Walter Nightengale Post 57

If you called for this event and did not receive a confirmation or reply, please try calling again.

If you know of a disabled veteran who would enjoy a day out fishing and a cookout, please let them know.  You can go with them as their guest.

Date is 6/9/2018 from 10am-4pm See flyer attached, or link for more info.

Please share with other groups you know of that can share with other veterans.

DAV2018[2008]

I was informed last night of the passing of our Senior Vice Commander and former Commander Vic Borelli.  As I learn of details of services I will pass along.  Please prepare for a Legion Ceremony one night of the viewing time.  I will again share details as they become available.

Mike Mazzeo
Jr. Vice Commander
Walter E. Nightengale
American Legion Post 57
Waldwick, NJ

At a recent meeting a discussion was held on getting Presidential Memorial certificates for a deceased veteran.

Here is the information on this topic.  Special thanks to Drew Churchson for this information.

Every year you’ve had to re-register for the Legion’s free accidental death coverage well now you just do it this year and will never have to again. This is available for Post, Unit and SAL members (Riders are included as they must be a valid member of the post, unit or SAL as well).

Even if you registered last year, I would call or go on the web to verify, better to check and be sure.

It’s official; DD-214s are NOW Online. Please pass on to other vets. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has provided the following website for veterans to gain access to their DD-214s online:
http://vetrecs.archives.gov/ or try http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

This may be particularly helpful when a veteran needs a copy of his DD-214 for employment purposes. NPRC is working to make it easier for veterans with computers and Internet access to obtain copies of documents from their military files.

Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the Standard Form 180, which can be downloaded from the online web site.

Because the requester will be asked to supply all information essential for NPRC to process the request, delays that normally occur when NPRC has to ask veterans for additional information will be minimized. The new web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records centers mailroom and processing time. Please pass this information on to former military personnel you may know and their dependents.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/vet.htm

New Jersey thanks our military veterans who proudly served to protect our freedom. To honor you, a special designation has been created for display on your driver’s license or non-driver ID card.

On March 1, 2015, in an effort to provide this recognition to you as quickly as possible, the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) began issuing custom-designed stickers to those veterans who wish to display them on their driver’s licenses or non-driver ID cards. The MVC will notify those of you who requested these stickers at a later date when a permanently imprinted veteran’s designation is available.

You may request your honorary veteran’s recognition sticker in person or by mail.

In person

Visit any MVC agency and bring both of the following documents to receive your veteran’s recognition sticker. The sticker will come with instructions for attaching it properly to your driver’s license or non-driver ID card.

• Your current NJ driver’s license or non-driver ID card AND
• Original or photocopy of your honorable military discharge or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions documents to show satisfactory proof of your veteran’s status:
  • Original or photocopy of DD-214, DD-215 OR
  • Original or photocopy of official county-issued veteran’s ID card OR
  • Original or photocopy of federal activation orders showing service under Title 10, section 672 or section 12301 of the United States Code OR
  • Original or photocopy of report of Separation of Active Duty (honorably discharged or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions prior to 1950).

By mail

Send all three of the following documents to receive your honorary veteran’s recognition sticker. The sticker will come with instructions for attaching it properly to your driver’s license or non-driver ID card.

• Photocopy of your current NJ driver’s license or non-driver ID card AND
• Photocopy of your honorable military discharge or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions documents to show satisfactory proof of your veteran’s status:
  • Photocopy of DD-214, DD-215 OR
  • Photocopy of official county-issued veteran’s ID card OR
  • Photocopy of federal activation orders showing service under Title 10, section 672 or section 12301 of the United States Code OR
  • Photocopy of report of Separation of Active Duty (honorably discharged or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions prior to 1950) AND
• A self-addressed stamped envelope (must be included).

Mail all three items to:

NJMVC
225 E. State Street
PO Box 129 – Veterans
Trenton, NJ 08666

Thanks to Post 57 Service Officer Ed Groetsema for this information.

Congress recently passed the Veterans Identification Card Act, a new bill that would create a government issued Veterans ID card, something that many veterans have been requesting for years. The bill was unanimously passed by both the House and the Senate. President Obama signed the bill into law on July 20, 2015.

A Solution Many Veterans Have Been Seeking

Currently, the military only issues ID cards for current servicemembers, retirees, and certain veterans with a 100% disability rating. The only option many veterans have to prove their service is a VA ID card used for health care (if eligible), or a state-issued drivers license with a Veterans Designation (but not all states currently offer this).

Many veterans who were not eligible for the above ID cards had a difficult time proving their military service, and often carried a DD Form 214, which contains personal information that should be kept secure (such as the veteran’s SSN, birthday, etc.). Best practices for avoiding identity theft recommend leaving your SSN and other personally identifying information in a locked and secure place to avoid potential loss.

When Will We See the ID Cards?

This bill was only recently signed into law, so we are still waiting for the official word on when the VA will begin issuing ID cards. This should happen as soon as the process and details have been finalized and the VA gets the details and process in place. The bill authorizes the VA to begin as soon as two months from now, but it may take longer. The VA is also authorized to charge individuals for the cost of the card (the price has not been set as of the publication date).

Card for ID Use & Proof of Service Only

The new ID cards will only be valid for proving military service. The new cards cannot be used for benefits through the VA, or to access military installations or receive other military or veterans benefits. However, those who are currently eligible for benefits through the military or VA will continue to have them through their current methods.

A very thought-provoking piece …