On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 09:33:19 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:09:37 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:21:25 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:48:39 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:43:51 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:


Finally got vets.gov to recognize who I am. It was a little
frustrating because several times my attempt to register was kicked out
for some reason by a related registration requirement called "ID.me".
It asked all kinds of questions like what car loan I took out in the
last year along with a list of different vehicles. One answer was "none
of the above" which I checked. Another was what year one of my bank
credit cards was issued. Who the hell knows? It's not on the card like
some that say "member since XXXX". Anyway, I was finally able to answer
all the verification questions to their satisfaction and an ID.me
account was verified

Those sound like the questions asked by some credit outfits to get your
credit report. Takes a half
hour of research to answer the damn questions. I've had to go back and
look at tax returns from 29
years ago to get answers sometimes.

So, being formally registered, I went back to the Vet.gov site to apply
for the new veteran ID card. Turns out I don't need one. It states
that if you already have a VA health card (which I do) and/or a state
driver's license that has "Veteran" on it (which I also have) ... you
don't need to get the new card as either of the latter will qualify you
for any military discounts offered.

One thing is for sure. Dealing with the government hasn't changed in
the last 40-50 years. :-)

Just try getting into the DOD website. I've quit. They want a new umpteen
letter with a dozen rules
for a password, which you must change frequently. Finally I just said
hell with it. It's cool that
your state puts 'Veteran' on your license. Virginia doesn't.


Maybe it is the new ID requirement licenses. California DL does not meet
the requirements.

Ours seems to have everything on it, including the 'see through' picture along with the regular
picture. I think Virginia is just not that crazy about veterans. In many, if not most, places,
Veterans Day is a school holiday. Not here. Here, Martin Luther King did a lot more for this country
than any veterans did.

I am surprised Va is not more vet friendly with all of the military
presence you have there. I guess those people vote in their home
state.

I added a comment yesterday. They provide a separate Veteran's ID, for $10 with a DD 214 as proof of
service.

I saw that after my post. You already have acceptable ID with your VA
card and now the VA will give you one for free so the $10 card may not
be a big seller. Putting it right on your license is a better deal,
one less card in your wallet.

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:25:32 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 09:33:19 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:09:37 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:21:25 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:48:39 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:43:51 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:


Finally got vets.gov to recognize who I am. It was a little
frustrating because several times my attempt to register was kicked out
for some reason by a related registration requirement called "ID.me".
It asked all kinds of questions like what car loan I took out in the
last year along with a list of different vehicles. One answer was "none
of the above" which I checked. Another was what year one of my bank
credit cards was issued. Who the hell knows? It's not on the card like
some that say "member since XXXX". Anyway, I was finally able to answer
all the verification questions to their satisfaction and an ID.me
account was verified

Those sound like the questions asked by some credit outfits to get your
credit report. Takes a half
hour of research to answer the damn questions. I've had to go back and
look at tax returns from 29
years ago to get answers sometimes.

So, being formally registered, I went back to the Vet.gov site to apply
for the new veteran ID card. Turns out I don't need one. It states
that if you already have a VA health card (which I do) and/or a state
driver's license that has "Veteran" on it (which I also have) ... you
don't need to get the new card as either of the latter will qualify you
for any military discounts offered.

One thing is for sure. Dealing with the government hasn't changed in
the last 40-50 years. :-)

Just try getting into the DOD website. I've quit. They want a new umpteen
letter with a dozen rules
for a password, which you must change frequently. Finally I just said
hell with it. It's cool that
your state puts 'Veteran' on your license. Virginia doesn't.


Maybe it is the new ID requirement licenses. California DL does not meet
the requirements.

Ours seems to have everything on it, including the 'see through' picture along with the regular
picture. I think Virginia is just not that crazy about veterans. In many, if not most, places,
Veterans Day is a school holiday. Not here. Here, Martin Luther King did a lot more for this country
than any veterans did.

I am surprised Va is not more vet friendly with all of the military
presence you have there. I guess those people vote in their home
state.

I added a comment yesterday. They provide a separate Veteran's ID, for $10 with a DD 214 as proof of
service.

