ANNVILLE, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is urging veterans to reach out for assistance in locating their lost DD Form 214 (DD-214) and other crucial military documents. These records are essential for accessing the benefits that veterans have rightfully earned through their service.
Importance of the DD-214
The DD-214 document is issued by the Department of Defense upon a servicemember’s retirement, separation, or discharge from active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. It contains vital information that verifies military service, which is necessary for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this document, veterans may face significant delays when seeking these benefits.
“The DMVA makes helping veterans find their lost DD-214 and other military documents a top priority,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Having their military paperwork is an important first step in accessing the benefits veterans have earned through their service to our nation.”
Additional Documentation Assistance
The DMVA also helps locate the DD-215, a document used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, ensuring veterans have accurate discharge documentation. Over the past fiscal year, the department responded to 790 requests and nearly 1,100 phone calls for assistance with finding military records.
Safeguarding Important Documents
To avoid the stress of searching for these documents, the DMVA advises veterans to file them in a safe place immediately upon leaving the military. Brig. Gen. (PA) Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general for Veterans Affairs, emphasized the importance of this practice.
“It is vital that we educate servicemembers on the importance of safeguarding military documents as soon as they transition to civilian life,” said Weigl. “One of the best places to file military documents such as the DD-214 is at your county courthouse. This will ensure documents are kept in a safe place and available for access at the convenience of veterans and their family members, even if the paperwork is needed decades later.”
How to Get Help
Veterans needing assistance to locate their DD-214/215 or other military documentation can call the DMVA toll-free at 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. For more information about locating military documents, veterans can visit the Records Request Program.
The DMVA also encourages veterans, family members, and those who work with veterans to sign up for the DMVA’s Veterans Registry at www.register.dmva.pa.gov. This registry helps maintain communication and ensures veterans receive updates on benefits and services available to them.
Empowering Veterans
The Pennsylvania DMVA is committed to ensuring veterans have access to the benefits they deserve. By safeguarding and locating essential military documents, the department helps veterans seamlessly transition to civilian life and secure their rightful support.
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