Retiree Corner

Get copies of your records

Airmen who retired on or after Oct. 1, 2004 can request copies of records such as a DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), performance reports and other information by writing to AFPC/DPSIRP, 550 C St. West, Suite 19, Randolph AFB TX, 78150; faxing 210-565-4021. Include a completed Standard Form 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records, or a letter that includes name, full Social Security number, contact information, specific record requested, and a signature. Those requesting a deceased relative's record need to provide the above information, proof of death, and their relationship to the former Airman so next-of-kin relationship can be verified. Veterans who retired after Oct. 1, 2004 can also access certain records online by registering on VAs www.eBenefits.va.gov.

Veterans who retired before Oct. 1, 2004 should visit the National Personnel Records Center website at www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records. Those requesting the record of a deceased relative who retired before Oct. 1, 2004 may also use the NPRC website. NPRC receives approximately 4,000 to 5,000 requests per day. Wait at least 90 days before sending follow-up requests to avoid further delays.

Medical and dental records for Airmen who retired before May 1994 are stored permanently at NPRC. For information on medical and dental records of those who retired or separated after May 1994, call VAs records center at 888 533-4558.

VA helps homeless veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs is collaborating with the 100,000 Homes campaign and 117 participating communities to help find permanent housing for 10,000 vulnerable and chronically homeless veterans this year. According to the 2011 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress, homelessness among veterans has declined 12 percent since 2010. The new initiative is intended to help accomplish VAs goal of ending veteran homelessness by 2015. The 100,000 Homes campaign is a national movement working to find permanent homes for 100,000 vulnerable and chronically homeless individuals and families by 2014. Community organizations will be better able to use the Housing and Urban Developments Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. The collaboration will help VA increase the proportion of HUD-VASH vouchers that help house chronic and vulnerable homeless individuals. From fiscal years 2008 to 2012, HUD has allocated funding to local public housing authorities to provide 47,000 housing choice vouchers to homeless veterans.

Korea casualties remembered

A bronze bust of Capt. James A. Van Fleet Jr., at Osan Air Base, Korea, represents all U.S. Airmen killed during the Korean War. Captain Fleet, a B-26 Marauder pilot, was declared missing in action April 4, 1952 and declared killed in action March 31, 1954. He was the son of James A. Van Fleet, who commanded the Eighth U.S. Army during the Korean War. The two last met on his father's 60th birthday, March 19, 1952. During the Korean War, 100,000 U..S. service members were killed or wounded. Of these, 1,920 were U.S. Airmen. There are 910 Airmen still listed as missing in action.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Visit our office at Colorado and D Street, call us at 301-981-2726, or email us at raoandrews.af.mil. Call the office before visiting to ensure someone is on duty. The RAO also has a website at www.andrews.af.mil; click on "Retirees" on the right side of the page. Copies of "Retiree Corner" articles are online as well. Go to the retirees webpage and find information under the heading "Newspaper Column."