NH Veteran's Campground and Cottages

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

...u-know the hotel and cabins in the photos above must have been demolished sometime prior to 1992....I have no clue as to when...but all that was there more recently, prior to the MeredithBayNH new construction was a remnant concrete foundation and an un-developed hillside growing trees...

...if only some developer could offer a buyout to the NH Veteran's Campground and Cottages....and remove all those olde unheated, un-used, un-snow-shoveled and un-occupied seasonal buildings that occupy the land across from the boardwalk... to some other location like on Route 3 in Loudon ... it would be a big big economic boost up for the Weirs area ...

As a veteran I consider this an insult!

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

As a veteran I consider this an insult!

Did you serve in the Civil War from 1861-1865, because all the buildings are Civil War era, and going back to the 1880's were a gathering spot for Civil War veterans.


These moldy olde un-heated and un-used Civil War buildings pay no property taxes and create a huge burden against making Weirs Beach into a year round business location for either a hotel, condos, or my first choice, a Civil War design, destination, mega multi-million dollar casino extravaganza.

If u really feel insulted.....then tough nuggies! ....get over it!

[Just Sold]

FFL - As a relative of a Civil War soldier who died as a prisoner of war in Andersonville Prison, GA and as a US Navy Vietnam era Veteran I feel that you have no understanding of what the Civil War buildings at the Weirs mean to people like me. Would you take down the Lincoln Memorial to put condo's in because it has a great view of the Potomac River???

William Winters Putney from Wilmot, NH my Great Great Grandfather.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Did you serve in the Civil War from 1861-1865, because all the buildings are Civil War era, and going back to the 1880's were a gathering spot for Civil War veterans.


These moldy olde un-heated and un-used Civil War buildings pay no property taxes and create a huge burden against making Weirs Beach into a year round business location for either a hotel, condos, or my first choice, a Civil War design, destination, mega multi-million dollar casino extravaganza.

If u really feel insulted.....then tough nuggies! ....get over it!

Are related to Folks that fought during the Revolutionary War, before 1776. My older brother has been a member of SAR, NSSAR for many many years, and I will be joining this year.
http://www.sar.org/

YES, I'm a Veteran... U. S. Army Signal Corps, pictured in 1965 Graduating Advanced Individual Training. Specialist-PFC Terry/trfour.


Terry
_______________________________________

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Did you serve in the Civil War from 1861-1865, because all the buildings are Civil War era, and going back to the 1880's were a gathering spot for Civil War veterans.


These moldy olde un-heated and un-used Civil War buildings pay no property taxes and create a huge burden against making Weirs Beach into a year round business location for either a hotel, condos, or my first choice, a Civil War design, destination, mega multi-million dollar casino extravaganza.

If u really feel insulted.....then tough nuggies! ....get over it!

FLL, normally, I chuckle at your comments and take them for what they are worth... But this time I do believe you mis-stepped...

The NH Veterans Compound is very important. While as with most facilities of this type, there may be some needed updates ... I would be deeply sadden if the facility was ever closed and developed for other purposes.

This country owes a lot to our military Veteran's for instance you freedom of speech which you have just exercised here... We would not have if it wasn't for our Military. Please feel free to speak your mind, but be respectful, your last line of your post was not need... I will respect your views as that your views... But don't tell Veterans who fought for the freedoms you enjoy "tough nuggies"......

[8gv]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

FLL, normally, I chuckle at your comments and take them for what they are worth... But this time I do believe you mis-stepped...

The NH Veterans Compound is very important. While as with most facilities of this type, there may be some needed updates ... I would be deeply sadden if the facility was ever closed and developed for other purposes.

This country owes a lot to our military Veteran's for instance you freedom of speech which you have just exercised here... We would not have if it wasn't for our Military. Please feel free to speak your mind, but be respectful, your last line of your post was not need... I will respect your views as that your views... But don't tell Veterans who fought for the freedoms you enjoy "tough nuggies"......

It seems that the piece of property you mention has stirred emotions. I am curious about its current use and what potential uses may exist. Setting aside any commercial or private use as they may be inappropriate, I wonder what will change in ten or twenty years. Is the property in some sort of budget limbo?

