RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - For a state that has one of the highest veteran populations in the country, houses the Pentagon, the Langley Air Force base and a treasure chest of military and naval bases, Virginia seemingly lacks one resource a military ID for vets.
On Wednesday, Governor Bob McDonnell debuted a new program that will give hundreds of thousands of veterans a uniform ID, one that will both confirm their service and provide discounts at local retail shops.
“This initiative,” said McDonnell, “is a perfect example of state agencies working together to assist those individuals who have served and sacrificed for our great nation.”
An administrative order, the program was put together in about 6 months -- an accelerated pace for any major government action.
During the program launch at the McGuire Medical Center in Richmond, the governor added, “I don’t think any state does more or cares more for its veterans.”
McDonnell received the first ID Wednesday. He expects many of Virginia’s 823,000 veterans to follow suit in the coming weeks and months.
While retired military and certain disabled veterans are issued ID cards, the vast majority of veterans in Virginia do not have one.
Now, those folks can receive a card through the DMV, or a mobile ‘DMV 2 Go’ office, by bringing an application, proof of service, a driver’s license or other DMV-issued ID, and $10.
Click here for more information on the program.
