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I was recently in Florida with the grandkids and I noticed several campgrounds, parks, hotels and restaurants were giving discounts to veterans. At Bush Gardens, I asked if I could have the veterans discount and they asked to see my veterans "card." Unfortunately, I had no card to show them that I am a veteran. I was drafted during the Vietnam War, but never fought in Vietnam. Then I spent two years in the public health service as a physician. The public health service is part of the military. Initially, it was designed to provide physicians for the Marine Corp. After leaving Busch Gardens, I decided to go down to the local V.A. office and obtain an identification card to carry with me. There I was told I probably don't qualify for V.A. benefits, but as I told the office, I didn't want the V.A. benefits. I have good insurance and all I really wanted was the identification card. I filled out the required forms and mailed them to the local V.A. in Chillicothe. I then received a letter back from the Chillicothe V.A. that said I do not qualify for veteran benefits, which I already knew. I called up the Chillicothe V.A. and talked to one of the directors and she tells me to go back to Marietta and they have a "machine," and they can get you a photo ID. At the same time I also received a letter from the regional director in Atlanta telling me that I don't qualify for V.A. benefits, but I could appeal the decision. A few days later I went down to the V.A. office in Marietta and told them what the lady in Chillicothe had said, so they tried to make me a photo ID but the computer kept kicking me out because I didn't "qualify." I showed them my honorable discharge papers from the military. The lady did not understand how I could be rejected since their rules state that if you are a Vietnam veteran, you are eligible no matter your income status. Since I did not see any combat in Vietnam, I was supposedly not eligible. The veterans of WWII, whether they fought on the front lines or they were "desk jockeys," were all considered WWII veterans. The Vietnam war did not end until 1975, and after I was drafted I served two years in artillery. I was fortunate that I was the top graduate in my class and I was able to stay at Fort Sill and become an instructor as a reward. The four years of military service has cost me close to two million dollars in future earnings which I think is a significant sacrifice for your country.
Fortunately, one of the medical personnel at the local V.A. office suggested I go down to the Washington County Veterans Affairs office, which I promptly did and met the nicest people. They were very helpful, took my picture, and gave me a veteran's picture ID. They want me and my wife to come back and discover some of the V.A. benefits that I am entitled to. Luckily, now I am able to obtain some of the discounts available to me.
George Tokodi, D.O.
Marietta