Scott Stebbins/VSA
The most important document a veteran should have is their DD214.
Your military discharge papers are officially known as DD Form 214. All veterans receive this Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty once they are out of the military.
The DD214 is proof of your military service. All branches use this same form. There may be no more important document, as it serves as the key to unlocking your military benefits.
Treat your DD214 like gold, as this piece of paper is vital to many aspects of your life in the civilian world.
This document contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veteran organizations.
This form also gives civil and government agencies the information needed to apply for any federal and state benefits relevant to Veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses the form to determine eligibility for specific benefits.
The surviving spouse/executor of a military veteran also needs to know how to access the DD214 in order for the service member’s funeral service to receive patriotic honors.
You are entitled to your military records free of charge.
There are several ways to request a copy of your DD214:
Via the federal government’s eVetRecs website (www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/dd-214).
Visit the VA website for instructions on how to access your records via milConnect. (www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/)
By mail: Use Form SF 180 — the Request Pertaining to Military Records — and mail it to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at 1 Archives Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63138.
Your request may take 4-6 weeks or longer.
If you have any questions or need assistance please feel free to contact me at 903-601-2266, or drop by my office in the basement of the Courthouse. My office hours are Wednesday-Thursday 8:30-4:30.