Knox County Veterans Service Office offers vets state-issued ID cards for discounts at stores, restaurants

Knox County veterans who want a convenient way to confirm their service at stores and restaurants that offer veterans discounts may want to obtain a free, state-issued identification card from the Knox County Veterans Service Office on Chestnut Street.

"They can come to our office and we can issue them an ID card as long as they have an honorable discharge and DD214 separation papers," office coordinator Alan Huffman told the Mount Vernon News.

Many veterans don't realize the state-issued cards are available.

"I get questions all the time from veterans about not being able to get their veteran's discounts," he said. "They tell me they don't have an ID card and I tell them let's go ahead and get that taken care of."

Another option is for veterans to get an Ohio driver's license stamped with an "Armed Forces" designation.

"Any veteran, active duty or reserve member of the United States armed forces, may have an ‘Armed Forces’ emblem added to the bottom right-hand corner of their Ohio driver license or identification card," the state said. There is no extra charges for adding the emblem, the state said.  

For some veterans, the state identification card may be a better option.

"With our identification card, you get it anytime," Huffman said. "You don't have to get a new driver's license or wait for a renewal. If you can't get a driver's license or you are getting older and may not have one anymore, we're here for you so you can some form of ID showing that you are veteran."

The Knox County Veterans Service Office also helps veterans file disability claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Our job is to make sure they get all their paperwork right to file their claims," said Huffman.

The office helps veterans with other financial issues as well.

"If they have been in the county for a year and are in a pinch, we can help them out with food cards, or if they have a utility that is going to be disconnected, we can sometimes help," he said.

Every Christmas, the office, in coordination with Smithhisler Meats, gives veterans vouchers for free hams at Smithhisler Meats.

"Last year, I think I gave away 1,500 vouchers," Huffman said.

For more information, call 740-393-6742.