Everything You Need to Know About Your DD214

If you are a veteran, where is your DD214?

What’s a DD214? It’s a very important document you received when you were released from military service. This document contains very important details about your military service, and it is needed when funeral arrangements are made.

When I meet with a veteran to preplan their funeral, occasionally it is the one document they don’t have and can’t find. And sometimes, when planning a funeral service for a deceased veteran, the family does not have a copy and cannot locate the DD214. I often hear, “It may be in the box of papers someplace and we have no idea what it looks like.” Unfortunately, military services can’t be planned without this paper.

This document is needed to prove that you served in the military: medals, pictures, and old uniforms don’t count. You need the DD214.

For a surviving veteran, proof of service is needed to apply for veterans medical benefits, assistance if the veteran or surviving spouse are admitted to a long-term care facility, or to obtain discounts at stores and restaurants.

When the 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 veteran’s cemetery, if desired;
•          to obtain, at no charge, certified copies of the death certificate;
•          to apply for any county or federal burial benefits;
•          to apply for survivor’s benefits.

 If the DD214 cannot be located, you can use these options to obtain or apply for a copy:

• The County Recorder of Deeds office: when the veteran was released from service, it was suggested they record a copy of the DD214 with the Recorder of Deeds office in the county they were returning to. Below is the contact information for a few Recorder’s offices in our area.
• Washington: 724-228-6806
• Allegheny County: 412-350-4299
• Greene County: 724-852-5369
• Fayette County: 724-430-1238

• Veterans service organizations in your area (i.e., American Legion, VFW): to apply for membership, the veteran may have had to provide proof of military service. The organization may have a copy on file;
•  The National Archives: This department records the DD214 and 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

Of course, having these other options is great, but it would be better to have the document in hand before these important times of need. So, as soon as you have time, go look in that box of papers to see if you can find your DD214. If not, start contacting these other agencies, but remember, these other options take time.  

by Timothy Marodi, owner of the Thompson-Marodi Funeral Home - tmarodi@gmail.com