How do you validate someone who claims to be a veteran. Have a village member running for a council seat , claims to be a veteran, but many question that.

If it's important to find out, require a DD214 from him.

Ty. yes I would say its important to validate claims of being a veteran

The DD-214 can be faked also. I have my original retirement 214 locked up in a safe locally and registered with Collin county here and in Virginia Beach VA . Access to a certified copy is important IMHO.

If he refuses to provide the DD214 remind him that it's illegal to claim military service if you didn't and it's punishable by a fine and or a year in jail. Then check him out. Called the Stolen Valor Act.

You can have VETERAN stamped officially on your Texas Drivers License and or your Texas License to Carry. To do this you have to submit copies of your DD-214 and Service dates to the Texas Dept of Public Safety. So, he may have it on his Drivers license which would be quicker to ascertain than asking for his DD-214. The Veterans Agency also should have a record of service.

Ask him what unit he served with, what years he served and what base he was attached to. Most of that is easily verified on line and if one of the 3 doesn't pan out you know he is a liar. Also if he was enlisted and didn't retire he will have an RE code on his DD214. You could ask what the code is. If he gives you a bogus claim (easily verified if it is a legit code, then he is a liar. For instance I had broken service with the USN and my first separation DD-214 showed an RE code of RE-R1.

Start here...you'll soon know. My DI is stamped with VETERAN and Air Force across the bottom

Why would somebody randomly share their DD214 it has your SS number on it, in fact redacted all but my last 4 when I had Status put on DL.

I'd simply ask them to verify their Vet status and see how they respond.

this ^ ^ ^ ^

only time my 214 comes out is if it will be in my hand and returned to my safe, too easy to copy/change one and someone else use your info.

my DL and CHL both have veteran stamped on them.

asking them to verify lets them provide what they are comfortable with id wise and if they stutter/stall etc. then they probably are lying.

being they are running for public office you may get the va to verify, call a local clinic or hospital (no idea where you are)

If he claims to be retired, all retirees carry a military ID card.

Otherwise, as others have said, his DL and/or CHL should have it on there. I don't know any veterans that do not, it's used widely for veteran's discounts.

Vet I.D.