How Stores and Restaurants Identify Veterans for Discounts and Offers

The process of identifying veterans for discounts or special offers varies from store to store and restaurant to restaurant. While businesses are not legally mandated to offer veteran-specific discounts, a significant number choose to do so as a way to show appreciation for the military service of their customers.

The Role of the Business

The ultimate decision on who qualifies for these discounts falls on the individual business. It is up to the store or restaurant owner to establish their own criteria and procedures for identifying veterans. This can include accepting various types of identification, such as military ID, veteran-related cards, or even asking customers to self-identify.

Variability in Identification Methods

While some businesses may require strict and direct proof of military service, others might accept a range of identification methods. A typical requirement might be a veteran's ID from an organization like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), but it's not uncommon for businesses to have their unique set of standards.

One common method is the inclusion of a veteran logo on a state-issued driver's license. In recent years, many states across the United States have begun providing veteran endorsements on driver's licenses, eliminating the need for veterans to carry additional documentation.

Case Study: Personal Experience

Having retired from the military and not utilizing the VA for disability benefits, I only have my DD-214, which is my official military discharge form, as proof of my service. Prior to the driver's license endorsement, I was not willing to carry my DD-214 with me just to get a free meal at Applebees or a discount on bulbs from Home Depot. Besides, not all businesses accept my VFW Lifetime Membership Card. It can be frustrating when you find such cards being accepted in some places but not in others.

Now with the driver's license endorsement, the process becomes much simpler, provided that the customer has one. However, there have been instances where even with a veteran's license, some establishments can be difficult to work with. In situations like these, it's often best to simply stop supporting businesses that do not respect the needs and expectations of the veteran community.

Common Requirements for Discounts

Despite the variability in identification methods, certain requirements are commonly accepted across different businesses:

Veteran ID Card: Many organizations issue veteran ID cards that can be used as proof of service. These can be obtained from veteran groups like VFW, DAV, or local veteran associations. State-Issued Driver's License Endorsement: With many states now providing veteran endorsements, this has become a widely accepted method. Veteran's Membership Card: Membership cards from veteran organizations can be accepted by some businesses, although this is not universal. Self-Identification: Some businesses may allow customers to self-identify as veterans and provide a brief explanation, though this requires trust between the customer and the business.

Encouraging Broad Acceptance

To encourage broader acceptance of these discounts and build a more inclusive environment, businesses can:

Posted Notifications: Clearly post signs in the store or restaurant indicating that military and veteran discounts are available. Training Staff: Educate and train employees on how to handle situations involving veterans and recognize valid identification. Public Relations: Utilize marketing and public relations strategies to emphasize the value of military and veteran discounts. Feedback Mechanisms: Implement systems for feedback and address concerns or issues related to veterans seeking discounts.

Ultimately, by following these guidelines and best practices, businesses can create a more welcoming and supportive environment for veterans, enhancing their customer experience and demonstrating a true appreciation for the sacrifices made by members of the military community.