Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine and her counterpart Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire’s proposal that injured veterans are granted free entry to recreational areas was signed into law. The Act seeks to accord free access to veterans who sustained severe disabilities during their military service. The proposal by the England Senators that would ensure disabled veterans in America get free entry to all national parks and recreational lands was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Why the New Law
According to Shaheen and Collins, the existing Act left uncertainties about whether all wounded veterans were entitled to getting a pass for free access to national parks and the Federal Recreational Lands. Their proposal has been lauded as timely in eliminating the ambiguity. Collins notes that the new law will ensure that disabled veterans continue enjoying outdoor recreation by having free access to our country’s national treasure.
The Veteran’s Season
Everyone vividly remembers November 11 as the season for free stuff for all veterans. In line with Shaheen and Collins’s pursuit, it is only fair that the veterans enjoy these freebies throughout their lives considering their commitment and dedication to serve our country; there is no reason we should turn down the veteran’s season.
While the veterans search through online sites and documentaries for the well-deserved November 11 freebies, it is worth noting that there are excellent proposals on offer through the National Park Service NPS. In collaboration with the US Department of Interior, the NPS has been continuously offering free lifetime access passes to more than 400 national parks and recreational sites to veterans with a disability rating of at least 10%.
Acquiring Passes
In the new law, the veterans will receive instant lifetime passes at Federal Recreation Areas, where passes are issued upon presentation of any government-issued identification and a document providing evidence of disability acquired while in service. The veterans can also choose to request passes online with a 10 dollar processing fee, including shipping charges. Online passes are expected to be delivered within 4 to 5 weeks after providing the necessary paperwork. Snail mail services are also available to the vets. They can apply by downloading the application from the US Geological Survey Website.
Eligibility
Veterans can prove their eligibility for the lifetime pass by providing a veterans affairs summary of benefits, a VA award letter, or documents showing social security disability earnings. The granted pass shall provide access to a driver and passengers entering a park in a non-commercial vehicle. It shall also include discounted perks on amenities like guided tours or camping. Serving military personnel shall remain eligible for a free one-year access pass with similar perks. The current personnel can apply for passes on-site by merely producing their military identity.
Courtesy of the new law, the veterans, are guaranteed to enjoy the great outdoors of our country with safety.
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