Reporting for Roll Call :14:45Hrs 5-9-13
Hi LT:
Re: Your comments my Post No. 3...it sounds like your own personal experience is coloring your view point on this issue. Which is understandable. But I think we need to keep in mind that not all VA facilities are uniformally either positive or negative. Some are...others are not. There just isn't a common standard of quality. It's like chickenpox.
Re: Volunteer Services. The few times I've ever interfaced with them I never encountered any disdain from them. From what you're saying, again, it's the luck of the draw. As to getting that VA Card, when I walked in and asked where to get it, that info desk directed me to something called - Member Services - and gave me clear directions on its location, and how to get to it. Arriving at that office, found myself third in line. The young woman handling the process was very competent. I was in and out of there in something less than 20 minutes. I have since gone there a couple of times to verify the status of my card. Each time, it was the same thing....basically bim bam and thank you ma'm. So, for the VA Card deal, looks like how easy the process is to get it depends a lot on the facility you go to. Some will be great...others won't. Question: What's the alternative you suggest? And what's involved with it?
Re: DD214....Not assuming. Where do you get it? Perhaps a better question might be: Who issues it, and when do you get it?
Re:Okay, after clarifying both of these issues, what's the next step in the process for a cherry/trooper?
TO SUMMARIZE:
a) You may or may not get an encouraging word from a VA info desk manned by volunteers,and, who may or may not know where to direct you to get that VA Card.
b) Don't let that be a "deal breaker"...just smile a lot, play dumb, and keep repeating your question about where to get it. Sooner or later someone who knows about it will take you by your hot little hand...and lead you to where you need to go to get that Card.
CENTURION