[fatlazyless]

Laconia has a very nice Civil War memorial statue between the Gale Library and the old train depot, at the intersection of Main St and whatever that other large street is called.

By virtue of its tax exempt status going forward indefinately into the future, i.e. forever and forever, the NH Veteran's Campground and Cottages in Weirs Beach occupy a large hillside overlooking the lake and pretty much stymy the economic developement of what could be a very happening location.

But no, thanks to its property tax exempt status, all these un-heated and un-used civil war style structures occupy very valuable land and do liitle to nothing of any good for anybody because they hardly even get any use. You ever see any people in or around any of these old buildings?

Maybe ten years ago, one of the old buildings was home to a pizza business for a couple years or so, but now that is gone too.

So, who if anyone actually benefits from all these un-used old relics that occupy very valuable land and hinder economic developement at the Weirs? Does anyone actually benefit, or do the buildings basically go unused all year long, and manage to be maintained via the motorcylcle week vender rental money from renting space along side the sidewalk on the grass embankment there?

It just seems to me that any organization that has tax exempt status should have to re-qualify itself every so often, maybe every five years, to substantiate that it actually qualifies as a tax exempt, and is not just be coasting along on its past history.

Memorials are all well and good, and need to be maintained, but there also needs to be an intelligent examination done at the State of NH level to qualify a tax exempt organization like this very under-used and seasonally closed campground and cottage use at the Weirs hillside, overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.

According to google, the last New Hampshire Civil War veteran was a Laconia resident who passed away in 1945 at the age of 99, and that was 75-years ago.

If you want to visit a Civil War memorial in Laconia, I suggest you check out the one next to former train depot building.

[thinkxingu]

FLL, you keep referring to the Civil War with these buildings, but from what I can see this is a general veterans association, right?

Here's what I would like to see: throw some money into fixing all the buildings up, add a small museum with volunteer veterans that offer tours and question/answer sessions and/or classes, and then open a lottery for NH veterans to take their families on vacation for minimal (upkeep?) cost. I'd love to know our state is providing a beautiful opportunity for those people who protect those same opportunities for we people.

[fatlazyless]

Excellent suggestions for these un-heated seasonal buildings which have no foundations underneath them, and no insulation in their walls, and no heating systems.

And maybe raise some money to move them onto a great big, flat bed truck, and remove them to a very nice hill top location, someplace not too far away, where they can be loved and appreciated by everyone for what they are; historical civil war era structures.

They need to go....goodbye....good luck...and syonara to all these useless olde artifact dilapidated, totally tax-exempt buildings....just remove them to a better location somewhere else....and turn them into a self-sustaining museum.......or something ......thank-you very much.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Excellent suggestions for these un-heated seasonal buildings which have no foundations underneath them, and no insulation in their walls, and no heating systems.

Then rent them for 26 weeks. If needed, use volunteer labor to restore.

There are some groups that deserve our support and simply do not get it--look at the veterans health care issues right now--and I think it's time to fix that. One small location in one resort area--areas that are becoming exclusive to only the richest people and businesses--is the very least we can do to show our appreciation.

If the location needs fixing, let's fix it, but I find it insulting that you would want to just scrap it and sell out to some more rich people. Once it's gone, it's gone.

[Just Sold]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

So, who if anyone actually benefits from all these un-used old relics that occupy very valuable land and hinder economic developement at the Weirs? Does anyone actually benefit, or do the buildings basically go unused all year long, and manage to be maintained via the motorcylcle week vender rental money from renting space along side the sidewalk on the grass embankment there?

This place is for all NH Veterans

If you did a little research you would find The New Hampshire Veterans Association - http://www.thenhva.org/

These buildings are available to be rented and there are some campsites on the property too.

"Membership may be accepted at the meeting if the applicant presents a copy of :

Yearly membership is from Jan 1 until Dec.31

DD-214 (Showing Honorable Discharge)
AND Proof of NH Residency: Valid NH Drivers License

These documents will be retained along with a completed application by the NHVA Membership Chairperson.

One Year Dues are $25.00. Life Membership Rates: Age 21-36 $100, Age 37-55 $75.00, Age 56/over $50.00. Applications will be available at the Headquarters Office."

So more goes on there and it is available to all NH veterans. It is not an inactive, empty, unused, property.

