For Your Benefit For and about Hawaii's military

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Request documents with new online system

Question: I lost my discharge certificate and need to get a replacement. Can this be done from my computer or do I have to come to the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Answer: You can do either one. Discharge certificates or DD-214's can be obtained at http://vetrecs.archives.gov. Military veterans and the next of kin of deceased former military members may now use a new online military personnel records system to request documents. Other individuals with a need for documents must still complete the standard form 180, which can be downloaded from the Web site. The new Web-based application was designed to provide better service on these requests by eliminating the records center's mailroom processing time. You can obtain an SF180 form at the Honolulu VA office located in Tripler Army Medical Center's E Wing on the Oceanside front, Diamond Head side of the hospital.

Q: My husband served in World War II and recently passed away. I have been told I am entitled to a Presidential Memorial Certificate. How do I go about obtaining one?

A: Certificates signed by the president are issued upon request to recognize the military service of honorably discharged deceased veterans. Next of kin, other relatives and friends may request them in person at any VA regional office or by mail: Presidential Memorial Certificates, Department of Veterans Affairs, 5109 Russell Road, Quantico, VA 22143-3909. Requests should include a copy, not the original, of the deceased veteran's discharge document and clearly indicate to what address the certificate should be sent. Additional information and a sample certificate can be found online at www.cem.va.gov/pmc.htm. You can also call the Honolulu VA office at (800) 827-1000.