DISCHARGE : A Veterans most important piece of paper

     The most important piece of paper that a veteran should have is his or her discharge. You can't file a claim, get health care, discounts at retailers and restaurants on Veterans and Memorial Day, apply for a VA mortgage or sign up for the GI Bill without it. That DD-214 is the key that will unlock the door to many benefits. If you already have yours, have certified copies made and store them away safely. You can go to you county recorders office and have them copy. If you need more copies, go back and they can issue certified copies.
     Now is you misplaced or had your discharge destroyed, have no fear. You can go online at www.archives.gov and apply for one. This is the National Archives in St. Louis. When you fill out the request, you will end up printing out a form that you have to sign and send to St. Louis. All fax and mailing information is on the form.
     You can also have a Veteran Service Officer help you fill out and send the request. Every county in the country has such an office. Check the courthouse in the county you live in. Our offices work with regional VA offices to help veterans file claims of all types. We also help vets sign up for the VA Healthcare System.
     But that discharge is the key you need to get started. Email me at jguglielmi@henryco.net to start you in the right direction if you can't find your local Veteran Service Office.