[jeffatsquam]

Originally Posted by Just Sold

This place is for all NH Veterans

If you did a little research you would find The New Hampshire Veterans Association - http://www.thenhva.org/

These buildings are available to be rented and there are some campsites on the property too.

"Membership may be accepted at the meeting if the applicant presents a copy of :

Yearly membership is from Jan 1 until Dec.31

DD-214 (Showing Honorable Discharge)
AND Proof of NH Residency: Valid NH Drivers License

These documents will be retained along with a completed application by the NHVA Membership Chairperson.

One Year Dues are $25.00. Life Membership Rates: Age 21-36 $100, Age 37-55 $75.00, Age 56/over $50.00. Applications will be available at the Headquarters Office."

So more goes on there and it is available to all NH veterans. It is not an inactive, empty, unused, property.

Sounds like a good place for a forumfest

Have a work party in the am cook up some lunch have a speaker to explain what they do there and what their needs are going forward.

Use the raffle to raise a donation to the complex. Or sponsor a deserving Veteran.

[thinkxingu]

^ I like it.

[fatlazyless]

....you know that these old buildings of which we speak ....the NH Veteran's Campground and Cottages is pretty much....a property tax exempt ghost town during the summer months when it is open and available....that's correct....a ghost town....so who benefits? ..... just all the ghosts!... because it does not get very much actual use....as far as I have seen....so how is it fullfilling its tax exempt status by being very under-used.....hellooo....there's nobody home but it is tax exempt....does this make any tax status sense?


....another tax exempt relic that occupies extremely valuable Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront land that no longer has anyone there and using it ....is Camp Monotomy....a former girl scout camp on meredith neck.....somebody said that it has a one hundred year lease so basically the girl scouts cannot sell it even if they would love to sell it for big bucks, because they do not own it....and yes, it is property tax exempt(?)

[BroadHopper]

had a walking tour of the buildings last fall. It was extremely interesting to see the inside of the buildings and the history. I'm sure the association would love to host a forum fest and give us a tour of the buildings. How can we make this happen?

[mcdude]

...perhaps FLL could get this organized.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

....you know that these old buildings of which we speak ....the NH Veteran's Campground and Cottages is pretty much....a property tax exempt ghost town during the summer months when it is open and available....that's correct....a ghost town....so who benefits? ..... just all the ghosts!... because it does not get very much actual use....as far as I have seen....so how is it fullfilling its tax exempt status by being very under-used.....hellooo....there's nobody home but it is tax exempt....does this make any tax status sense?


....another tax exempt relic that occupies extremely valuable Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront land that no longer has anyone there and using it ....is Camp Monotomy....a former girl scout camp on meredith neck.....somebody said that it has a one hundred year lease so basically the girl scouts cannot sell it even if they would love to sell it for big bucks, because they do not own it....and yes, it is property tax exempt(?)

This is your fourth post saying essentially the same thing. I think you have ruffled enough feathers with the first 3 posts.

[8gv]

Can anyone just go up there and take a look around? Is it fenced or posted no trespassing?

[VitaBene]

It is open for walking! When driving down the Weirs, look to the left and see all of the large wood shingled houses- they are part of the association.

[AC2717]

Can't believe what I am saying here, as I love my veterans but there is something to what FLL is saying, although I do not agree completely with what he is saying.
That property does take up a lot of valuable space and I believe does act as a significant road block to development of the Weirs given its location right in the middle, and while an important part of the area, from a historical basis a re-location would not be entirely off base, as still as everything operated as it currently does for our veterans.

Certainly a selling of that land would easily cover the purchase and relocation expenses to anywhere in the area. Not to mention that could be the start of development of the area.

[Billy Bob]

The fine folks that served in our military need , deserve , and should expect all of our help once they get out of the military. Especially the volunteers that have fought our recent wars declared or otherwise.
They should be receiving job training , job assistance, assistance with housing, medical assistance and for those that were injured they should be taken care of 100% for as long as it takes !

And FLL is 100 % correct this dump of a bunch of buildings has nothing to do with supporting them or their families and its time they go.
Lets give them what they deserve and need to transition properly . That doesn't include a bunch of rotten old buildings from the Revolution .

This project distracts where the real attention needs to be such as VA hospitals , rehab projects , education etc.

