Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families

[DandyDon]

Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service)

This seems like a worthy gesture, and I was glad to see it announced. I already have a lifetime senior admission membership, but I decided to register for a Vets ID card anyway. How to apply for a Veteran ID Card | Veterans Affairs

When you apply, be sure to have these on hand:

• Your Social Security number
• A digital copy of your DD214, DD256, DD257, or NGB22 that you can upload. This could be in a .pdf, .jpeg, or .png file format.
• A copy of a current and valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state-issued identification card.

You’ll also need a digital color photo of yourself from the shoulders up. (Details at the link)

It seemed a little tricky to get registered and apply, but I got it done. Now my application is stuck in review. I wonder how long that'll take.

 

[SloppyJoe]

Also of note, there is a Veteran Lifetime Pass for $10. This applies to National Parks.

 

[RogueClimber]

Also of note, there is a Veteran Lifetime Pass for $10. This applies to National Parks.

Of course free is a bit better

 

[DandyDon]

Also of note, there is a Veteran Lifetime Pass for $10. This applies to National Parks.

I'd need the Vet ID card to obtain that, wouldn't I? Then what's the point in getting that pass?

 

[SloppyJoe]

No vet ID card required. Just satisfy the documentation requirements. I have a %70 rating and have mine. Sorry if this is confusing I only meant to add helpful info.

 

[SloppyJoe]

The free entrance gift isn’t a lifetime award if I remember correctly. When I got my pass that was the only benefit given at the time for national park admission. The pass is a lifetime pass.

 

[SloppyJoe]

America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass | USGS Store
Here’s a link

 

[azstinger11]

In California if you are 50% VA rated you can get a lifetime state park pass as well. Special Passes

 

[kelemvor]

What is a "gold star family?"

Edit: I googled it. For those others who don't know; A gold star family is the family of someone who's died in the military.

 

[shurite7]

What is a "gold star family?"

Edit: I googled it. For those others who don't know; A gold star family is the family of someone who's died in the military.

There is a caveat to gold star family: (from nps.gov website)
"Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces."