Veterans

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deronb1
deronb1 Posts: 5,021
in The Clubhouse
Most may know this, but veterans can use the Military Exchange Service now. All you have to do is give SSN and they check your status for eligibility. Thay dont have the best selection of gear, but sometimes there are crazy good deals. They also sell a ton of other stuffvas well. Never any tax and free ship if over a negligible amount.
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
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    I did not know that! Good info! Thank you sir!
    https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/06/16/almost-70k-veterans-apply-online-exchange.html
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  • verb
    verb Posts: 10,176
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    Just applied! Had to upload a copy of my discharge papers.
    caizun648ttc.png
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS 1.2tl's, Cary SLP-05 Pre with ultimate upgrade,McIntosh MCD301 CD/SACD player, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Cambridge 851N streamer, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Silnote Morpheus Ref2, Series2 Digital Cables, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Series2 XLR's, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, Northstar Designs Intenso DAC, Antique Sound Labs AV8 Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated Amp, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's, Shunyata Hydra 8 Power Conditioner
    Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Rotel RCD-1072 CD player, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    verb wrote: »
    Just applied! Had to upload a copy of my discharge papers.
    caizun648ttc.png

    Excellent! The only thing I have purchased so far is a pair of Yammy bookies at a good price.
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  • Viking64
    Viking64 Posts: 6,679
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    verb wrote: »
    my discharge

    You better see a doctor. Maybe they can give you something to help with that. :o
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,684
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    May have to locate the dd214 in the attic.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
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    xschop wrote: »
    May have to locate the dd214 in the attic.

    Will that be right next to the DDT?

    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
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    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • Viking64
    Viking64 Posts: 6,679
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    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    xschop wrote: »
    May have to locate the dd214 in the attic.

    Will that be right next to the DDT?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ssoBUb2cJk
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  • joecoulson
    joecoulson Posts: 4,943
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    Let me the first on this thread to thank all of you for your service! Even though this place might be past saving, thanks for putting your lives on the line to do just that.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,684
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    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    xschop wrote: »
    May have to locate the dd214 in the attic.

    Will that be right next to the DDT?

    Thank a veteran for protecting your right to talk smack. Its probably next to the Christmas decorations... Halloween Crap....
    or some other dusty Crap lol
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,060
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    What's the best way to upload the DD214? I got to that point.
    Home Theater
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    gudnoyez wrote: »
    What's the best way to upload the DD214? I got to that point.

    Mine is scanned into my computer. Just upload it to site.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,684
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    I vividly remember the BX when I was in.... Tax free 6-point beer, Carver amps, and huge SDA's that you couldn't fit in the dorm room.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    Yup. Guys would sell stuff cheap too when they were broke and needed beer money...lol.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,684
    edited February 2019
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    deronb1 wrote: »
    Yup. Guys would sell stuff cheap too when they were broke and needed beer money...lol.

    Or going TDY. I acquired a complete Nakamichi system on trade for a kenwood car amp at the time because he couldnt take the rack with him.
    However, I do miss the splendid 3 way Onkyo speakers I had to leave on the Okinawa island.... Sayonara
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    I got my 8Ts at the BX in Ramstien in 1990. Still have them minus the MWs. Mine came with 4 6511s, which is weird.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Good stuff at the PX for sure. I still need to upload my DD214.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,132
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    Why did it take so long for vets to get access to the PX?

    You would think it benefit the suppliers too...
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
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    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,094
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    It was a benefit for you after you retired at the age of 65. You did not need to do more than your 4 years of active to have a bunch of benefits at retirement.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 4,684
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    txcoastal1 wrote: »
    Why did it take so long for vets to get access to the PX?

    You would think it benefit the suppliers too...

    Why did it take so long for vets to get access to Healthcare?
    Puts things into perspective.
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
    edited February 2019
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    It's mostly due to agreements with cities that host military bases, and support of the local economy. I did 15yrs active duty Army, and I am a veteran of Desert Storm, but I couldn't use the PX or Commissary after I discharged from active duty. You basically had to be a retiree to maintain PX access; even if (like me) you continued government service as a civilian.

    As a Dept of the Army fed worker, I get access to MWR (Morale Welfare Recreation) activities, but that is about it. I always thought it was odd that Fed civilians didn't have PX/Commissary access.

    Just to clear up confusion, a "Veteran" is someone who has credible service in a war zone, for a specific minimum time (IIRC, 31 days or more). Though these days, everybody pretty much refers to anyone who served as a veteran.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Derf
    Derf Posts: 229
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    Just to clear up confusion, a "Veteran" is someone who has credible service in a war zone, for a specific minimum time (IIRC, 31 days or more).
    I disagree. You have defined a “combat veteran.” A veteran is anyone who served who was not dishonorably discharged.

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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
    edited February 2019
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    Let me make the distinction in real terms; a veteran (by DoD definition) receives lifetime VA benefits, regardless if he/she retires or not. A prior service military person (that does not stay until retirement) does not. If you do, lets say, a 4 year enlistment, then transition out, there are no benefits after exit. If you were in a war zone, did the same 4yr enlistment and transition, there are additional lifetime benefits.

