Posted on 06/04/2024 5:48:26 PM PDT by ducttape45
Good evening Freepers. I got a question that I would love to find an answer to.
My father was a Korean War veteran. He served back in the 1940/50's. I have copies of two discharge forms, one is dated 1948 - 1953, the second one dated 1953 - 1956. The first one is an honorable discharge, but the second one is a dishonorable discharge.
I am confused as to how or why two 214's can be issued like that. I am also looking for an avenue to try and get the dishonorable one thrown out. Unfortunately the fire that took place in St. Louis destroyed all of the military records that would explain the reasoning, though one of my sisters thinks he decked an officer. LOL. If that happened, the officer probably deserved it.
The reason why I'd like to get the one tossed is because my mother can't get VA medical assistance because of it. If it can be tossed, it would help our family get her medical covered, maybe even find a better nursing home.
If there is someone out there who can help me I'd be much obliged. Thank you.
If your state has a veteran affairs office try them, they know the system inside and out..
....
I hate to say it, but that website won’t help. They don’t provide options for me to ask a question about military records.
If I don’t hear from them, I will.
I have several DD214’s, one for each time I reenlisted at the end of my enlistment and my final one when I retired at the 20 year mark. You should have been given a DD214 at the time of your reenlistment.
Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, the 2d DD214 listing “dishonorable” is the only one the VA will consider, unless you have a congress critter going to bat for you. Does the “dishonorable DD214” list the reason? That would need to be known for making a case to have it changed via the Army Records Review Board.
Exactly the right advice.
It would probably be better to make an appearance in person.
What sayeth you, ElkGroveDan?
No, the form does not list a reason. Nor does it list his rank, place and date of birth. It's as plain of a form as one can get. It's nothing like the DD214 that I have for my service, and I only have one.
I contacted my congress critter. Guess I'll see what he can do, if anything.
Thanks.
My congress critter is the one who took over for Jackie Walorski after she died in the car accident. But his office is in the northern part of the state so getting up there is a bit of task, and I don’t want to drop in unannounced.
Hahahaha. I just tried to email the local American Legion in my area, and the email came back as undeliverable. That sounds right for the city I live in! LOL
MISHAWAKA 2410 Grape Road Suite 2A Mishawaka, IN 46545 (574) 204-2645 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET; Monday-Friday ROCHESTER 709 Main Street Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-4373 Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. ET; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
I had to go through this for my mom, too. I tried to make an appointment with the VA guy, but they didn’t have one available when I was going to be in town. They gave me the option of going, and waiting around like everyone else without an appointment. That worked ok for me. Seeing the man in person was the best thing I could’ve done. He was wonderful with me. So helpful, and very kind. Granted, this was back in Florida. Unfortunately Mom passed 2 weeks before we got the approval letter that said she qualified for benefits. Bittersweet.
Try this link…..I have it thru a subscription to Ancestry….can’t recall if you need an account. If so, I’d be happy to see what I can find for you on your dad.
Each enlistment will have its own DD-214. I reenlisted once in the Marine Corps and have a DD-214 for each enlistment. If someone signs an extension to their enlistment than they will only receive one DD-214 after their time, including the extension, is up. That’s why some people may only have one DD-214 for a long period of service. But in this case it’s apparent that there were two enlistments, which is why there are two DD-214s. And the second time around there some type of egregious conduct that resulted in a court martial and a dishonorable discharge. And apparently he never revealed that to the family. And who can blame him. It’s not something that he would have been proud of.
Remember, it the house of rep critter doesn’t respond, write to the senators.
I just got a call from Representative Yakym’s office, and once I send them back the form they just sent me, signed, they will start the process.
Good
Email is probably the slowest way to get the ball rolling. A phone call will get the case opened and then they will send release forms or direct you where to print them out. Showing up in person is probably best, assuming a casework is there and able to speak. You can sign release forms right there and get the ball rolling. It always helps to meet the person who will be working on your case and vs. vs. Regardless of the political parties, remain pleasant and upbeat. Partisan politics doesn't and shouldn't be involved at this level. Never offer to make donations or send gifts.
Indeed.
I had an issue that my Democrat state representative was more helpful with than my Republican state senator.
I suppose there are regulations on that. “Sometimes” paperwork doesn’t get done properly.
I’m not telling you to do this. But you could have “forgot” the later 214 and submitted the early 214?
For my part, if my dad had got a dishonorable discharge 70 years ago, maybe he deserved it? It was almost routine for people in those days to lose a stripe or two along the way, before they made Sergeant. A Dishonorable discharge, on the other hand, even then, that took some serious dedication.
Finally, I didn’t know VA benefits were available to spouses (unless he retired after 20 years service?) Anyway, I wish you luck, I guess. Unless there is very specific detailed evidence of wrongdoing on the Army’s part, I can’t imagine anyone would reverse the “Characterization of Discharge” as it is termed.
I had a “break in service”, got an Honorable, but the 214 now has an “RE” code, some alphanumeric or letter designation. I axed the recruiter, what does that code mean? He wouldn’t tell me. I did successfully integrate back into the military, must not have been too bad.
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