[Woodsy]

I think the Veterans property should be left alone... THEY EARNED IT! The campground is usually full all summer and the buildings do get quite a bit of use.

The problem with the Weirs is that there is NO Plan... The city of Laconia has no plan, and the commercial property owners have no plan.

A LOT of the commercial property owners in the Weirs put the absolute minimums back into their properties.... thus the run down appearance.

There is a reason why the hotels/inns in Meredith are thriving... they are updated, modern, offer modern amenities that people look for. I do not think the Weirs should turn into Meredith, but there needs to be some updating.

Woodsy

[BroadHopper]

maybe Just Sold can chime in. I do believe the deed restrict the use of the land. So you can not just sell off the land.

I can see leasing the land along the main drag to businesses for commercial purposes. To pay for the rear portion and to help pay the stay of our unfortunate veterans. One of the buildings along the sidewalk is for lease for any business. There was an Italian restaurant there.

This is a message for the veterans. Have you enrolled in VHA? If not I strongly urged you to do so! Go to www.va.gov for more information. There are BIG changes in the past year. All the problems you have experienced or heard of are in the past! I met a number of veterans, especially the older vets, WWII and Korean that have not signed up. Please do so!

[Tired of Waiting]

Heck the Ol man in the mountain is gone now so who needs any historical spots in the state any more. Tear it all down as long as something that can be taxed can replace it.

It's a great idea FLL came up with. Just think of all the taxes we could get. And history, Baaaa never did like it much any way. You can't eat history but a good Cheap pizza shop now there is a great attraction.

ToW

[MGWillia]

New to the area and a Retired Army Master Sergeant. I have been wondering where I will put my energies as far as service related organizations. DD-214 and Retiree ID card in hand, I plan on seeing if I can't lend a hand in keeping this small tribute to the American Veteran alive. I mean, I can understand the sentiment. Why should this Veteran "perk" survive? Our government (and we are the government folks) have taken so many benefits away from the veteran already. What's one more, right? Somewhere, in the history of your fair community, your ancestors (for those who actually come from here) did the right thing. They thanked the veterans of a particular war for their sacrifice. I doubt it was with a lack of foresight that they made allowance for its survival into perpetuity. I think they knew well enough, and sadly enough, that there would be many more conflicts and many more veterans in the future. If you should ever be faced with a choice like the ones suggested here, remember, you have that choice because of the American Veteran. Each and every one of whom sign a blank check. Payable, up to and including, their very lives. Many of those checks have been cashed. Many were blessed to come home whole. I thank the forefathers for their recognition and sense of debt. If this tribute were to disappear, its loss might not be felt as hugely as the Hospitals that they were promised, and retirement pay and other items that have slowly been pulled away after the debt has already been incurred. But it would be more our fault for letting it happen in our own backyards. Enjoy what we have here. I think we live in the greatest part of the greatest nation on the planet. Enjoy it... But don't take away what your neighbor has earned so you can have more. Rant Complete. Sorry

[tis]

Join the Legion in Wolfeboro. they have a building on Center Street. And doesn't alton have something in the old Edgewater (?) Restaurant Building?

They do a lot of great things, not the least of which is sponsoring the July 4th Parade.

[MGWillia]

Originally Posted by tis

Join the Legion in Wolfeboro. they have a building on Center Street. And doesn't alton have something in the old Edgewater (?) Restaurant Building?

They do a lot of great things, not the least of which is sponsoring the July 4th Parade.

I am aware of the service organizations available in the area. But some of the previous comments on this thread are pushing me more in the direction of "mission" than in club.. (I may indeed join one of those eventually as well)

[GodSmile]

Interesting thread with some disturbing comments. My two cents. This land and the buildings have been given to the Veterans. It should not and hopefully cannot be taken away. If there's a solution to all of this that affords equal or better benefits/accommodations for veterans, and if that is acceptable to their organization then fine. Otherwise hands off. Fix a decrepit arcade if you want to improve the Weirs.

[tis]

Originally Posted by MGWillia

I am aware of the service organizations available in the area. But some of the previous comments on this thread are pushing me more in the direction of "mission" than in club.. (I may indeed join one of those eventually as well)

I am not sure what you mean, but I believe the Wolfeboro group does a lot of good things, they don't just play.

[dave603]

When I investigated joining a Veteran group, admittedly 30 years or so ago, I found them somewhat depressing. And I have checked several in my travels after service. ( not in the lakes area though )
Think the NCO Club at happy hour, but happy hour never ends at some of them.

I also found too many of them are more of a bar business than a fraternal organization. ( many allow way too many non-vets in the bars, guess it does pay the bills, but really, some are even under age to be in there.)

Some do great work, others not so much.

This group on the other hand, does seem to have a "mission", so it has that going for them.

[MGWillia]

Originally Posted by tis

I am not sure what you mean, but I believe the Wolfeboro group does a lot of good things, they don't just play.

And as I said, these groups serve a purpose, and at some point, I may feel the desire to join one. Especially if one of them comes under the kind of attack I'm reading in this thread. But if this is a true sentiment by community members against the the current land use and benefits of the NHVC&C then I have a set of hands and I have a voice. I will gladly stand with them and offer any assistance I can. That's what it means to have a mission. Again, I am very glad we have these other service organizations.

[MGWillia]

My apologies for the rant. Things like this do get me riled. But after reading along for several days, my button was pushed. Again, though I don't retract a word of it, many of you did not deserve to hear me go off...

Thanks.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Did you serve in the Civil War from 1861-1865, because all the buildings are Civil War era, and going back to the 1880's were a gathering spot for Civil War veterans.


These moldy olde un-heated and un-used Civil War buildings pay no property taxes and create a huge burden against making Weirs Beach into a year round business location for either a hotel, condos, or my first choice, a Civil War design, destination, mega multi-million dollar casino extravaganza.

If u really feel insulted.....then tough nuggies! ....get over it!

Sometimes I'd just like to slap you silly!!!

[fatlazyless]

....hey Rusty ...just picture this....on the large hillside land now occupied by the large, olde civil war era cottage buildings ....I'd like to see some big gambling corporation like Wynn Casinos construct a civil war theme park, casino destination go-to resort mega multi-million dollar resort gambling park with a North vs South Civil War theme to it.....u-get-the picture! .... the casino employees including the dealers....could be wearing real replica Confederate or Union soldier uniforms as a way to connect with this site's historic past....and it would be a local business booster and state & local tax revenue money-maker ......comprenez vous monsieur! .... what's not to like?


....Jefferson Davis could be in charge of a roulette table ..... Abraham Lincoln could be over-seeing the slot machines .... General Sherman could be covering a blackjack table....and so on and so on and so on.....such an historical casino extravaganza .....


....if you was to take a ride past this location today.....what you would see is a lot of old snow-covered buildings with nobody there....all closed up for the winter doing absolutely nothing for nobody....in need of major snow removal.....plus they are not heated...and this location just seems like a natural for an all-year around gambling destination......'come to Lake Winnipesaukee and win big!'

[tis]

Rusty you should know by now that fll is just stirring the pot as he usually does. MG, you might be too new on here to know that this is just what fll does and he is not singling out veterans. Take it with a grain of salt and don't let it bother you. Not sure if he just wants to be funny or if he wants to irritate but he is often able to do both. I don't think he means any harm. We all need to lighten up in life.

[Tired of Waiting]

Originally Posted by MGWillia

My apologies for the rant. Things like this do get me riled. But after reading along for several days, my button was pushed. Again, though I don't retract a word of it, many of you did not deserve to hear me go off...

Thanks.

MGW,

No need to apologize for the rant. It was like a breath of fresh air.

FLL likes to pull chains and try to rile the folks up. You'll learn over time that some time it's best just to ignore him. He's the lakes region cheapster that is always interested in more for less and this thread is an example. He is what we call a "TROLL" on other forums.

Go to Walmart, FLL's favorite place, and pick up a salt shaker and some salt. Put next to the keyboard. When reading FLL just shake a bit over your shoulder.

Glade to know you are a Vet and care about the rest of the Vets around here.

Oh and thanks for your service.

ToW

[Steveo]

I am just curious and don't know how to set up a poll but how many of you out there are vets. Seems like a lot.

