Veterans with Disabilities & Active Military On Le

1bigfish · 08-10-2006, 06:59 AM

Free camping and day use of Oregon State Pars for Veterans with Disabilities & Active Military On Leave.

I got my card already but thought that there may be others out there that didn�t know about this program.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/fee_waivers.shtml

Oregon State Parks Identification Cards

OPRD issues park access identification cards to every qualifying veteran who submits a completed application for the fee waiver, which applies to the use of RV and tent campsites and visits to all 26 of OPRD�s day-use-fee parks.

To apply for the identification card, veterans with a service-connected disability must:
1. Obtain a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (1220 SW 3rd, Portland OR 97204) stating the veteran has a service-connected disability.
2. Fill out and submit a short, one-page Oregon Parks and Recreation Department application. The application is available in three different ways: online at http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/docs/2006_vet_app.pdf, from state park offices and by calling 1-800-551-6949 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
3. Mail or bring the application and a copy of the letter from Veterans Affairs to:
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
ATTN: Veteran�s Park Pass
2501 SW 1st Ave, Suite 100
Portland OR 97201-4751
After the application is processed, OPRD sends the identification card in the mail, even to veterans who choose to drop off their completed forms. The card is valid for four years.

reeldick · 08-10-2006, 08:11 AM

Diabled vets should have a card that gets them into most everything for free. That includes camping, snow park permits, the zoo, and anything else you can think of.
They deserve everything we can do for them.

CMallardDrake · 08-10-2006, 08:14 AM

Hey 1bigfish...

Thanks for this information. I wasn't aware of it and I will follow through in what it takes to get this waiver to allow myself "free parking" within the OR State Park system.

Here on the north coast at Fort Stevens SP, I used to enjoy driving into the area of Coffenbury Lake and park and just contemplate life and look at the water, get out and roll around a little and take in the scenery. When they started charging for a day use parking fee in that area, I seldom if ever do this anymore.

As a service connected, disabled veteran, I always appreciate these attempts by government agencies to help lighten the load in what we deal with daily. Every little bit helps and shows that big government is aware of the sacrifice that disabled vets have given and to those who are active and on guard at the present time.

Kudos to the Oregon State Parks system.

troutski · 08-10-2006, 08:36 AM

I am allways amazed at the stuff out there for Disabiled Vets. Oregon offers free fishing lic. for life, free lic. plates again for life, sometimes Big Gov. does do the right thing. There should be more for all the Veterans, no matter if they were in a conflict or not they still were willing to put there life on the line. I can't say enough about them...

www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/vehicle/platevet.shtml

Diksey · 08-10-2006, 08:43 AM

thanks for the info. I'll be sending my application off today.

PapaHog · 08-10-2006, 09:04 AM

Thanks for this information.

I notice there is a many ways to prove your service connected disabilities so that you don't have to wait for a letter to apply. ID card with the words'service connected', permanent hunting and fishing license, permanent disabled vehicle licence all are valid forms of documentation. I have all these and will make copy and mail today.

http://www.oregon.gov/OPRD/PARKS/fee...rs.shtml#proof

Thanks

Dave G · 08-10-2006, 12:46 PM

Here here!!!
52X44PS (Retired)

joemomma · 08-10-2006, 04:44 PM

Thanks you guys with all my heart for what ya did and whay ya gave!

Joe
USN 77-81

1bigfish · 08-11-2006, 12:56 PM

CMallardDrake, Diksey, and PapaHog,
Your welcome for the information. I was just glad I could help.

I would also like to say thanks to all the Veterans out there.

David
U.S. Army 91-95

1bigfish · 11-15-2006, 12:20 PM

I forgot to bump this ttt on Veterans Day.

Better late then never.

samiam · 11-15-2006, 12:35 PM

If you are an active duty Soldier in Oregon, i.e. Regular Army recruiter or Full Time National Guard/Reserves (AGR/ADSW), you don't have to be on Regular Leave, you can be on Pass, i.e. 3 or 4 day. It's still the same form (DA 31), and the intent is the same. Authorized absence from your place of duty. Just get one signed for your regular weekend off work. If you use Reservations Northwest to reserve a campsite make sure you do it over the phone to get your freebie. You can't do it online.

What a deal!

Thanks Vets!

diamondfish · 11-15-2006, 05:15 PM

Thanks for the link, I am going to go pick up my plates tomorrow or at least apply for them.

Day Late · 11-16-2006, 08:11 AM

Used my permit at several state campgrounds this summer...no problem whatsoever. Really appreciate this benefit....thank you Oregon!

Day Late

samiam · 11-16-2006, 08:41 AM

i like seeing the permits in the rv windows. it gives me a reason to stop, say hi, and strike up conversation. they don't give you any sort of public display sign if you're on active duty, so they're tougher to find. just look for the short haircuts and neatly organized campsites. haha.

1bigfish · 06-15-2007, 11:29 AM

ttt

Wanted to bring this back to the top for our returning troops.

samiam · 06-15-2007, 11:59 AM

Good idea bringing it back up! I've used this already 3 times this year!

wapiteaser · 06-15-2007, 03:47 PM

ttt

1bigfish · 06-04-2008, 08:03 AM

I lost my card and had to look up this post so I could request a repacement. I figured as long as I had to look it up it must be time for a bump.

BUMP

rimurphy · 06-04-2008, 10:19 AM

Thanks to all vets for your service to our country.

As a disabled vet living in WA there's some good benefits, but not like Oregon. Please encourage all veteran's to use these benefits so they won't be eroded.

Kevin2023 · 06-05-2008, 02:52 AM

Yes, thank you for your service vets

. I would still be on active duty if it wasn't for the cost of these conflicts and if I had a chance to get back in I would do it in a heartbeat. I hate cutbacks.

Kevin
USAF 2000-2006
2A3X3B (F-16 Crew Chief if you didn't know)

Big TULE · 06-05-2008, 05:15 AM

In WA you pay half price for fishing and hunting privledges. and you get free camping at state campgrounds.
I would give all the benefits back if they would just take the crap back that they did to me.

12244 · 06-05-2008, 05:26 AM

This also applies to Metro Parks including Oxbow, Blue Lake, Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp and Chinook Landing.

Thank You for your service, and sacrifice. I have become quite enlightened since losing my buddy in Iraq on 4-8-05 www.KevinsDriftboat.com

I take returning veterans fishing in my driftboatboat at no charge. I also give advice and gear to get heroes and their families out fishin upon their return. If this interests you, please send me a PM. If you have someone that needs to get out, or if your are interested in participating in any way, please help me keep this going.

Mitch