I saw that after my post. You already have acceptable ID with your VA
card and now the VA will give you one for free so the $10 card may not
be a big seller. Putting it right on your license is a better deal,
one less card in your wallet.

I've got the VA card, but never use it. I showed it once at the VA Hospital downtown, got my
physical there, got my hearing aids, and got my 'disability' rating. Once all that was in the
computer, I've only carried my retired ID card. Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

On 3/24/2018 2:31 PM, John H. wrote:
On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:25:32 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 09:33:19 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:09:37 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:21:25 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:48:39 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:43:51 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:


Finally got vets.gov to recognize who I am. It was a little
frustrating because several times my attempt to register was kicked out
for some reason by a related registration requirement called "ID.me".
It asked all kinds of questions like what car loan I took out in the
last year along with a list of different vehicles. One answer was "none
of the above" which I checked. Another was what year one of my bank
credit cards was issued. Who the hell knows? It's not on the card like
some that say "member since XXXX". Anyway, I was finally able to answer
all the verification questions to their satisfaction and an ID.me
account was verified

Those sound like the questions asked by some credit outfits to get your
credit report. Takes a half
hour of research to answer the damn questions. I've had to go back and
look at tax returns from 29
years ago to get answers sometimes.

So, being formally registered, I went back to the Vet.gov site to apply
for the new veteran ID card. Turns out I don't need one. It states
that if you already have a VA health card (which I do) and/or a state
driver's license that has "Veteran" on it (which I also have) ... you
don't need to get the new card as either of the latter will qualify you
for any military discounts offered.

One thing is for sure. Dealing with the government hasn't changed in
the last 40-50 years. :-)

Just try getting into the DOD website. I've quit. They want a new umpteen
letter with a dozen rules
for a password, which you must change frequently. Finally I just said
hell with it. It's cool that
your state puts 'Veteran' on your license. Virginia doesn't.


Maybe it is the new ID requirement licenses. California DL does not meet
the requirements.

Ours seems to have everything on it, including the 'see through' picture along with the regular
picture. I think Virginia is just not that crazy about veterans. In many, if not most, places,
Veterans Day is a school holiday. Not here. Here, Martin Luther King did a lot more for this country
than any veterans did.

I am surprised Va is not more vet friendly with all of the military
presence you have there. I guess those people vote in their home
state.

I added a comment yesterday. They provide a separate Veteran's ID, for $10 with a DD 214 as proof of
service.

I saw that after my post. You already have acceptable ID with your VA
card and now the VA will give you one for free so the $10 card may not
be a big seller. Putting it right on your license is a better deal,
one less card in your wallet.

I've got the VA card, but never use it. I showed it once at the VA Hospital downtown, got my
physical there, got my hearing aids, and got my 'disability' rating. Once all that was in the
computer, I've only carried my retired ID card. Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.



I can't go on a military installation, yet I receive VA health care and
can buy from the on-line exchanges.

Doesn't matter though. My grandson takes my daughter shopping at the
exchanges he can go to. It's not like the old days. As you've posted,
the prices aren't that great anymore.

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:56:41 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:

On 3/24/2018 2:31 PM, John H. wrote:
On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:25:32 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 09:33:19 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 21:09:37 -0400, wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:21:25 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 15:48:39 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Fri, 23 Mar 2018 07:43:51 -0400, "Mr. Luddite" wrote:


Finally got vets.gov to recognize who I am. It was a little
frustrating because several times my attempt to register was kicked out
for some reason by a related registration requirement called "ID.me".
It asked all kinds of questions like what car loan I took out in the
last year along with a list of different vehicles. One answer was "none
of the above" which I checked. Another was what year one of my bank
credit cards was issued. Who the hell knows? It's not on the card like
some that say "member since XXXX". Anyway, I was finally able to answer
all the verification questions to their satisfaction and an ID.me
account was verified

Those sound like the questions asked by some credit outfits to get your
credit report. Takes a half
hour of research to answer the damn questions. I've had to go back and
look at tax returns from 29
years ago to get answers sometimes.

