Help inform someone non-military (me), is it that common to carry your DD-214 form on you so long after your service is up?
On Vet’s day most places will ask for some kind of proof.
If you don’t have a retired ID or VA card the DD 214 is the next best thing.
To receive a free meal on Veterans day, participating restaurants require you show an active or retired military ID, Veterans Administration ID or a copy of the DD214.
People have been known to use fraudulent DD214 (discharge certificate) forms or old ones they’ve stolen from a military personnel office in order to get assistance from the Veterans Administration.
Those declared totally disabled from post-traumatic stress disorder, for example, can receive nearly $2,000 a month, tax-free, and are eligible for Social Security and other benefits as well.