Many veterans are unaware of the services and discounts available to them because of their service to their country, all through the Veteran's Administration.
Gene Moore, Veterans Services Officer for Escambia County, Ala., wants all veterans who were discharged (not dishonorably) or retired from the military to know what benefits they have available.
“We provide services to veterans who may have had an injury or illness and their family members or dependents,” said Moore. “There are different types of state and federal benefits available. State benefits vary but federal benefits are the same across the board.”
Moore said several bills, such as the GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill and Post 911, are all time dependent, but other benefits do not expire.
Some of the state benefits for veterans who have not been dishonorably discharged, include:
Education toward any higher learning for spouses and qualified dependents under 18 or above age 18 and still in school; discounts on vehicle tags and hunting and fishing licenses; free weapons permits (the fee is waived); exemptions for property taxes for veterans who are at a certain percentage disabled; additional points towards employment; the opportunity to be buried in a military cemetery and free admittance to state parks with a placard issued by the VA.
If a veteran is receiving a retirement from the military, they can receive a state tax exemption in Alabama, according to Moore. Each state does have benefits, but he says a person interested will need to check with the VA to be sures.
“Alabama is one of the best states to retire from the military,” said Moore. “Alabama loves the military.”
He said the military offers compensation and will pay for illness, injuries incurred during service time.
“On home loans, the VA will back the home loan, or guarantee the payment, although it will not issue loan,” said Moore. “Also, veterans have access to life insurance that will benefit their families and loved ones.”
Another benefit is a pension.
“If income of a veteran doesn't meet what Congress wants everyone to have, their income can be supplemented by a pension, for people of or near retirement age. Everybody will not qualify. A veteran has to be in the military during a wartime. That particular amount is revisited by Congress every year, as a cost of living adjustment,” said Moore. “Also, compensation is a benefit, if someone is injured in the military, they can receive a tax-free payment monthly. Whatever that condition is, the VA will take care of it as well on the medical side, and veterans can go to any VA hospital.”
The medical needs of a veteran can be met at a VA hospital or clinic. Moore said any medical and hospital services, as well mental health services and vocational rehabilitation, can be referred as needed if those services aren't available locally.
“Those left behind when a military person dies can receive benefits,” said Moore. “If child is underaged, under 18, they can receive benefits and can receive benefits if they continue to go to higher education.”
Moore said because so many businesses across the U.S. began giving military discounts, the government began issuing military identification cards to make it easier on veterans.
“My take is, as a veteran service officer, I have the best job in the world,” said Moore. “To help someone who is not aware that they have benefits for those who are in need, is the best feeling in the world. To be able to help those who are left behind, to help them with benefits, this is the best job in the world for me.”
Moore compared learning all of the ins and outs of benefits and qualifications to do his job to learning a New York City phone book by heart.
“It's the government, we decipher, it, go through it, and give veterans what they qualify for,” he said. “Give us a situation, and we can tell you what and if you qualify. Let us help them. Many people aren't aware of what their benefits are. They gave their service and sometimes, their lives to protect our freedoms. Now its our turn to take care of them.”
