try.

I tell you my young friend....Do it while you can. I was placed in a three way tug of war. My Insurance said,"let the VA pay it". The VA in turn said,"Let MediCare pay it." I'm fortunate to have all three. I served my country and I'm proud of it. I now refuse the VA. I ask that they take care of the younger guys instead. I'm what they classify as EOL. All they can do is make me comfortable. The poor guys coming back now deserve better. Bless the folks at Lionel. I have not bought a new anything in years. 

Lee,

   Listen to suzu, and apply, IMO the best way is to simply give the American Legion a copy of your DD214 and man they set up everything for us Vets with the VA.  The new cards are for the VA medical computer system, if you have a Purple Heart, your VA ID card will reflect that in writing, on the face of the new ID card, it opens all the medical doors.

PCRR/Dave