So, being formally registered, I went back to the Vet.gov site to apply
for the new veteran ID card. Turns out I don't need one. It states
that if you already have a VA health card (which I do) and/or a state
driver's license that has "Veteran" on it (which I also have) ... you
don't need to get the new card as either of the latter will qualify you
for any military discounts offered.

One thing is for sure. Dealing with the government hasn't changed in
the last 40-50 years. :-)

Just try getting into the DOD website. I've quit. They want a new umpteen
letter with a dozen rules
for a password, which you must change frequently. Finally I just said
hell with it. It's cool that
your state puts 'Veteran' on your license. Virginia doesn't.


Maybe it is the new ID requirement licenses. California DL does not meet
the requirements.

Ours seems to have everything on it, including the 'see through' picture along with the regular
picture. I think Virginia is just not that crazy about veterans. In many, if not most, places,
Veterans Day is a school holiday. Not here. Here, Martin Luther King did a lot more for this country
than any veterans did.

I am surprised Va is not more vet friendly with all of the military
presence you have there. I guess those people vote in their home
state.

I added a comment yesterday. They provide a separate Veteran's ID, for $10 with a DD 214 as proof of
service.

I saw that after my post. You already have acceptable ID with your VA
card and now the VA will give you one for free so the $10 card may not
be a big seller. Putting it right on your license is a better deal,
one less card in your wallet.

I've got the VA card, but never use it. I showed it once at the VA Hospital downtown, got my
physical there, got my hearing aids, and got my 'disability' rating. Once all that was in the
computer, I've only carried my retired ID card. Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.



I can't go on a military installation, yet I receive VA health care and
can buy from the on-line exchanges.

Doesn't matter though. My grandson takes my daughter shopping at the
exchanges he can go to. It's not like the old days. As you've posted,
the prices aren't that great anymore.

The commissary is still a good deal. But, they're pretty careful about checking ID's there. And it's
illegal to buy for someone else, although 'giving' stuff is OK.

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:25:11 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

Things have changed since 9/11. I don't know of any 'open posts' anymore. Ft. Belvoir didn't even
man the gates, except for the main gate. Now they're all manned and the ID card is scanned. Many
days they'll have a 100% ID check and everyone's ID gets checked. There must be at least one
military ID in the car.

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 18:18:03 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:25:11 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

Things have changed since 9/11. I don't know of any 'open posts' anymore. Ft. Belvoir didn't even
man the gates, except for the main gate. Now they're all manned and the ID card is scanned. Many
days they'll have a 100% ID check and everyone's ID gets checked. There must be at least one
military ID in the car.

The last military base we were on is in California.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Liggett%20sign.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/M551%20Tank.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Target%20Tank.jpg

They did an ID check and ran us on the computer, took about 5 minutes.
This is up a mountain on a dirt road from Big Sur off the Pac Coast
highway.
It is a pretty cool drive but at the top of the hill you hit the back
gate of an army base. They do let you drive through tho.

http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/...the%20hill.jpg

wrote:
On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 18:18:03 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:25:11 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

Things have changed since 9/11. I don't know of any 'open posts'
anymore. Ft. Belvoir didn't even
man the gates, except for the main gate. Now they're all manned and the
ID card is scanned. Many
days they'll have a 100% ID check and everyone's ID gets checked. There
must be at least one
military ID in the car.

The last military base we were on is in California.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Liggett%20sign.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/M551%20Tank.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Target%20Tank.jpg

They did an ID check and ran us on the computer, took about 5 minutes.
This is up a mountain on a dirt road from Big Sur off the Pac Coast
highway.
It is a pretty cool drive but at the top of the hill you hit the back
gate of an army base. They do let you drive through tho.

http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/...the%20hill.jpg




It is an armored combat test base plus a reserve training base. Civilians
are allowed to hunt on weekends and government holidays. Is in the deed
restrictions. William Randolph Hearst had his hunting camp there. Admin
building is his old hunting camp. Gorgeous building. Supposedly Russian
Boars were introduced here by Hearst. He sold the land to the government
as a training base for a buck, with the provision that public hunting will
be allowed. That drive to the coast is paved these days unless you come in
from Carmel Valley. You probably visited Hearst Castle. The Hearst cattle
company still owns as far north as you can see from the castle. 89,000
acres.

