can Vets use some of these military campgrounds?

[KC1BUD]

Originally Posted by Georgia

I'm a Vietnam Vet and just started RVing about a year ago. Are there Government / Military campgrounds that Vets have access to?

cheers
geo

As it stands for the 4 military RV parks here in Michigan someone must be Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired, 100% DisAbledVeteran or a DepartmentofDefense civilian.

Since I am not active, reserve, or DoD civilian employee and not 100% disabled, I can't camp there. Those that can deserve it.

[Wayne M]

well, I've got some news veterans. You can determine if it is bad or good.

The posts indicated that FamCamps are not open to civilians is no longer correct. The Shields NAS RV Park, Corpus Christi, TX, is open to civilians and I don't mean just as a guest. As a matter of fact, there are many of the MWR Facilities open to civilians at tha NAS Corpus Christi, like golf, bowling, etc. If a civilian wants to use these facilities he has to apply at the security office. There is a $20 charge for the application, and it takes about a week before you are issued an identification of some sort. That is so they can do a security check. A civilian needs to show is driver's license with date of birth and provide his/her social security number.

I' don't know how many more military bases are allowing this new "feature."

[markandkim]

Originally Posted by Wayne M

well, I've got some news veterans. You can determine if it is bad or good.

The posts indicated that FamCamps are not open to civilians is no longer correct. The Shields NAS RV Park, Corpus Christi, TX, is open to civilians and I don't mean just as a guest. As a matter of fact, there are many of the MWR Facilities open to civilians at tha NAS Corpus Christi, like golf, bowling, etc. If a civilian wants to use these facilities he has to apply at the security office. There is a $20 charge for the application, and it takes about a week before you are issued an identification of some sort. That is so they can do a security check. A civilian needs to show is driver's license with date of birth and provide his/her social security number.

I' don't know how many more military bases are allowing this new "feature."

Definately the exception. Most bases are much more secure than that.

BTCS

[OnJa]

Now that is a "DESERVING" feature.

[golden]

Wayne,

I didn't mention it before but this isn't new, it's just not been advertised. There are several across the country that are like this and generally the only way to find out about them is to call or visit them. By visit I don't mean show up in your RV and tell them you want a site. Personally, I rarely use FamCamps because they are generally out of my way, but I've visited friends at these places and have talked with the people who run the camps. I think it depends on the time of year, whether the camp is busy and probably the mood the manager is at the time.

I don't want to give anyone the wrong impression that vets who aren't "eligible" can get in many or all FamCamps. However, if you are interested, call them and find out. The worst they can do is say "no". I know many will tell you the eligibility rules so just thank them if they can't accomodate you and try to find another place.

Denny

[Wayne M]

Denny,
I think the Military Campgrounds web site now has info on FamCamps that are open to non-military (civilians).

[RLKBOB]

Originally Posted by Senior Chief

Sorry, being a veteran of any conflict is not enough. The FamCamps are open to active duty and retired military and DOD, and (as stated above) in some places 100% VA disabled.

If you had chosen to make a career out of your time in the military, you too would have had these fabulous benefits, right along with using the Commissary and Exchange .

What about those of us who chose to make it a career but were med discharged(13 years, multiple lumbar compression fractures)? But not 100%(only30%). Guess me and others like me just aren't as important.

[sgtjoe]

Originally Posted by RLKBOB

What about those of us who chose to make it a career but were med discharged(13 years, multiple lumbar compression fractures)? But not 100%(only30%). Guess me and others like me just aren't as important.

Bob, you need to pursue your percentage of disability with the DAV.

As far as using Fam camps we seldom use them, mainly because we find them not as friendly as a regular rv park. Could this be a rank thing or am I wrong??

[markandkim]

Originally Posted by sgtjoe

Bob, you need to pursue your percentage of disability with the DAV.

As far as using Fam camps we seldom use them, mainly because we find them not as friendly as a regular rv park. Could this be a rank thing or am I wrong??

I use them alot and I think they are great. At least the ones I use. It's awesome to be around others that share your experiences. I've stayed at maybe 20 different FamCamps and haven't found any to be un-friendly.

BTCS

[golden]

Originally Posted by RLKBOB

What about those of us who chose to make it a career but were med discharged(13 years, multiple lumbar compression fractures)? But not 100%(only30%). Guess me and others like me just aren't as important.

Bob,

I agree with Joe. You're showing your frustrations toward the wrong group of people. I doubt that there would be any of us here, retired or not, that would argue that you gave more than your share in the service to your country. But your argument is with the VA, not the folks here that share your feelings. Incidentally, I don't know for a fact, but I suspect that since you were medically discharged you should be eligible to use any of the FamCamps. There may be a percentage cutoff for eligibility that is higher than 30%, I just don't know. Perhaps someone who knows more than I can jump in here with the correct response.

Denny

[Wayne M]

Some INFORMATION

[RLKBOB]

No, my frustration was towards Senior Chief's comment about if you had chosen to make it a career you too could use this benefit.

[Finhawk]

The Senior Chief should not cause you any frustration at all! Some things are just out of your control. I suggest that you see a DAV counsoler(sp)-VFW and other Vet organizations have them also, and reopen your claim. You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain
I too am a Nam Vet and the way we were treated when we got home will be on my mind for a long time. No bitterness but still a nagging ache

[Tyler6357]

There are some public campgrounds that give a discount to Vets with a military ID