...Oh, yes I am

[JTA]

Every lake place doesn't have to be highly developed just because it is prime real estate. I am retired military but not eligible to be part of the NH Veterans cottages at the Weirs. I do, however, get to visit friends there whose veterans status has come down to them through their New Hampshire family's military service.
The places are old, but what's wrong with old? Folks work to maintain and improve them within reason. And most important, NH families have fun there!
Let it be.

[dave603]

Not sure I get that? Retired you must have put in the time?
When did you retire?
Over the last 20 years there's been some wars that allow vet status.

One friend of our didn't even realize he qualified for tax benefits until I told him to check again!

This IS actually one place the local VET clubs can help.
And all they really ask for is the DD-214 apparently.

[Kamper]

It's private property, they can do what they want with it. If you dislike how they keep it up, reach out and offer to help with the maintenance. You don't have to be a member of a civic organization to volunteer your time.

Trolling another rant is not really the right way to improve things.

[Major]

Originally Posted by dave603

Not sure I get that? Retired you must have put in the time?
When did you retire?
Over the last 20 years there's been some wars that allow vet status.

One friend of our didn't even realize he qualified for tax benefits until I told him to check again!

This IS actually one place the local VET clubs can help.
And all they really ask for is the DD-214 apparently.

In order to be considered a veteran, you must have been on active duty during a time period in which we were at war. Reserves and National Guard do not count. I spent 24 years in the USAR and USANG and am not considered a veteran.

[Tired of Waiting]

Originally Posted by Major

In order to be considered a veteran, you must have been on active duty during a time period in which we were at war. Reserves and National Guard do not count. I spent 24 years in the USAR and USANG and am not considered a veteran.

What you say may be true. I spent 4 active years during a period of war and am considered a Vet.

"I" consider you a Vet simply because you chose to serve the country in a military capacity. I know this doesn't help with benefits but know that you still hold my respect for serving. And I thank you for your service.

ToW

[Major]

Unfortunately, my only active duty time was in 1987, after Grenada and before the Gulf War. My next 24 years were spent entirely in the Reserves and Guard, with no active duty service. So although I am retired from the Army and will get a pension when I'm 60, I am not considered a veteran. I've seen some legislation to change this, but honestly, I'm not too concerned about it. I would have gone if asked.

[MGWillia]

Originally Posted by Major

Unfortunately, my only active duty time was in 1987, after Grenada and before the Gulf War. My next 24 years were spent entirely in the Reserves and Guard, with no active duty service. So although I am retired from the Army and will get a pension when I'm 60, I am not considered a veteran. I've seen some legislation to change this, but honestly, I'm not too concerned about it. I would have gone if asked.

You signed the blank check my friend. You had no way of knowing how they might cash it. Most of the heavy lifting since 91 has been a huge NG involvement. You could have been taken at any time. Thank You for your service!!!!! You're a VET.

[BroadHopper]

If you served in the active military and are separated under any condition other than dishonorable, you may qualify for VA benefits.

Current and former members of the Reserves or National Guard who were called to Active Duty (other than for training only) by Executive Order and completed the full period for which called to Active Duty may be eligible for VA benefits.

[dave603]

Thanks for clarifying. I agree with TOW on it.
The way they ship Guard and Reserves around now isn't what it used to be.

( what happened to the Thanks key?)

[Steveo]

I do not believe calling oneself a veteran is dependent on whether there was a war at the time of your service. Calling yourself a "war" veteran ( ie: Vietnam veteran) requires the war requirement.

Veteran defined in United States Code 38:

(2) The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

(12) The term “veteran of any war” means any veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service during a period of war.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Steveo

I do not believe calling oneself a veteran is dependent on whether there was a war at the time of your service. Calling yourself a "war" veteran ( ie: Vietnam veteran) requires the war requirement.

Veteran defined in United States Code 38:

(2) The term “veteran” means a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.

(12) The term “veteran of any war” means any veteran who served in the active military, naval, or air service during a period of war.

I agree Steveo. However, certain benefits are mostly derived from being a "veteran of any war" as you provided above. One interesting note is that I cannot join the American Legion or the VFW since they follow the "veteran of any war" definition of veteran, with the VFW requiring boots on ground. I would have liked to join the AL, cheap drinks and all!

[Sunbeam lodge]

Originally Posted by Steveo

I am just curious and don't know how to set up a poll but how many of you out there are vets. Seems like a lot.

