New ID program for veterans announced

VW independent/submitted information

Van Wert County Veterans Service Officer Barry Johns and County Recorder Kim Hughes announced a new initiative benefiting the county’s military veterans. Honorably discharged veterans will soon be able to obtain an identification card through these offices that will display a photo of veterans, as well as various information regarding their service to the nation.

In Ohio, the office of the county recorder is responsible for maintaining veterans’ military service discharge records, known as Form DD214.  In order to receive an ID card, a veteran must first record this form in the Recorder’s Office. There is no fee to record a DD214.

Once a veteran’s ID card is issued, it can be used as proof of military service, and to obtain discounts at participating retail and commercial businesses.  In some cases, it may be used as a form of identification for other purposes.

No date has been set for the implementation of the program, but there will be more information made available at a later date.