I served from 79-84, one year in Korea (KDSM) retired now from law enforcement, VFW and Legion member however NJ. denied me civil service preference due to time periods and locations of service, politicians most of whom never served are clueless, all they know about militarty service is what yhey see on TV.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

a.  Applicants in any of the following categories are entitled to veterans’ preference if they have completed their military service commitment and have received an honorable discharge from such service prior to taking a civil service examination.

(1)  Certain military commitments completed prior to July 27, 1953.

(2)  Applicants who have served in an active duty capacity in the armed forces of the United States since July 27, 1953.  Such service must include completion of basic training.

(3)  Applicants who served in the National Guard or Reserves.  Such service must include completion of basic training and completion of either the entire first term of service or at least one period of active duty for a purpose other than training since August 2, 1990.

b.  Also eligible are:

(1)  Widows or widowers of veterans.

(2)  Spouses of disabled veterans.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE?

a.  Applicants who have not completed their initial military service commitment including National Guard and Reserve members currently in their first term of service, who have not been called to active duty for any purpose other than training.

b.  Widows or widowers of veterans who remarry.

c.  Divorced spouses of disabled veterans.

Regarding NJ. veterans preference rules it wasn't the denial of getting preference but that if you didn't have veterans preference you were listed NV for Non-Veteran, that was the issue. ommitting your military service is an insult to any veteran, I can relate to how some cold war veterans feel being denied even the inclusion in veterans organizations.

I probably entered the service when it was the worse possible time to join if you talk benefits.  The VEAP program has gone down as the worse program ever for military.  They threw that carrot on me before getting out of the active reserve component with trying to convince me to join ANOTHER SIX YEARS.  Never mind I had served three all ready and only needed three more years, but rather, SIX MORE YEARS on top of what I had all ready served to qualify for a new GI bill that would probably cover two years of college.  
Pack sand.  No benefits whatsoever  Sometimes TIMING is everything too.   Then you get out and find out things like you joined up in the wrong state for benefits, and find out that some states offer things like Veterans Preferance, but other states don't consider you a veteran.  Sux!  

Thanks to all who served on active duty HONORABLY past and present you are and earned the title VETERAN, you went where you were ordered , did your duty and stood guard, it's that simple.

Texas Disabled Veteran License Plates

You may apply for Disabled Veteran license plates for your car, light truck or motorcycle if you are certified by the Veteran Administration to have a 50 percent service-related disability, or 40 percent due to amputation of a lower extremity. An annual $3 fee is collected for the first set of plates. There is no fee to apply for the additional sets of plates, but you are required to pay the regular registration fee and other applicable fees.

I am of the opinion that veteran's preference is important since I feel that there is a Social Contract in taking care of veterans. This means that you and I as veterans at the minimum gave up freedoms that non-veterans didn't have to give up. Therefore, we as veterans should get a preference and GI BILL benefits. This is how I feel. I think there may be some philosophical justiciation for this.

FRANK D [formerly of the Cold War Veterans Association]