...Oh, yes I am

Drafted

50th Regimental Combat Team Korea 1951-52
Punchbowl

[Jersey Ed]

For what is worth here I served in the Army Medical Corp from 1960-1963 and have been asked often to join the AL but never have.

Without rereading this thread, wasn't it stated that to use this facility you had to BE A VETERAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY. Those of us who were not from NH could not avail ourselves of this site.

Please correct me if I am wrong on this..

[Steveo]

Another interesting question - are you a veteran of a war if you did not fight in the war but only served during it.

For example: I was in the Army during the Vietnam War. I did go to Vietnam but only for a few hours sitting on the tarmac on my way in and out of Thailand. Never got off the plane because they claimed they would have had to pay us combat pay for that month if I did. Either way am I a Vietnam Vet because I served during the Vietnam war or did I need to be in country

[MGWillia]

Originally Posted by Jersey Ed

For what is worth here I served in the Army Medical Corp from 1960-1963 and have been asked often to join the AL but never have.

Without rereading this thread, wasn't it stated that to use this facility you had to BE A VETERAN FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE ONLY. Those of us who were not from NH could not avail ourselves of this site.

Please correct me if I am wrong on this..

You do need to be a Veteran and you do need to be a resident of NH. You do not have had to have been a NH resident while you were serving. Just currently.

[dave603]

I believe Thailand was considered in the war zone as a direct support function.
I may be wrong, but check and see.
And yes, because you served during the war up until 1975, your considered a veteran, although some places also differentiate it as during the "served during the Vietnam conflict" as opposed to serving there directly.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Not sure if this helps. This is Massachusett's definition of "veteran" when seeking civil service "veteran preferance".


In Massachusetts veterans receive preference for open competitive civil service exams, receive extra points for promotional exams, and go to the top of the registry for labor service.
State veteran status eligibility

To be eligible for veterans' benefits, one must be a "veteran" or a dependent of a "veteran" under M.G.L. c. 4, sec. 7, cl. 43rd as amended by the Acts of 2005, ch. 130. See below for service requirements and exceptions.

Era of Service Dates Requirement for Veteran Status:

WWI
6-Apr-1917
11-Nov-1918

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
PEACETIME
12-Nov-1918
15-Sep-1940

180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
WWII
(Merchant Marine:
7-Dec-1941 through 31-Dec-1946)
16-Sep-1940
25-Jul-1947

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
PEACETIME
26-Jul-1947
24-Jun-1950

180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
KOREA
25-Jun-1950
31-Jan-1955

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
Korean Defense Service Medal
28-Jul-1954
(to be determined later)

90 days of active duty service, last discharge under honorable conditions and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
VIETNAM I
1-Feb-1955
4-Aug-1964

180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
VIETNAM II
5-Aug-1964
7-May-1975

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
PEACETIME
8-May-1975
1-Aug-1990

180 days of regular active duty service and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
Lebanon Campaign*
25-Aug-1982
(to be determined later)

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
Grenada Campaign*
25-Oct-1983
15-Dec-1983

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
Panama Campaign*
20-Dec-1989
31-Jan-1990

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
PERSIAN GULF
2-Aug-1990
(to be determined later)

90 days of active duty service, one (1) day during "wartime" and a last discharge or release under honorable conditions.
*Naval and Marine DD214 must indicate Expeditionary Medal. All DD214's must specify campaign: Lebanon, Granada, or Panama.

For GUARD MEMBERS to qualify they must have 180 days and have been activated under Title 10 of the U.S. Code -OR- Members who were activated under Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code or Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 33, sections 38, 40, and 41 must have 90 days, at least one of which was during wartime, per the above chart.
For RESERVISTS to qualify, they must have been called to regular active duty, at which point their eligibility can be determined by the above chart.
Training Duty Exception

Active duty service in the armed forces shall not include active duty for training in the Army or Air National Guard or active duty for training as a Reservist in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Minimum Service Exception (for Death or Disability)

It is not necessary that an applicant have completed the minimum service for wartime or peacetime campaign if he/she served some time in the campaign and was awarded the Purple Heart, or suffered a service-connected disability per the Discharge Certificate, or died in the service under honorable conditions.