Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

 Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families

The National Park Service offers free annual and lifetime passes to eligible military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families. These passes provide free access to national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and other federally managed recreational lands as a way of recognizing their service and sacrifice.

Military Annual Pass

Who Qualifies?

• Current members of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Military dependents

How to Obtain It

In Person: Available free at many federal recreation sites and national parks. Eligible individuals must present a valid military ID, such as:

• Common Access Card (CAC)
• DD Form 1173
• Next Generation Dependent ID Card

Online:

• A free digital pass can be obtained through Recreation.gov.
• A physical pass may be requested for a shipping fee.
• The USGS Store also offers mailed passes for a processing fee.

Military Lifetime Pass

Who Qualifies?

• U.S. military veterans, including National Guard and Reserve members
• Gold Star Family members

Veteran Identification Requirements

Veterans may present:

• Department of Defense Identification Card
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Veteran ID Card
• A state-issued driver's license or ID showing veteran status

Gold Star Family Requirements

Gold Star Family members must present a Gold Star Voucher when obtaining the pass.

How to Obtain It

• Free in person at participating federal recreation sites.
• Available as a digital pass through Recreation.gov.
• Physical passes may be ordered through Recreation.gov or the USGS Store for applicable shipping or processing fees.

What the Pass Covers

The pass covers:

• Entrance fees
• Standard amenity (day-use) fees

These benefits apply at lands managed by agencies such as:

• National Park Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• U.S. Forest Service
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

What the Pass Does Not Cover

The pass generally does not cover:

• Camping fees
• Guided tours
• Special recreation permits
• Reservation fees
• Group-use fees
• Concession-operated activities and facilities

Family Benefits

The pass admits:

• The pass holder and all occupants of a private, non-commercial vehicle, or
• Up to two motorcycles, or
• The pass holder plus three additional adults (age 16 and older) at sites charging per-person fees.

Access Pass for Disabled Veterans and Others with Disabilities

Veterans and other U.S. citizens or residents with permanent disabilities may qualify for a free lifetime Access Pass, which may also provide discounts on certain amenities such as camping and guided tours.

Additional Note

If someone already possesses another qualifying America the Beautiful Pass, they generally do not need to obtain a separate Military Pass.

Bottom Line

Current military members and their dependents can receive a free Military Annual Pass, while veterans and Gold Star Families can receive a free Military Lifetime Pass. These passes provide free entrance and day-use access to thousands of federal recreation sites across the United States, though they do not cover camping, reservations, tours, or similar extra fees.

For more information go to: Free Entrance to National Parks for Current Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service) 

 

Military Members and Weight-Loss Medications: Benefits, Challenges, and Considerations

Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and similar drugs have become increasingly common in recent years. Originally developed to treat diabetes, many of these medications are now prescribed to help individuals manage obesity and improve overall health. As their popularity continues to grow, military members are also exploring whether these medications can help them meet fitness goals, improve readiness, and maintain long-term health.

Like many Americans, service members face challenges with weight management. Frequent moves, irregular schedules, deployments, stress, sleep disruptions, injuries, and aging can all make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. While weight-loss medications can be an effective tool, military personnel should carefully consider both the advantages and potential challenges before starting treatment.

Why Military Members Might Consider Weight-Loss Medications

Physical fitness remains a critical component of military service. Most branches have standards for body composition, physical performance, and overall readiness. For some service members, weight-loss medications may offer benefits such as:

• Improved ability to meet military weight and fitness standards.
• Reduced risk of obesity-related health conditions.
• Increased energy and mobility.
• Better management of conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Improved confidence and self-image.

Many military members who have struggled with repeated cycles of weight gain and loss may view these medications as an additional tool alongside proper nutrition and exercise.

The Unique Challenges of Military Life

Military service presents circumstances that can complicate the use of weight-loss medications.

Deployments and Remote Assignments

Many medications require refrigeration, regular injections, or consistent access to pharmacies. Service members assigned to remote locations, deployed environments, ships, or field exercises may face difficulties maintaining their treatment schedule.

Physical Demands

Weight-loss medications often reduce appetite significantly. While this can aid weight loss, military members engaged in intense physical training, field operations, or demanding missions must still consume enough calories to support performance and recovery.

Side Effects During Duty

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. While many people tolerate these medications well, symptoms can interfere with physical training, operational readiness, or mission requirements.

Medical Readiness Considerations

Military healthcare providers must consider how medications affect deployability and readiness. Depending on a service member's assignment, medical history, and treatment plan, additional evaluations may be required.

Starting During the Training or Operational Year

One issue military members should think carefully about is timing.

Many people experience the strongest side effects during the first few months of treatment or when doses are increased. Starting a medication immediately before a deployment, major training event, fitness test, or operational exercise may create unnecessary challenges.

Some service members may benefit from beginning treatment during a period with fewer training demands, allowing time to adjust to the medication and establish healthy eating habits before facing more intense military requirements.

