Veterans to receive photo IDs to reap discounts at private businesses
Washtenaw County veterans will soon be able to purchase photo ID cards to reduce the hassle for individuals recouping discounts at businesses.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
The cards primarily are intended for use at businesses to show staff the individual is a veteran and is eligible for special discounts or offers that may be available.
Peer pressured by the actions of other Michigan counties on the same issue, Washtenaw County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum initiated a resolution later approved by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners at its August meeting to begin issuing the ID cards.
Veterans record their military discharge status in the county clerk’s office. The office will soon be prepared to also issue a photo ID to veterans at the same time, for a fee of $10, likely by September.
Equipment the clerk’s office currently uses to print photo IDs for permits to carry a concealed weapon will be used for the veteran IDs, Kestenbaum said.
The fee will be used to primarily cover the cost of materials and staff, and will not bring in revenue for the county, Kestenbaum said.
The Washtenaw County Department of Veteran’s Services will be able to cover the $10 fee for the ID card should an individual not be able to afford it, said Director Michael G. Smith Jr.
The U.S. Department of Defense is not required to issue photo IDs to veterans once they are discharged from the service.
While many veterans have cards that identify their status because of their enrollment in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, others only have paperwork that’s difficult for businesses to decipher, Smith said.
“Businesses often advertise heavily to veterans,” Smith said.
Among others, a number of national business chains offer discounts to veterans, including Lowe’s, Applebees, Golden Corral and Krispy Kreme, Smith said.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
katmando
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 10:38 p.m.
I us my VA card it is free. I know not all veterans go to the VA hospital but those do don't need this card.
Perry White
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 10:19 p.m.
Whoever wrote this headline needs to look up the definition of "recoup." It means to regain something that has been lost or expended. These cards are not going to help vets get back discounts that they have lost.
justcurious
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:30 a.m.
I was thinking "recoup" was the wrong word too until I looked up the definition and thought about the meaning: recoup [r??ku?p] vb 1. to regain or make good (a financial or other loss) 2. (tr) to reimburse or compensate (someone), as for a loss 3. (Law) Law to keep back (something due), having rightful claim to do so; withhold; deduct [from Old French recouper to cut back, from re- + couper to cut, from coper to behead; see coup1]
jcj
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
OK Perry you are the designated grammar sheriff! Other than that anything to add to the discussion?
jcj
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 : 1:02 a.m.
Chill!
DBH
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 11:56 p.m.
I agree. Replacing "recoup" with "more easily receive" would be more accurate (well, not even more accurate; just accurate).
jcj
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
Great Idea! A complete list of participating businesses would be helpful.
zip the cat
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
If your a veteran and go to the va hospital for medical treatment you get a veterans ID card free that is honored at most if not all business. I have one and I use it all over the state of michigan.
chapmaja
Sun, Aug 12, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
I like this idea, but the wrong group is doing it. I think the United States Department of Defense should be the organization doing the ID cards for military and retired miliraty members. They have the full set of records for these individuals, and they have the ability more so than the local counties to produce these id badges. As for the reason to have these ids. I love the idea that a military veteran is given a discount by local and national business. I also love how certain businesses are either created by or run by veterans with the intent to hire veterans as employees. There is a gas station in Monroe like this that I know of, and I'm sure there are others as well. These people risk their lives for us, a job and a small discount certainly are deserving for the risks that take.