The moderator of this site finds DD214s or no records all the time to out stolen valor fakes.
He should be able to help with your dad, I hope.
If you haven’t done so, maybe just google your dad’s name in every form possible, along with key words of anything you know, which might lead you to something that can be traced further. Good luck.
There are lots of sites on the net that will guide you through the process of getting a Certificate of Service if the DDA 214 was burned.
I’m surprised this company you hired is dropping the ball. I’d quit them for a start.
Good luck and God Bless.
Get out the phone book and look for a county Veterans office that helps apply for disability. They have resources to help with many problems. A call to your Congressman may help. You can probably find a phone number of a VA help center. A “patient advocate” may have resources to help. THey would probably be at a VA hospital.
Is it possible that your dad registered his 214 in the County Courthouse where he lived at the time? When I retired, they recommended that we do so for this specific situation (another fire in St Louis coupled with us losing our 214). Of course, that was a long time ago, but it might be worth checking.
Have you tried other records via the national archives?
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records
Contact your Congressman/woman, U.S. Senator, or try your State Representatives. Some States have military records. My uncle’s WWII service records were reportedly lost in the same fire, but I was still able to get a copy of his DD-214 from the government. My uncle was hospitalized at the VA Hospital in Batavia, NY before his death, and I was able to get copies of his medical record as well.
Nominally all paperwork is available via ebenefits.va.gov. The 1973 fire is a common issue cited by vets missing paperwork. Don’t know what the VA’s response would be. If your father was not in a military retired status, I don’t know what benefits your mother would be eligible for. Depending on her financial situation you may want to consider a recommendation from a local social worker. They will often know the state programs for people in your mother’s situation.
I would thoroughly check your father’s papers and records, I’m sure there is a DD-214 in there somewhere...........At least there SHOULD be.
“Get out the phone book and look for a county Veterans office that helps apply for disability. They have resources to help with many problems.”
I second this suggestion. If they can’t find it, they’ll tell you what to do.
Also once you get it, you’ll need them (the VA office people) anyways to fill out all the forms and submit them correctly.
I JUST did exactly what you’re doing about a month ago, and there’s NO WAY, I could have figured out all the forms on my own, don’t even try.
Go make an appointment at your local VA office, pronto.
The VA offers home based health care. Usually referred to as HBHC. Call your local VA and get her enrolled right away
The VFW has service officers who will be able to help you. They are experts at cutting red tape
call/visit your local VFW den or check this website:
https://www.vfw.org/NVS
you didn’t explain why you didn’t try the VA and instead spent money on some company who couldn’t help you..
have you gone to the VA website ???
VA.gov
Plus there’s toll free numbers...
you will also have a VA rep in your area..
in Indianapolis the address is 575 North Pennsylvania Street
Phone 800-827-1000
Go here to find veteran’s records:
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
I worked for the VA for about 30 years. Just complete an application, give your Dad’s name, serial number, social security number, and let them do the work of securing verification. 99 percent of the time, they can do it.
Also,(IIRC) there was a fire at this facility which destroyed some records.I don't recall which ones.
Hope that helps...
Bttt.
5.56mm
If you have not done so yet, immediately file a formal claim with the Veterans Administration. This is necessary to preserve the right to benefits, if found entitled, from the earliest date possible. It also triggers the VA responsibility to assist with development of the claim. The only military records you will need are proof of service and character of discharge. This information can be obtained even in cases involved in the 1973 fire. The VA will request this information for you. You will also need proof of relationship which should be easily obtained at the county or state level. Don’t allow the bad experience of others to deter you from visiting the VA. There are some good people there and they will assist you. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of getting you claim on record.