On Sun, 25 Mar 2018 06:15:34 -0000 (UTC), Bill
wrote:

wrote:
On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 18:18:03 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:25:11 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

Things have changed since 9/11. I don't know of any 'open posts'
anymore. Ft. Belvoir didn't even
man the gates, except for the main gate. Now they're all manned and the
ID card is scanned. Many
days they'll have a 100% ID check and everyone's ID gets checked. There
must be at least one
military ID in the car.

The last military base we were on is in California.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Liggett%20sign.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/M551%20Tank.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Target%20Tank.jpg

They did an ID check and ran us on the computer, took about 5 minutes.
This is up a mountain on a dirt road from Big Sur off the Pac Coast
highway.
It is a pretty cool drive but at the top of the hill you hit the back
gate of an army base. They do let you drive through tho.

http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/...the%20hill.jpg




It is an armored combat test base plus a reserve training base. Civilians
are allowed to hunt on weekends and government holidays. Is in the deed
restrictions. William Randolph Hearst had his hunting camp there. Admin
building is his old hunting camp. Gorgeous building. Supposedly Russian
Boars were introduced here by Hearst. He sold the land to the government
as a training base for a buck, with the provision that public hunting will
be allowed. That drive to the coast is paved these days unless you come in
from Carmel Valley. You probably visited Hearst Castle. The Hearst cattle
company still owns as far north as you can see from the castle. 89,000
acres.

We were on the Pac Coast Highway and stopped at a place that wanted
$900 a night for the cheapest room they have but the only one
available was $1600. We never got past the guard shack. Then my wife
said there was a road back there that looks like it gets up away from
Big Sur. That was the one we took. It was pretty much one lane the
whole way and if it was paved, it needed a lift badly.
We ended up in King City for the night.
I may have some pictures or even a movie. I will look at my old stuff.
I know we shot videos of some of the wilder roads.

On Sun, 25 Mar 2018 06:15:34 -0000 (UTC), Bill wrote:

wrote:
On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 18:18:03 -0400, John H.
wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 17:25:11 -0400, wrote:

On Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:31:07 -0400, John H.
wrote:

Can't get on a military installation any more
without that, unless you're willing to go through a bunch of crap.

Times certainly changed. I used to just get waived through the gate at
Andrews and I shot skeet there so much that nobody ever asked who I
was. We used to give the "puller" a buck a round but I think the range
was free. (Bring your own ammo). I think you could get it at the PX
but I would have needed an ID there.

Things have changed since 9/11. I don't know of any 'open posts'
anymore. Ft. Belvoir didn't even
man the gates, except for the main gate. Now they're all manned and the
ID card is scanned. Many
days they'll have a 100% ID check and everyone's ID gets checked. There
must be at least one
military ID in the car.

The last military base we were on is in California.
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Liggett%20sign.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/M551%20Tank.jpg
http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/Target%20Tank.jpg

They did an ID check and ran us on the computer, took about 5 minutes.
This is up a mountain on a dirt road from Big Sur off the Pac Coast
highway.
It is a pretty cool drive but at the top of the hill you hit the back
gate of an army base. They do let you drive through tho.

http://gfretwell.com/ftp/california/...the%20hill.jpg




It is an armored combat test base plus a reserve training base. Civilians
are allowed to hunt on weekends and government holidays. Is in the deed
restrictions. William Randolph Hearst had his hunting camp there. Admin
building is his old hunting camp. Gorgeous building. Supposedly Russian
Boars were introduced here by Hearst. He sold the land to the government
as a training base for a buck, with the provision that public hunting will
be allowed. That drive to the coast is paved these days unless you come in
from Carmel Valley. You probably visited Hearst Castle. The Hearst cattle
company still owns as far north as you can see from the castle. 89,000
acres.

There also used to be a nudist beach at Morro Bay. Wonder if it's still there.