CHANGE DEFINITION OF A VETERAN

I was in the IL National Guard from 1965 to 1971 in which our unit was activated for the Chicago riots after Martin Luther King was assassinated. Our unit also trained hard for combat situations for Viet Nam War, was not called up for this conflict. I received an Honorable Discharge. I am 72 years old, and at this time, I do not feel that I am considered a Veteran because I and others did not serve more than 90 or 180 consecutive days at one time as required. We don’t have a DD-214 form which is required for proof of service. I do not want to take away from the heroes that have given their lives and limbs for combat, etc but I served too. Please change the law to allow all who have worn our uniform, received an Honorable Discharge, to be eligible for Federal recognition as a veteran.