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LISBON -- Columbiana County Recorder James Armeni and the Ohio Recorders' Association (ORA) are urging veterans to be aware of exploitative practices targeting military veterans who are being charged for services that are available for free.
According to a press release issued Wednesday, a company based in Arizona is currently soliciting veterans in Ohio to purchase a copy of their DD214 form for a fee ranging from $79 to $99. Although this practice may be legal, Armeni and other county recorders across Ohio want to ensure that veterans are informed about the free services to which they are entitled.
Recorder offices across Ohio have received DD214 forms (paid for by veterans) from this company through the mail, along with a limited Power of Attorney granting the recorder the authority to file both documents on behalf of the veteran. The recorder's office was made aware last September of this company charging veterans for documents that are normally free of charge, receiving a packet with a request to record a DD214, along with a request to send the recorded DD214 back to the company. The recorder's office took steps to have the documents reviewed and ultimately found that they were missing other key documents, such as a POA authorizing the company to act on behalf of the veterans.
"Protecting veterans and their information is a top priority for us. That is why we also made our Veterans Service Commission aware of the issue when we received the documents," the press release said.
Veterans can obtain a free copy of their military records through their local Veteran's Service Commission, as well as record their DD214 at their local county recorder's office at no charge. The DD214 form is essential for veterans to access benefits like VA loans, disability compensation, and reduced medical costs.
In recent months, to safeguard veterans from exploitative, unnecessary fees and to inform the public, the ORA is working to raise awareness among veterans about these practices. Furthermore, the ORA is currently exploring potential legislation aimed at regulating companies and mandating the disclosure of the availability of these services at no charge.
Veterans can request a copy of their DD214 by visiting their local Veteran Service Commission, which for Columbiana County residents is located in Lisbon, or by visiting the National Archives website at https:/www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records or by printing a Standard Form-180 and mail or fax it to the National Personnel Records Center, 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63138, at fax number 314-801-9195.