Veterans reminded to locate military discharge papers
As we honor those who have served in our nation’s military, now is a good time to remind veterans of the importance of locating military paperwork.
Veterans are urged to located their DD214 – the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty – issued by the U.S. Department of Defense when a service member retires, separates, or is discharged.
The important document contains details about your military service, and is needed when funeral arrangements are made; when applying for veterans’ medical benefits; when applying for assistance if the veteran or surviving spouse is admitted to a long-term care facility; or to obtain discounts at stores and restaurants.
For those who plan to have a military funeral, a copy of the DD214 will be required to prove service in the military: medals, pictures, and old uniforms don’t count.
I can personally attest to this because when my father, Carl Maggi, passed away in 2014, we couldn’t find his DD214. Instead of being able to focus on my family and my grief, I spent countless hours rummaging through papers and making phone calls to track it down. Finally, with the help of the Washington County Veterans Office, we were able to locate the document and give my father the proper military funeral he deserved.
I’m sure there are many people who aren’t aware that when a veteran passes away, this document is needed to determine eligibility:
– To obtain a burial flag.
– To request the respective branch of service for military funeral honors.
– For burial in a federal veterans’ cemetery, if desired.
– To obtain, at no charge, certified copies of a death certificate.
– To apply for any county or federal burial benefits.
– To apply for survivors’ benefits.
If the DD214 cannot be located, these options are available to obtain or apply for a copy:
County Recorder of Deeds
When the veteran was released from service, he or she was advised to record a copy of their DD214 with the Recorder of Deeds office in the county in which they were returning.
To reach a recorder’s offices in your area, call:
Washington County, 724-228-6806
Allegheny County, 412-350-4299
Greene County, 724-852-5369
Fayette County, 724-430-1238
Veterans service organizations (VFW, Legion)
To apply for membership, the veteran may have had to provide proof of military service. The organization may have a copy on file.
National Archives
This federal department records and files DD214s. A request for a copy can be submitted by mail, fax, or online. For more information and directions to request a copy, visit their website: www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. Keep in mind that a catastrophic fire at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) destroyed approximately 16 million to 18 million Official Military Personnel Filed (OMPFS) on July 12, 1973. Most of the documents destroyed were Army (80% of the records from Nov. 1, 1912, to Jan. 1, 1960) and Air Force (75% of the records from Sept. 25, 1947, to Jan. 1, 1964). Visit this website for information about having a record reconstructed: https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/reconstruct-records/.
While these options are available, it’s best to have the document in hand before the need arises. Locate the form now. If you do, be sure to give a copy to your funeral director and file a copy with the Recorder of Deeds in your county.
If not, start contacting these other agencies and remember that the other options take time.
For more information, visit this link provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/.
Larry Maggi is a retired Pennsylvania State Police trooper, former Washington County sheriff, and a member of the Washington County Board of Commissioners. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is active in veterans’ causes.