Heard it on the news. No charge for any Al State park entrance fees or GS pier ever again, for Vets from Al, not just on Veterans day as before, but from now on, starts Sat. I think
Heard it on the news. No charge for any Al State park entrance fees or GS pier ever again, for Vets from Al, not just on Veterans day as before, but from now on, starts Sat. I think
Only vets from Alabama. ....no where else??.....I do enjoy the reduced daily rate when there,being a veteran
It maybe for all on Veterans Day, but not sure it will be for all the rest of the time, it may, but I didn't want to say that and be wrong. Pier house should announce it soon .... I guess
Does that mean that the daily fishing fee is eliminated for veterans or just entrance to walk the pier?
Because of the wording, it seems to indicate that the usage fee is waived for veterans. ["To show appreciation for their service, Alabama State Parks would like to provide Veterans with free admission to the parks that charge an entrance fee or day-use area fees."]Quote:
Originally Posted by craigt
Has anyone asked Pier/Park Management? It would certainly be a nice perk if all is waived.
Just shot an email off to them and will copy/paste their reply when I get itQuote:
Originally Posted by craigt
Here's the reply from Rebekah Holt at the Gulf State Park
"Thank you for your interest in Gulf State Park.
The free entry is for sightseeing on the pier, parking at the beach pavilion, parking at the picnic pavilion, and entry to the campground. Veterans will get a discounted rate of $6.00 for fishing on the pier and the free entry is applicable for any veteran. It is not limited to the state of Alabama."
There has always been free entrance to the pier for sightseeing for veterans and a reduced rate for fishing, so nothing has changed for the pier.
Yeah -- that's why I thought it must've been upgraded. It's still a good deal for vets. The title of the article is misleading, though.Quote:
Originally Posted by fshntime
I appreciate the gesture of the reduced daily rate to fish being a veteran
wonder if a copy of a DD214 is all that's required,asked at camp ground last summer and was told no discounts
They always just ask me and I reply yes. Also, Fort Morgan entrance, free as well.
Thank you Alabama, much appreciated.
That is very much appreciated.
https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...on-to-veteransQuote:
Originally Posted by mike243
Quote:
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama is now offering veterans free admission to any of its state parks.
A news release says the Parks for Patriots program began Nov. 1. It provides veterans with free admission to any state park facility that charges, including the Gulf State Park fishing pier and boat ramps.
State Parks Director Greg Lein says the system has provided free admission to veterans on Veterans Day for years. He says expanding that access year-round is a way to say thanks to people who have made freedom possible.
Veterans can ask about Parks for Patriots at any park. Veterans have to show valid identification or a retired military I.D. card to use the offer.
Park visitors can provide free admission to veterans through donations, and parks also are accepting donations online.
People have said in past posts that showing your VA Medical Card works also.
Thee press release appeared in outdooralabama.com friday oct 27 th 2:30 pm
I've never been asked to show an ID at the pier, just tell them I'm prior service.
ID or not the the 1 mo. or 6 mo. etc. fishing pass/permit for vets is not reduced like it was in previous years. I guess Alabama's hierarchy is more concerned with the convention center and illegal aliens getting work permits and drivers licenses. BUMMER!!!
I think it will all change....
This is nothing new. There was always a discount fishing fee for Vets, except now they took it away except the discount rate for daily fishing pass. That's $6 for vets and $9 for everyone else.
Also, don't thank Alabama for free entrance to Ft. Morgan. Thant is a Federal park, not Alabama.
So in essence what Alabama has done is take away the reduced rate for Vets. Makes them look good but a slap in the face for Vets!
Umm, Fort Morgan is owned & run by the Alabama Historical Commission...
http://ahc.alabama.gov/map.aspx
But yeah. If it were up to me vets would fish free!
I still contend that if they were smart, they'd offer a reduced-rate LIFETIME pass for vets and Seniors. It would give them funds to complete some much needed projects NOW and it would both honor vets and provide assistance to the elderly. I see it as a Win-Win-Win! Also, of course, they should offer $6 per day rate, again, for vets and seniors (for the previously described reasons) if that is what they'd rather do.
As a veteran of the 60's and early 70's myself, I heartily agree with you. I would be more than happy to buy a lifetime pass at a reduced rate. I want to financially support the pier and parks any way I can. Thanks for putting the idea out there.
Tight lines everyone.
Folks, one last thought to pass on. As some of you may know, the Veterans Administration is working to provide veterans ID cards for all of us. They ask that you go to www.vets.gov and register then apply for a card. I've done that as apparently thousands of others have done. When I finally got a live person on the phone early last month when the web site kept crashing, I was told it may be April before my card would be issued. Until then, I will continue to request veteran's status when I get to the pier. Lack of proof as to my status has so far not been an issue. My honorable discharge papers are long since lost. If needed to though, I can always show a picture of me in uniform. But only if those viewing promises not to laugh. Fshntime & Haywire, this means you two especially. 😁Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarheel
You can have veteran put on your drivers license, just take your dd-214 next time you renew. I have it on mine and it is always accepted.
Your absolutely correct #'r. National Park Servive turned it over to Alabama Historical Society.
Good to know. Thanks BobH. However, as I said in an earlier message, my dd-214 has long since been lost. But, I will alert some of my fellow VFW guys about this if they don't already know.