WASPs Are Veterans

In the Monday, June 9, edition of Highlands Today, a story was written by Gary Pinnell, giving an excellent historical account of Barry Smith, a Women Air force Service Pilot (WASP) during World War II.

On the continuation of the story on page 9, Pinnell states, "Ms. Smith is not considered a Veteran. The WASPs were civilians." This is not entirely a correct statement.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and published in the 2008 Edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents, Chapter 9, speaks to Special Groups of Veterans:

"World War Service by Particular Groups: A number of groups who provided military-related service to the United States can receive VA benefits. A discharge by the Secretary of Defense (known as a DD-Form 214) is needed to qualify. Service in the following groups has been certified as active military service for benefits purposes (page 70), and then gives a listing of eligible groups.

Of the 33 groups on the list, the first listed is the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs).

If an individual has received a discharge from the Secretary of Defense and falls under one of these qualifying groups, then that individual is a veteran, and may be entitled to veteran benefits.

For a full listing of those "other Veterans," please go to the VA Web site www1.va.gov. The 2008 Edition of the Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents is available online to order for a nominal fee or to download.

Mary Margaret Staik
Administration Assistant
Highlands County Veteran Services Office
Sebring