New VHIC for eligible veterans

Stanley T. Iakopo

The CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs announced that the U.S. Department of Defense will be now offering a new Veterans Health Identification Card for eligible veterans that will allow access to the Military Commissary, Exchange, and Recreation facilities starting last Jan. 1.

According to CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs executive officer Stanley T. Iakopo, both he and the CNMI’s Veteran’s Health representative Ruth Coleman met with the Hawaii officials in early December 2019 regarding the new Veterans Health Identification Card for eligible veterans.

“Veterans who have the old VHIC must renew their card because there are new credentials that will allow employees who work in the Military Commissary, Exchange, and Recreation facilities identify if a veteran has access,” said Iakopo.

The VHIC must display the veteran’s eligibility status which is Purple Heart, Former Prisoner of War, and/or Service Connected.

Veterans who have been honorably discharged but were not able to have a 100% health rating and does not have a military ID can now avail to apply with Iakopo at the Office of Veterans Affairs or Coleman at the Marianas Heights II, second floor to see if they are eligible for the new Veterans Health Identification Card and/or Military ID.

If you are a veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart, a veteran who was a former prisoner of war, or an individual approved and designated as the primary family caregiver of an eligible veteran under the Department of Veterans Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, you will be eligible for privileges provided under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Act of 2018.

If you are a reserve member who was awarded the Purple Heart, a veteran who was a former prisoner of war, or veteran with a Department of Veterans Affairs-documented service-connected disability will be eligible for privileges provided under the Department of Veterans Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, you will be eligible for privileges provided under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Act of 2018.

A service connected-disability is an injury or illness that was incurred during active military service, as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Guam’s Veterans Affairs representative, Kalani Echang, will now be coming every month instead of every 3-4 months to help with eligible veterans compensations and benefits.

Scheduling appointments with Iakopo and/or Coleman to see Echang is a must since Echang will only be available once a month from 9am to 4:30pm.

For more information to see if you are an eligible veteran contact (670) 664-2650/51 (Office of Veterans Affairs) or (670)322-0035 (Veterans Health Rep).