Question regarding military personnel paperwork

[Hoss]

Ok, this may sound like a strange question.

My father has been placed in a independent care facility.  We have been told that he can qualify for VA benefits.

The problem I'm having is getting a copy of his DD-214 (his release papers; he was a Spec 5 in the Army from 63-65).  I no longer have his service ID and I'm not sure where else to go at this point.  The website where these documents can be requested say the service ID is required.

I know we have some pretty brainy people in here.  I'm obviously not one when it comes to this, as I am stumped and the usualy gubmint bureaucratic runaround is giving me a headache.

Help?

Thanks in advance.

[Conan71]

Ok, this may sound like a strange question.

My father has been placed in a independent care facility.  We have been told that he can qualify for VA benefits.

The problem I'm having is getting a copy of his DD-214 (his release papers; he was a Spec 5 in the Army from 63-65).  I no longer have his service ID and I'm not sure where else to go at this point.  The website where these documents can be requested say the service ID is required.

I know we have some pretty brainy people in here.  I'm obviously not one when it comes to this, as I am stumped and the usualy gubmint bureaucratic runaround is giving me a headache.

Help?

Thanks in advance.

Have you tried the local VA yet?  I'd think there must be representatives to help people find exactly what you are looking for as I'm sure plenty of other people have trouble finding these docs as well.

You also might try here:

http://www.archives.gov/

Best of luck my friend!

[Red Arrow]

My service number was the same as my Social Security.  I was in from 72 to 76.  I don't know when they started using SSN instead of a separate number.  Can we assume your father is incapable of giving you his number?

[Hoss]

My service number was the same as my Social Security.  I was in from 72 to 76.  I don't know when they started using SSN instead of a separate number.  Can we assume your father is incapable of giving you his number?

I know his SSN..I got online and applied for it (as him, since he's not deceased) and left the Service ID blank.  They processed me a barcoded form I have to fill out and have him sign, which I'm not sure he's gonna.  He's been battling major depression for years and he's very much against putting us somewhere where he knows noone.  He's been living with his sister on and off for the better part of 7 years now, but her husband died and she can no longer care for him.  Especially now that he's just three weeks removed from a stroke.

He has no idea what his service number is.  I've torn the house apart looking for any signs of it.  Hopefully the SSN and Service number are the same.  Thanks all for your input.

[Red Arrow]

If he has any left over uniforms stashed away, his number may be stenciled on them.

[Hoss]

If he has any left over uniforms stashed away, his number may be stenciled on them.

He didn't do that.  I remember seeing some of his old sharpshooter certifications but that was it.  He never had an old uniform in the time since I was born (he was discharged about 18 months before I was born).  Gets stranger by the minute with this.  Thanks again.

[heironymouspasparagus]

This won't help with the ID thing, but for long term care, the VA facility in Claremore is pretty decent.  And he would be surrounded by ex-military (which he may or may not like...)  They seem to treat vets better than any of the nursing homes I have seen - and I have seen quite a few.

Can he talk to you about his mil history?  Might be able to coax a memory by getting him to reminisce about that time.  Worked with my Dad after several strokes.  We kind of "sneaked up" on the old memories.

This site allows requests online and only asked me for SS number.
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

[Hoss]

This won't help with the ID thing, but for long term care, the VA facility in Claremore is pretty decent.  And he would be surrounded by ex-military (which he may or may not like...)  They seem to treat vets better than any of the nursing homes I have seen - and I have seen quite a few.

Can he talk to you about his mil history?  Might be able to coax a memory by getting him to reminisce about that time.  Worked with my Dad after several strokes.  We kind of "sneaked up" on the old memories.

This site allows requests online and only asked me for SS number.
http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/

When he was healthy he didn't like talking to me much about that time, so I doubt he will now.  I learned some German from him because he was stationed in Stuttgart, but he didn't tell me much past that.

And the website you linked to was where I started the request I indicated.  Thanks for everyone's input.

[Ed W]

You might try your congressman's office.  It's likely his staffers have had to deal with similar questions and they may be able to point you in the right direction.

There's also a serviceman's assistance office at the airport, as well as the Coffee Bunker for more informal help.

http://ourforgottenwarriors.org/tulsas-coffee-bunker-opens-for-veteran-and-active-military/

[GG]

How ironic we just found out today my mother in law should qualify for benefits from her husband since he served during a time of war.  We will be going through a similar exercise.  

We got a brochure from Sterling House, here is a web site and phone numbers on the brochure.

www.projectveteranassistance.org

Steven M. Juett
Founder/Veteran Advocate  
5230 E. 69th Pl.
Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: 918-523-9933  Fax: 918-523-9944
Email: sjuett@swbell.net

We found out my mother in law is eligible to get $1056/month.  

His services are free.  

[Hoss]

How ironic we just found out today my mother in law should qualify for benefits from her husband since he served during a time of war.  We will be going through a similar exercise.  

We got a brochure from Sterling House, here is a web site and phone numbers on the brochure.

www.projectveteranassistance.org

Steven M. Juett
Founder/Veteran Advocate  
5230 E. 69th Pl.
Tulsa, OK 74136
Phone: 918-523-9933  Fax: 918-523-9944
Email: sjuett@swbell.net

We found out my mother in law is eligible to get $1056/month.  

His services are free.  

Same..he served during a time of war (Vietnam) but was not deployed to SE Asia during that time.  BUT, you didn't have to be during a certain timeframe within the original.  He served from 63-65...the 'time of war' designate for those not deployed to SE Asia was 64-67 I think.  I was told he qualifies for about $1700 a month.

But I may still contact this person.  Thanks for providing the information.

Once again, all you guys are a great resource of information.  I'm always humbled at how you guys give without thinking.

[Conan71]

Hoss, wishing you all the best and sorry to hear about his stroke.

[godboko71]

Hoss,

While he may not have been disabled during his service I am sure the DAV would be able to help you find information you may need.

3131 East Pine Street
Tulsa, OK 74110-4826
(918) 834-4643
http://www.dav.org/