Veterans' Corner: Need your military or medical records? The VA can help obtain records

The Standard Form SF-180 is recommended for requesting all replacement records and medals.  Your request must contain certain basic information in order to locate your records. This information includes the veteran's complete name used while in service, service number, social security number, branch of service, dates of service, and date and place of birth (especially if the service number is not known). 

The normal response time for DD 214s is ten (10) working days or less. However, requests that involve reconstruction efforts due to the 1973 fire or older records which require extensive search efforts may take much longer.  If there is an emergency or deadline associated with your request, please explain this on the SF-180.

Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. Provide as much information as possible and send the SF-180 to the appropriate military branch.  Generally, there is no charge for medal or award replacements. The length of time to receive a response or your medals and awards varies depending upon the branch of service sending the medals. 

Limited information from Official Military Personnel Files is releasable to the general public without the consent of the veteran or the next-of-kin. You are considered a member of the general public if you are asking about a veteran who is no relation to you, or a veteran who is a relative but you are not the next-of-kin. Next-of-kin is defined as the un-remarried widow or widower, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran.  Our office can assist you in completing the necessary forms.

The Kings County Veterans Service Office can complete the DMV Veteran Status Verification Form for the new California Veteran Designation on your driver’s license.  We can also issue Veteran I.D. cards to honorably discharged veterans. Contact Scott Holwell if you would like to receive periodic veteran’s information by email.    There are many state and federal benefits and programs available to veterans and their dependents.  To find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits, visit or call our office.  We can and will assist you in completing all required application forms.  You can get information on the Web from the Kings County Veterans Service Office webpage at www.countyofkings.com/vets.

Scott Holwell, retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer, is the Deputy Veterans Service Officer for Kings County. Send your questions to the Veterans Service Office, 1400 W. Lacey Blvd, Hanford, CA 93230; call (559)852-2669; or e-mail scott.holwell@co.kings.ca.us.