Jane Dyer, a candidate in the Third Congressional District race, introduced a plan Wednesday to help identify military veterans and make sure they receive benefits and support they have earned.
"As I have been traveling throughout the district, I have been listening to people's ideas and concerns," Dyer told groups of veterans and other voters in "One of the things I have heard is that there are a lot of veterans who are unidentified, so they're not getting the support they're eligible for."
Dyer proposed to allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to collect information from veterans. Driver's licenses of veterans could be marked with a "V" or some other symbol to note military service. As Dyer pointed out, some businesses give discounts to veterans -- if they can show proper identification.
Using driver's licenses "would be a simple way for veterans to have an ID," she said.
Meanwhile, the DMV could send veterans' information to the local Veterans Affairs officials so that they can help make veterans aware of benefits and other services.
Howard Metcalf, interim director of the South Carolina Office of Veterans Affairs, said it can be difficult for local VA offices to track veterans and keep them informed. He said the he and others involved in veterans affairs have discussed plans similar to the one Dyer is proposing. He's glad to have her on the VA's side.
"It's an excellent idea," Metcalf said.
Dyer, who served in the United States Air Force and is an airline captain, noted that veterans' issues are high on her list of priorities. "These people have done so much for our country, and they deserve all the support we can give them," she said.
Dyer's campaign is focused on what she calls "common-sense solutions" to help working families in the Third Congressional District. In addition to veterans issues, her campaign is emphasizing jobs and education.
Dyer has submitted a formal proposal of her veterans initiative to numerous lawmakers, including Rep. James Clyburn and Sen. Lindsey Graham.