Real ID will help combat terrorism

Most veterans in Nevada are aware that when they obtain a driver’s license or renew their old one, they can ask the DMV to add the word “veteran” on the license. While that won’t give them a get-out-of-jail-free card, it might evoke some sympathy from an officer if a veteran is pulled over for a minor infraction. (No guarantee, but it has happened to me.)

But now a driver’s license is also being used for a much more important reason. When the United States was attacked on 9/11, it brought many changes to the lives of our nation’s residents. Now all these years later one of those positive changes is finally coming to fruition. The information here applies to just about everyone in Nevada, but I’m reaching out to veterans especially. By May 7 this year, anyone who wants to board a commercial airplane must have a “Real ID” designation for identification. This has been talked about for several years, but the deadline has always been extended. Now, it seems that the date is solid.

There is a military connection in that the law is designed to inhibit terrorists’ ability to evade detection by using fraudulent identification. The Real ID Act is intended to combat terrorism, identity theft, and other crimes by strengthening the integrity and security of state-issued identification. Real ID implements a 9/11 Commission recommendation urging the federal government to “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” It is a coordinated effort by the states and the federal government to improve the reliability and accuracy of state-issued identification documents. The Act was part of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, that includes the Global War on Terror.

Of course there are costs involved. Check with the DMV for details.

Foreign terrorists have not, and will not, win their battle against the West, but they have managed to change some of the ways we live our lives. Real ID is one of the changes, and I believe it is for the good to help protect the nation.

Calendar update:

May 26 is Memorial Day, and the Nevada Dept. of Veterans Services is planning its annual ceremony honoring veterans at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The event is being coordinated with Chapter 711 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and I have been asked to emcee the proceedings. It begins at 1 p.m. It’s open to veterans, their families and the public. I’m inviting all of Boulder City to attend and honor Nevada’s veterans.