Research - Rehabilitation - Re-Employment

Sgt. Shaft 05/02/2005

Dear Sgt. Shaft
I am the granddaughter of a WWII Veteran POW, My grandfather James H. is still alive, and lives in Maryland. He is 85 years old. I am currently writing a book about his story. While receiving information I discovered that his records were burned in the St. Louis Fire years ago and there is no record of him needing a few of his medals. My family has tried many times to receive help, but frankly I don't know where to turn since they came up empty. The only record he has now is from him own mouth, and of course his scars. But apparently more is needed? I'm afraid he won't be around much longer and would like to expedite this process so he can receive all that he has rightfully earned. Could you be of any help?

Thank you
LaWana F.
Via the internet

Dear LaWana
Seeking information on a living veteran is normally restricted to the veteran himself, unless deemed incompetent; likewise the next of kin may secure information on their deceased veteran. Others must present valid reasons for such requests. These actions rightfully insure the right of privacy for veterans and their family members.

Since your grandfather is alive, I would suggest that first you assist him in the use of a new internet tool to request military record information. A number of Records that had been lost have recently been retrieved. The St Louis "Fire" answer should not stop your inquiry. Go to www.vetrecs.archives.gov and proceed on the home page to the link to REQUEST MILITARY RECORDS. Follow the process completing any and all remembered information as requested. Ask for a new copy of his DD Form 214.

You mentioned that your grandfather had scars. Were these related to military service? Does he receive a service-connected disability payment from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)? Had he ever used the GI Bill for education benefits? Did he ever purchase a home through the VA home loan guaranty program? I ask these questions as any of these benefit programs would have required documentation to include his DD Form 214, Discharge Certificate. That form does reflect his military service, training, specialty code and all awards and decorations received. That form would also be a matter of record in the VA system.

Your grandfather should provide as much of the following information as possible: full name, date of birth, branch of services, dates of service, Social Security number and Service Identification number.

Shaft Notes:
The Sarge was pleased to attend this years AMVETS Silver Helmut Banquet.

AMVETS presented five exceptional people from across the country the organization’s highest award for making a difference in the lives of their fellow Americans and veterans in particular.

The 2005 recipients were Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds (R-NY-26); Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; Jim W. Delgado, former director, VA Voluntary Services Office; entertainer Wayne Newton; and Lyle Usgaard, an AMVETS member in North Dakota. All of them, with the exception of Representative Reynolds, were recognized at AMVETS’ 48th annual Silver Helmet Awards Dinner. The congressman was at a special AMVETS Congressional Reception on Capitol Hill prior to the banquet.

The honorees received the AMVETS Silver Helmet Award, a unique replica of the World War II GI helmet, which has acquired a well-deserved reputation over the past 50 years as the most prestigious of all veterans’ organization awards and is now known as the “Veterans Oscar.” Recognized for excellence in various fields, prior recipients include Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rocky Bleier (Rehabilitation), former Senator Robert Dole (Congressional), corporate head Peter Coors (Americanism), Pope John Paul II (Peace) and former Secretary of State Colin Powell (Defense).

“All of our honorees have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields,” said William Boettcher, AMVETS’ national commander. “Their unselfish commitment to helping others is an inspiration to each of us.”

Wayne Newton, the popular entertainer and chairman of the USO Celebrity Circle received the prestigious Americanism Award for leading the charge to entertain America’s military men and women, both here and overseas.

Jim W. Delgado, who directed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Voluntary Service Office for more than 13 years, received the Civil Servant-of-the-Year Award. He is credited with achieving a 36 percent increase in the VA’s volunteers.

Rep. Thomas Reynolds (R-26-NY) received the Congressional Award for his reputation as a champion of veterans’ issues, repeatedly siding with military men and women on issues that affect everything from their pocketbooks to their health and retirement benefits.

The Special Award was presented to Jesse White, the Illinois secretary of state who has been an advocate of veterans throughout his 30-year career in public service. He formed a veterans advisory committee upon his election in 1998 and set up a special program to assist homeless veterans. As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, he also sponsored or co-sponsored legislation to build additional state veterans homes and has helped veterans obtain educational benefits or job training.

AMVETS Member-of-the-Year Award went to Lyle Usgaard, a 24-year member of AMVETS Post 7 in Fargo, N.D., who has worked as a volunteer at the VA hospital in Fargo, N.D., and for other organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, since his retirement in 1992. The U.S. Navy veteran previously worked as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 31 years in addition to serving on the city council of Moorhead, Minn., for five years.

AMVETS has been a leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s Armed Forces.

Send letters to Sgt. Shaft, c/o John Fales, P.O. Box 65900, Washington, D.C. 20035-5900; fax to 301-622-3330; call 202-462-4430 or email sgtshaft@bavf.org.

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