Veterans invited to record discharge papers with county

In recognition of all service members, U.S. Armed Forces veterans and their families, McHenry County Recorder Phyllis K. Walters and Superintendent of the McHenry County Veteran's Assistance Commission Mike Iwanicki invite all county veterans to the Recorder's Office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 12 and 13, to record their DD214 papers.

The office is in the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Complimentary refreshments will be provided.

The recorder will provide two free certified copies of each newly recorded DD214. In addition, veterans may obtain copies of previously recorded DD214s at no charge with proper photo identification.

Military discharge papers - also known as DD214s - can help deliver multiple benefits. By recording these important papers, one can ensure that certified copies of these documents are readily available for veterans to apply for benefits including medical care, disability, education and training, burial benefits, as well as home loan guarantees. If original DD214 papers are lost or misplaced, it can take 21 days or longer to receive a new one from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Once recorded, these private records are protected. All computer images of military discharge records are represented by a marker page which lists only the type of document, veteran's name, and number of pages contained in the DD214.

"My office takes every precaution necessary and enforces strict procedures to ensure the privacy and protection of DD214s and all records of the office," Walters said.

The Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs also will be in attendance providing official certification to eligible veterans on their DD214 in order for them to receive the "veteran" designation on their driver's license/ID card.

For information, call the recorder's office at (815) 334-4110.