Countywide : Few Disabled Vets Using Lifetime Park Privileges
Disabled veterans of America’s wars have, with very few exceptions, been passing up some special privileges offered by the state Department of Parks and Recreation, according to Jerry Spansail, supervising ranger at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.
“Qualified veterans can buy a lifetime pass to all the 280 state parks and beaches for only $3.50,” he said. “I recall only two of them taking advantage of this in the last five years.”
By action of the state Legislature several years ago, the veterans are entitled to use all the park system’s facilities throughout California, including boat launching at no extra fee.
“Among other things, this means they can camp at parks like ours for a week at a time, even longer if conditions permit, if they have the pass,” Spansail said.
To apply for the pass, veterans must submit a certificate from the Veterans Administration stating that the wartime disability is service-connected and 70% or more, or a service-connected disability rated at 100% for reasons of unemployability. Proof of an honorable discharge also is mandatory.
Further information and application blanks may be had at local parks, such as Doheny, San Clemente, Bolsa Chica and San Onofre.
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