Weight-Loss Medications Are Not a Substitute for Fitness

While these medications can be highly effective, they are not a replacement for physical training, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and healthy lifestyle habits.

One concern among healthcare professionals is that rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to loss of muscle mass if individuals are not consuming enough protein or participating in strength training. For military members whose jobs depend on strength, endurance, and physical performance, preserving muscle is especially important.

The most successful outcomes generally occur when medication is combined with:

• Regular exercise.
• Strength training.
• Adequate protein intake.
• Healthy sleep habits.
• Ongoing medical supervision.

Looking Beyond the Scale

Military culture often emphasizes weight standards and physical appearance. However, the true goal should be improved health and readiness rather than simply achieving a lower number on the scale.

Many service members who use weight-loss medications report improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar control, mobility, and overall quality of life. These benefits may be just as important as weight reduction itself.

Final Thoughts

Weight-loss medications are becoming an increasingly common part of healthcare, including within military populations. For some service members, they can be a valuable tool for improving health, meeting fitness standards, and enhancing readiness. However, military life presents unique challenges that require careful planning and medical oversight.

Anyone considering these medications should have an honest conversation with their healthcare provider about their duties, deployment status, fitness goals, and medical history. When used appropriately and combined with healthy habits, weight-loss medications may help some military members achieve lasting improvements in both health and performance.

The decision is ultimately a personal one, but it should always be made with a focus on long-term readiness, overall health, and mission success.

Latest News for Veterans and Their Families

 

Latest News for Veterans and Their Families (June 2026)

Veterans and military families have several important developments to watch right now. Here is a summary of some of the most significant recent news and updates.

1. Possible Increase in Benefits for Severely Disabled Veterans and Gold Star Families

The U.S. House recently passed legislation that would increase certain VA benefits for severely disabled veterans and Gold Star families. Supporters describe it as one of the most significant benefit improvements in decades. The measure still requires further legislative action before becoming law. (Veterans Affairs Committee)

Why It Matters

• Could provide additional financial support to families caring for veterans with severe disabilities.

• May improve long-term assistance for survivors of fallen service members.

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2. Veterans Receiving a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Increase

Veterans' disability compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and other VA benefits increased by 2.8% in 2026 to help keep pace with inflation. Eligible veterans and family members are already seeing the increase reflected in payments. (DAV)

Why It Matters

• Helps offset rising costs of housing, food, utilities, and healthcare.

• Benefits millions of veterans, dependents, and survivors.

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3. Many Veterans Are Missing Out on VA Home Loan Benefits

A recent report found that veterans may be leaving nearly $28 billion in VA home loan benefits unused because many are unaware they qualify or misunderstand the program. Thousands of eligible veterans and surviving spouses are not taking advantage of the benefit. (New York Post)

Why It Matters

• VA loans often require no down payment.

• They generally offer competitive interest rates.

• Surviving spouses may also qualify in certain situations.

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4. PACT Act Outreach Continues

The VA continues expanding efforts to connect veterans with benefits available through the PACT Act, which provides healthcare and compensation opportunities for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Events around the country are helping veterans determine eligibility and file claims. (The Journal Record)

Why It Matters

• Some veterans may qualify for benefits they have never claimed.

• Family members may benefit indirectly through increased healthcare and financial support.

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5. New Mental Health Treatment Research

The VA has launched a new clinical trial evaluating MDMA-assisted therapy for veterans with severe mental health conditions, including PTSD. Researchers hope to determine whether this emerging treatment can help veterans who have not responded to traditional therapies. (VFW)

Why It Matters

• PTSD continues to affect many veterans and their families.

• New treatment options may provide hope for those struggling with long-term symptoms.

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6. Scam Alerts for Veterans and Survivors

Officials are warning veterans, military families, and survivors about increasing fraud attempts. Scammers are impersonating the VA, targeting benefit recipients, and exploiting grieving families through fake benefit offers and urgent requests for personal information. (TheTrucker.com)

What Families Should Do

• Never provide personal information to unsolicited callers.

• Verify communications directly through the VA.

• Be especially cautious of anyone promising faster benefits for a fee.

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7. New Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs

Programs such as Warrior University are helping veteran-owned businesses compete for grants of up to $20,000. These initiatives provide training, mentorship, and funding opportunities for veterans and military spouses interested in starting or growing a business. (VA News)

Why It Matters

• Supports financial independence after military service.

• Creates opportunities for military spouses and families.

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Encouraging Trend

Trust in the Department of Veterans Affairs has reached a record high, with 82% of veterans who used VA services reporting trust in the agency's ability to fulfill its mission. The VA also reports continued investments in healthcare, infrastructure, and digital services. (VA News)

Bottom line: The biggest stories for veterans and their families right now are the proposed benefit increases, ongoing PACT Act outreach, the 2026 COLA increase, expanded mental health initiatives, protection against scams, and efforts to help veterans access housing and entrepreneurship opportunities. These developments could have a direct impact on the financial security and well-being of many veteran households. (Veterans Affairs Committee)