    That is the difference between the generic term "veteran" and the regulation term "veteran."
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  • Jimbo18
    Jimbo18 Posts: 2,314
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    steveinaz wrote: »
    Let me make the distinction in real terms; a veteran (by DoD definition) receives lifetime VA benefits, regardless if he/she retires or not. A prior service military person (that does not stay until retirement) does not. If you do, lets say, a 4 year enlistment, then transition out, there are no benefits after exit. If you were in a war zone, did the same 4yr enlistment and transition, there are additional lifetime benefits.

    That is the difference between the generic term "veteran" and the regulation term "veteran."

    I guess I am a "prior military person" because I was in 4-yrs., during the Vietnam war, but never in a combat zone, but got flight and hazardous duty pay flying out of Alaska.

    When I was laid off about 5 years ago, I went to the VA to see about VA health benefits, and they said I was denied. I didn't fit the criteria of being a war zone, never was injured while on active duty, and made too much money. However, if my income was below the poverty level, I would have qualified.

    So, by this criteria, I would have been considered a veteran if I had made less money. I was told that previously, they would have approved it but there were too many veterans and they had to reduce the number.

    Not my take on it, just what I was told at the local VA office.
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 885
    edited February 2019
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    Sorry Steve, Jimbo has hit the nail on the head, I served 9 yrs (84-93), was given 2 yrs of full services after my enlistment, but I don't currently qualify for VA care unless I have no other options. My father 20yr USAF (1950-1970) goes to the VA now since turning 65 (now 87), but when he was working at other professions we had other private coverage. So the rules are very muddy and most of depends on your economic status and age. Its sad!

    Just one other point, I remember going to the base clinic when I was around 12-13yrs old long after my dad retired in the 70's and got medical services for an injury while playing baseball. Benefits have changed over the years, when I was in they had that crappy VEAP educational program that was a joke, then changed it back to model the old G.I bill around 89-90. I got screwed out of free collage. Many Times it depends who you talk to and how much they know.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,522
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    Keep in mind, I served from 1982-1997; so things may have changed since then. Maybe Dept of Defense is now offering some VA benefits based on lower income former military...I don't know.

    The different status' are strange. I served 15yrs, was a combat veteran, but since I was not a retiree, I received no benefits other than VA stuff (which I don't use, I much prefer my fed service healthcare). No PX, no commissary, etc, etc--I thought that was kinda strange.
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  • Jimbo18
    Jimbo18 Posts: 2,314
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    One other thing that I think is strange, unless you qualify for benefits, you can't get a VA card to prove you served. Fortunately, many states, including NC where I am, allow you to take your DD-214 in and they notate "Veteran" on your drivers license.

    This comes in handy at places like Lowes, where they allow veteran discounts.
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    edited February 2019
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    If you served your term or were honorably discharged you are a veteran period. Thanks for your service.

    If you were deployed to a combat zone, then you earned a combat veteran distinction. Thank you for your service.

    Not all veterans receive full benefits, unfortunately.

    Thanks to all who served in any capacity.

    Title 38 U.S.C., sec101.(2)
    Post edited by jeremymarcinko on
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • recoveryone
    recoveryone Posts: 885
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    I went through the exchange just to see some of the prices on TV's, Costco and Sam's Club is killing them. The Same Samsung QLED is $2k at the exchange price and Costco had for $1500. Even the no tax at the exchange can't beat that.
    Family Room HT 7.2/i]:Vizio Oled55h1 Pioneer Elite SC-LX502 Pioneer Elite BDP 85FD Eversolo DMP A6 Panamax M5300-EXSpeakers Fronts Fluance XF8L Center Polk Audio S35 Side Surrounds Optimus LS30's Rear Surrounds Optimus LS30's Subs SVS PB4000 x2 Living room 2ch: Crown Xli 1500 amp Teac EQ MKII FX Audio X6 Mk II DAC Squeezebox Touch Fluance Signature Tower Speakers Panamax M5100-EXOffice media room:Vizio M50Q6 50" Pioneer Elite VSX LX103 Squeezebox Touch Polkaudio R50 Towers Polkaudio CS 10 Panamax M4300 Monoprice 12" subMaster bedroom:Vizio M55Q7 Pioneer Elite VSX LX302 Pioneer Elite BDP 85FD Squeezebox Touch Polk audio RTi 6 fronts, Rears Dayton B652 Polk Audio CS10 center Monoprice 12" sub Panamax M5300-EX
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
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    recoveryone wrote: »
    I went through the exchange just to see some of the prices on TV's, Costco and Sam's Club is killing them. The Same Samsung QLED is $2k at the exchange price and Costco had for $1500. Even the no tax at the exchange can't beat that.

    Ya, they aren't competitive on a lot of things, but every now and then there is a stupid good deal on sonething...lol
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  • indyhawg
    indyhawg Posts: 1,637
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    I set up an account tonight. Thanks for posting this Deron.
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