Posts tagged dd form 214

Cash Money Life Goes Mainstream

I have recently had the honor of being featured in some traditional media outlets, including a new writing gig for US News and World Report (also syndicated on Yahoo news) and a radio interview that was broadcast nationwide on K-Love.

New articles featured on US News and World Report

I was recently contacted by U.S. News and Worlds Report about writing a weekly article on the new financial segment of their site, On Retirement. The articles are also syndicated on Yahoo News from time to time. Here are the articles I have recently written for them:

I have enjoyed the process so far, and it’s fun to share some articles with a wider audience. I hope you will drop by and read the articles over there.

Radio interview on K-Love

I had the pleasure of doing my first radio interview with Laura Daniels; the topic was FreeCreditReport.com vs. AnnualCreditReport.com, and we also discussed related topics such as the difference between credit reports and credit scores, why your credit score is important, and what to look out for when you get your “free” credit report or “free credit score.”

You can find the radio interview here. My segment starts at 5:45 and ends at 11:45.

Recommended articles from around the web:

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This article written by Ryan Guina. Ryan is the founder and editor of Cash Money Life. He is a writer, small business owner, entrepreneur, and professional in the corporate world. He served over 6 years in the USAF and also writes about military money topics at Military Finance Network.

All content copyright Cash Money Life; if you are reading this on another website it has been illegally reproduced in violation of copyright laws.

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How to Get a Copy of Your DD Form 214

Perhaps the most important military document you will ever receive is the DD Form 214, Discharge Papers and Separation Documents. This form serves as your proof of military service and is often used to verify military service for benefits such as the GI Bill, VA Loan, VA medical benefits, retirement benefits, employment, and membership in veteran’s organizations.

Because your DD Form 214 is so important, it is imperative you keep a copy of it for proof of service or eligibility for benefits, organization membership, or other programs. Unfortunately, things happen and your DD Form 214 can get lost or stolen. The following instructions can help you replace your DD Form 214 if you need another copy – for yourself or a loved one.

How to replace DD Form 214

If you need to replace your DD Form 214 you should request a copy of military personnel records from the National Archives.

Two methods for requesting military records: Veterans and their next of kin have two methods for requesting copies of military records:

  1. Electronic method. Use the eVetRecs system to create your request.
  2. Paper method. Mail or Fax a Standard Form SF-180 (see address below). Paper forms must be printed, signed, and dated.

NPRC Mailing Address:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
phone: 314-801-0800
fax: 314-801-9195

Required information to request replacement DD Form 214:

  • Veteran’s complete name used while in service.
  • Service number or Social security number.
  • Branch of service.
  • Dates of service.
  • Date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known).
  • Recommended information (not required, but may help expedite the process): Purpose for request (applying for benefits, preparing to retire, researching personal military history), deadline, additional forms or information required.

If you believe your records may have been destroyed in the 1973 fire, then you should have the following information available:

  • Place of discharge.
  • Last unit of assignment.
  • Place of entry into the service, if known.

The Privacy Act of 1974 requires all records requests be submitted in writing, and each request must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin.

Who may request military records:

Only the veteran or the next of kin of a deceased veteran can request a complete copy of a member’s military service records (limited information may be available to the general public). If you are the next of kin of a deceased veteran and are requesting a copy of the veteran’s military records, you must provide proof of death of the veteran, such as a copy of death certificate, letter from funeral home, or published obituary.

Next-of-kin is defined as the surviving spouse that has not remarried, father, mother, son, daughter, sister, or brother. If you are a relative of the deceased veteran, but are not considered next of kin, you can still request a copy of the military service records. However, you need to complete Standard Form 180. Follow the instructions found here: Access to Military Records by the General Public and Researchers.

Additional tips when requesting military records

  • Be patient. Standard requests for a copy of your DD Form 214 normally take at least 10 days, and may take longer, especially if the records were involved in the fire of 1973. You can check the status of your request via e-mail or by telephone at NPRC Customer Service Line: 1-314-801-0800 (note: this is not a toll-free number).
  • Avoid military records scams: Most military records are provided by the National Archives free of charge for veterans, next-of-kin, and authorized representatives. If your request involves a service fee, you will be notified by a representative from the National Archives. There are some companies out there who charge exorbitant fees to do research which can be done by you for free. Keep in mind you must also provide these companies with sensitive and private personal information including your social security number.

Related posts:2009 Veteran’s Day Discounts

  1. DD Form 214 – The Most Important Military Document You Will Ever Receive
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2009 Veterans Day Discounts

Veteran’s Day is just around the corner, and it is a popular holiday to say thanks to our country’s military members. Many restaurants, stores, and other businesses offer free items and discounts to military members, retirees, and other veterans. Most places require proof of service such as a military or retiree ID card, DD Form 214, VFW card, or other proof of service, so be prepared if you are asked for proof of service.

In the spirit of the season we thought we would share a few of this year’s promotions with our readers.

Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday

Golden Corral’s 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday dinner is scheduled for Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral restaurants nationwide (note that it is NOT on the actual Veterans Day). The free dinner meal is open to anyone who served in the US Military and is open to all veterans, retirees, active duty military members, and members of the National Guard or Reserves.

  • Free “Thank You” Dinner
  • Monday, Nov. 16, 2009, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Applebee’s Free Meal on Veterans Day

Applebee’s is supporting military veterans again this year by offering military members and veterans a free meal on Veterans Day. Simply show proof of military service, including showing up in uniform, military ID, military service organization ID (VFW card, etc), a picture of you in uniform, or other proof, and select a free meal from a special menu. For more information, visit the AppleBee’s Veterans Day page.

Other Veteran’s Day Discounts and free meals:

Last year’s free meals on Veteran’s Day included Golden Corral, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants, and Applebees. Many other companies, stores, and restaurants offer Veteran’s Day discounts to Active Duty military members, retirees, and/or veterans. Be sure to ask if you are in doubt! Other offers:

Be sure to check out more military discounts on Military Finance Network, and thanks for serving!

Related posts:2009 Veteran’s Day Discounts

  1. Free Dinner at Golden Corral for Military Veterans
  2. Veteran’s Day Free Meals and Discounts
  3. Happy Veterans Day 2009



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