My wife has a friend group which has regular lunch and dinner events. One of the group, an older lady in her late-60s, routinely makes a fuss about her "military discount." Since Corpus Christi is a military town, it's pretty common to receive discounts. When offered, my wife will certainly pull out her ID (I'm retired) and graciously accept the discount. The woman in question, however, only has a PDF copy of her husband's DD214 on her phone and simply flashes that at the restaurants.
My wife told me the wait staff is always a bit skeptical, but always caves in and gives her the discount. On one occasion I asked about her husband's service (4 years honorable in the 1970s) and told her how her husband can get a valid Veteran ID Card (VIC) through the VA. I also told her since he's neither retired nor disabled that the vet's benefits generally will not apply to a spouse. She replied, "Why would we do that? My way always works just fine. It works at a lot of stores, too!"
I ended the conversation at that point (no need to start an argument), but I have to admit this kind of chaps my a$$. Those of us who have spent 20+ years in the service have earned specific benefits...as have all vets who have honorably served. The difference with regard to spouses, however, is under most circumstances only spouses of retirees and those with 100% VA disability get any kind benefits extended to them. Her use of the DD214 can therefore be construed as a mild form of fraud.
Several of my friends (many retirees also) aren't bothered. I am bothered. Right is right, wrong is wrong, and this woman is simply cheating the system. And FWIW, this lady is a very loud Type-A while her husband is a rather meek little man who remains pretty quiet. If I didn't know better I'd swear she was a former 11B.
My wife told me the wait staff is always a bit skeptical, but always caves in and gives her the discount. On one occasion I asked about her husband's service (4 years honorable in the 1970s) and told her how her husband can get a valid Veteran ID Card (VIC) through the VA. I also told her since he's neither retired nor disabled that the vet's benefits generally will not apply to a spouse. She replied, "Why would we do that? My way always works just fine. It works at a lot of stores, too!"
I ended the conversation at that point (no need to start an argument), but I have to admit this kind of chaps my a$$. Those of us who have spent 20+ years in the service have earned specific benefits...as have all vets who have honorably served. The difference with regard to spouses, however, is under most circumstances only spouses of retirees and those with 100% VA disability get any kind benefits extended to them. Her use of the DD214 can therefore be construed as a mild form of fraud.
Several of my friends (many retirees also) aren't bothered. I am bothered. Right is right, wrong is wrong, and this woman is simply cheating the system. And FWIW, this lady is a very loud Type-A while her husband is a rather meek little man who remains pretty quiet. If I didn't know better I'd swear she was a former 11B.
