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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Veterans in Touch – Think of your family

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Do you know where your DD-214 or discharge papers are located? In the past month we have had four separate instances where the Veteran was in hospice and the family couldn’t locate his DD-214 or Discharge papers. The funeral homes tried to help, but let me tell you that when you have to go to the National Archives in St. Louis to get a copy of those documents even when you use the urgent fax number, it will generally take 2 to 4 weeks to get those papers.

The sad part is that without those papers you will not get any of the burial benefits from the VA that you are entitled to receive. Also, the Active Duty Military will not come to the graveside service to fold the flag and present it to the family.

Here is what you can do to take some of the stress out of the situation for your family. First of all, make sure your loved ones have a copy of your DD-214. I know, I know, you either have a copy at the DuPage County Recorder’s Office or in a bank lock box. If you are a VFW or American Legion member they may have a copy, but that is no guarantee. What happens if you pass on a weekend? My wife has an envelope with all my military information in one place where she can easily access it. You should do the same for your family.

On another note the Quad County Stand Down for Homeless and at risk Veterans is on July 12 at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. This year we are not collecting used clothing. Instead we are looking for donations of new socks, underwear and T-shirts.

Drop off locations until Monday July 10 are:

  • Naperville VFW Post 3873, 908 West Jackson, Naperville
  • Aurora Vet Center, 750 Shoreline Drive, Aurora
  • Drop of at the fairgrounds on July 11 only between 9AM and Noon.

For more information contact Christine Madsen at the Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Her phone number is (630) 871-8387. Her email is christine@mshv.org.

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Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour
Mike Barbour is a Service Officer, American Legion Post 43, and regular contributor to PN. Also contact him at mbarbour@wowway.com.

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