Need a little help here in trying to determine someone's military service background. Here is a bit of the backstory and a full disclosure statement of myself. I have no personal military service. Lot's of my family have served but I have not, so I'm ignorant in some things military. In my circle there is a new guy making his way in, and he is saying some things about his military service that from my perspective just don't jive. In fact the red flag has gone up with me in regards to stolen valor. Is there a website I can go to that will help verify his service in the military, so I can put some of this to rest? Not trying to get into his personal life, I just feel compelled to have the basic question answered of did he really serve or is he blowing smoke?
Military Service?
- Thread starter DW T or C
- Start date
DShortt is correct.
However, someone may not be willing to show their DD214 for many reasons one the OP mentioned is not getting into one’s personal life.
If you ask to see his DD214 you’re basically saying you don’t believe him. He’ll tell you he lost it. Probably true. He’ll say he can’t get a copy. 100% bullshit. (Burned in a records depot in St. Louis is a favorite) Not true.
When you say ‘stolen valor’ do you mean you doubt ANY military service? Or is this an enlisted man with 3 Bronze Stars ( with V) and a Silver Star?
Not a positive way but you could ask if he goes to the VA because you were wondering how they are. No VA. ID card, not a vet. Remember not ALL vets go or register with the VA.
This is a tough subject for me. I tend to run on and especially with this subject.
At various times I’ve tried to help vets with the VA. 76% were full of shit looking for something for nothing. I’ve helped 11 so far. JVON ( a site member) was one of the very few good things I’ve done in my life.
I do NOT nor ever have worked with or for the VA
My knowledge is really limited to Vietnam vets.
If this is what he claims (Vietnam) PM me.
Roughly 76% are dead. It narrows the playing field down dramatically. I love a hunt.
However, someone may not be willing to show their DD214 for many reasons one the OP mentioned is not getting into one’s personal life.
If you ask to see his DD214 you’re basically saying you don’t believe him. He’ll tell you he lost it. Probably true. He’ll say he can’t get a copy. 100% bullshit. (Burned in a records depot in St. Louis is a favorite) Not true.
When you say ‘stolen valor’ do you mean you doubt ANY military service? Or is this an enlisted man with 3 Bronze Stars ( with V) and a Silver Star?
Not a positive way but you could ask if he goes to the VA because you were wondering how they are. No VA. ID card, not a vet. Remember not ALL vets go or register with the VA.
This is a tough subject for me. I tend to run on and especially with this subject.
At various times I’ve tried to help vets with the VA. 76% were full of shit looking for something for nothing. I’ve helped 11 so far. JVON ( a site member) was one of the very few good things I’ve done in my life.
I do NOT nor ever have worked with or for the VA
My knowledge is really limited to Vietnam vets.
If this is what he claims (Vietnam) PM me.
Roughly 76% are dead. It narrows the playing field down dramatically. I love a hunt.
There is not a place to search for people's military service. I think it only becomes public information 62 years after that person separated. And even then, it's not online and I'm sure the request process is convoluted.
I agree with the above about asking to see his VA card. Pretty much all veterans have one. I got one soley for the discounts at stores and most vets I know do the same thing.
I agree with the above about asking to see his VA card. Pretty much all veterans have one. I got one soley for the discounts at stores and most vets I know do the same thing.
If you have never served your perspective may be skewed. I wouldn't worry about the military service just assess if he's an asshole!
Old Navy
Gold $$ Contributor
I didn't have VA card for over 35 years after discharge. Had to drive 65 miles to the nearest VA hospital. While I was there I saw guys that really needed the VA help. I never used medical benefits but did get a lot of discounts over the years. I wore my card out and applied for a new one a few years ago. Did it on line the last time. I got out in 67 and there were a couple mistakes on my 214. I applied for a new one a couple years ago. The new one didn't match the old one. Go figure! I needed my social and service number. It is a different process if you are applying for a family member.
Chaotik
Gold $$ Contributor
Even if they don't have a VA ID (requires registering to get one) some states will put a designation on their drivers license to indicate veteran status (useful for discounts if they don't have a VA ID).
Correct with the convoluted. eg: Prior to sometime in the 70’s they stopped with serial numbers and started by using social security #’s. Yes, a disaster. Never corrected. ( even though they were ordered to 10 years ago). But they will tell you they have no way to search a serial number. BS.
You know what, old navy is right, touchy!
If he’s claiming to be a Vietnam vet with a Purple Heart all I need is a full name. But then you have to remember the records are not necessarily 100% full or accurate.
‘Catch 22” was written based on this endless circle jerk.
jimmymac
Jim McGregor
This is a sore spot for me. I have no access to VA hospital benefits because of when I served and financial status. The only reason I wanted VA hospital access was for prescriptions when I was laid off and getting $600 a week in unemployment. Problem is, they used the previous years financials when I was working.
Gotta love the government. Here I am, an honorably discharged vet and didn’t/don’t qualify. I should have snuck across the border and then snuck back in as Pedro McGregor. Probably get treated better.
Gotta love the government. Here I am, an honorably discharged vet and didn’t/don’t qualify. I should have snuck across the border and then snuck back in as Pedro McGregor. Probably get treated better.
A DD215 corrects omissions and mistakes on the DD214.
BTW I wanted my father’s DD214. ( WWII vet)
There were no DD214’s then! But I did get a nice amount of info after many letters.
Chaotik
Gold $$ Contributor
Yep... they stopped giving all honorably discharged vets access to the VA health care system in 2003. If you registered before then you had access, otherwise you needed to have a service connected issue or meet their means testing for income.
First line may not be correct.
Second line is correct although he may not have the original or a copy.
DD214's from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam are notorious for being incomplete and/or containing errors. So they may not answer any questions you have. Any service member can easily obtain a copy of their DD214 and service records, although it may take a few weeks or months.
gambleone
Silver $$ Contributor
Yup, somebody in the know will weed him out.
To try to get into the system on your own is impossible. You have to go the DAV, American Legion, VFW, etc. they assist you in signing in or applying for benefits. Find one, take your DD214 and give it another shot.
jimmymac
Jim McGregor
Thanks buddy.
Old Navy
Gold $$ Contributor
I have my father's version of the DD214. It was NAVMC 78-PD. Served from 43 to 46.
CJ6
Silver $$ Contributor
Not sure if this is correct....I didn't register until last winter and have access to all the VA medical. I have no service related issues.
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