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pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
Mon Mar 12, 2012, 05:36 PM Mar 2012

States Consider Adding Military Service To Driver's Licenses


Driver's licenses may note service

By Brian Shane, USA TODAY
Posted 3/1/2012 11:00:37 PM


State lawmakers across the U.S. are crafting legislation that would add military service to veterans' driver's licenses so they will not have to carry official discharge papers to prove their service.

It's a shortcut that legislators say could come in handy, from securing state veterans' claims, to simply getting a military discount at a hotel or retailer.

...


"You wouldn't have to fumble through and pull out a piece of paper," said David Mills, 41, of Salisbury, Md., a former U.S. Marine infantryman and Desert Storm veteran. "Going for a discount, or just showing that you have served in the military, it's an asset. It's like being a donor on the back of your driver's license. If it's there, it's great."

...


A dozen states passed laws in 2011 adding a veteran designation to driver's licenses, according to Boden: Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

States pursuing legislation this year include Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey and South Carolina, Boden said.

...


http://www.usatoday.com/NEWS/usaedition/2012-03-02-veterans-drivers-licenses_ST_U.htm




12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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States Consider Adding Military Service To Driver's Licenses (Original Post) pinboy3niner Mar 2012 OP
Guaranteeing the right to vote? That'd be something. A cheaper night in a flop house? Less so HereSince1628 Mar 2012 #1
Why? Irrelevant to driving. nt Deep13 Mar 2012 #2
More of the militarization of AmuriKa Vincardog Mar 2012 #4
Can we add party affiliation too? Vincardog Mar 2012 #3
Who is to make the determination? Downwinder Mar 2012 #5
They probably require a DD-214 at the DMV. Angleae Mar 2012 #8
That is a good idea if you can use it for a discount on trips. But they would be disappointed southernyankeebelle Mar 2012 #6
OK, Call me small minded for this , But Grey Mar 2012 #7
Can I opt out? If so, I'm good with it. Scuba Mar 2012 #9
I hear you pinboy3niner Mar 2012 #10
I thought it was a good idea till I read your post. RC Mar 2012 #11
I'm all for it. USArmyParatrooper Mar 2012 #12

Downwinder

(12,869 posts)
5. Who is to make the determination?
Mon Mar 12, 2012, 06:06 PM
Mar 2012

Going to qualify everyone who has served? Or just those who qualify for veterans benefits? How about the MN Guardsmen who were released from active duty one day before they would have qualified for VA benefits?

 

southernyankeebelle

(11,304 posts)
6. That is a good idea if you can use it for a discount on trips. But they would be disappointed
Mon Mar 12, 2012, 06:09 PM
Mar 2012

to put party affiliation on the card. We are strong democratics in my family. Always have been. Not a republican among us.

Grey

(1,581 posts)
7. OK, Call me small minded for this , But
Mon Mar 12, 2012, 07:05 PM
Mar 2012

I would just love to say "Drag out your drivers license." to my bible thumping, chicken hawk, draft dodging, war mongering, brother in law.

pinboy3niner

(53,339 posts)
10. I hear you
Tue Mar 13, 2012, 02:58 PM
Mar 2012

The article's last paragraph gives another reason advocates are pushing this--and it's pretty chilling:

A more serious reason, he added, is that veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder have been known to scuffle with law enforcement after they return home. If police at the scene realize they're dealing with a veteran, one who may have PTSD, it could help them better handle the situation, Boden said.


That's just what we need--a license designation that signals to cops that we are a potential threat.
 

RC

(25,592 posts)
11. I thought it was a good idea till I read your post.
Sun Mar 18, 2012, 07:08 PM
Mar 2012

I should have known better. No good ideas ever really are any more.

USArmyParatrooper

(1,827 posts)
12. I'm all for it.
Sun Mar 18, 2012, 08:34 PM
Mar 2012

Anything that can help get me out of a ticket if I'm driving around out of town. lol

Sorry, at least I'm honest.

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