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Join the Sons of AMVETS
More Than Membership — A Brotherhood of Service
- Joining the Sons of AMVETS means becoming part of a proud tradition dedicated to honoring America’s veterans and strengthening the communities they fought to protect. Members have opportunities to serve veterans and their families, support local AMVETS Posts, participate in patriotic and community programs such as parades and charity drives, develop leadership skills, and build lasting friendships with others who share a commitment to service.
- Membership also opens the door to greater fellowship through groups such as the AMVETS Riders and Sons of AMVETS Sad Sacks. Whether gathering for motorcycle rides and charitable events, participating in social activities and fundraising, or volunteering at a local Post, these groups provide additional ways to connect, enjoy camaraderie, and have fun.
- At the Sons of AMVETS Department of Ohio, membership is about more than belonging to an organization. It is about service, fellowship, patriotism, and carrying forward the legacy of our veterans—from our local Squadrons and Districts to communities throughout Ohio, inspiring a sense of pride and purpose.
Honor their service. Strengthen our communities. Build lasting friendships. Become a Son of AMVETS.
Joining the Sons of AMVETS
Becoming a member of the Sons of AMVETS is an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans while making a positive difference in your community. Membership is based on eligibility through the honorable service of a parent, grandparent, spouse, or other qualifying family relationship to an AMVETS-eligible veteran. To get started, contact a local Sons of AMVETS Squadron or AMVETS Post in your area, where members can help you determine eligibility, complete a membership application, and provide the necessary documentation. Once you join, you can participate in veteran-support programs, community service, fundraising activities, patriotic events, and the fellowship that makes the Sons of AMVETS a strong brotherhood of service. Honor their legacy. Continue their service. Become a Son of AMVETS.
Who can be a Son
Eligibility for membership in Sons of AMVETS shall be limited to all male descendants, grandsons, adopted sons, and stepsons, fathers, husbands, widowers and brothers of members of AMVETS and deceased members of AMVETS, or service personnel who died and would have been eligible for membership in the parent AMVETS organization, and are at least (18) years of age and are not eligible for membership in the parent organization. This is not to include in-laws of any type.
Many Posts have alternative levels of membership for those individuals with a will to help support Veterans Causes and cannot qualify for one of the charted AMVETS groups. Not all Posts have these limited memberships and none will honor these Memberships from another Post.
GETTING YOUR RELATIVES' DD214
How to Obtain a Deceased Relative’s DD Form 214
A DD Form 214—often called a “DD-214”—documents a veteran’s military service and discharge. It may be needed when arranging military funeral honors, applying for burial or survivor benefits, ordering a grave marker, joining a veterans organization, or preserving family history.
Who May Request the Record?
For records that are not yet open to the public, the National Archives recognizes the following relatives as next of kin:
- Surviving spouse who has not remarried
- Father or mother
- Son or daughter
- Brother or sister
Military personnel records generally become public 62 years after the service member’s separation from the military. Anyone may request an archival record, although copying fees may apply.
Information You Should Gather
Provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Veteran’s complete name used during military service
- Branch of service
- Service number, if known
- Social Security number, if known
- Approximate dates of service
- Date and place of birth
- Place of entry into military service
- Last military unit or duty assignment
- Place and approximate date of discharge
You must also include proof of the veteran’s death, such as:
- A copy of the death certificate
- A letter from the funeral home
- A copy of a published obituary
How to Submit a Request
Option 1: Submit the Request Online
Visit the National Archives’ Military Service Records page and select “Start Request Online.” The online system uses ID.me to verify the requester’s identity.
Follow the instructions carefully, identify yourself as the veteran’s next of kin, and request the veteran’s DD Form 214 or other separation document.
Option 2: Use Standard Form 180
Download and complete Standard Form 180—Request Pertaining to Military Records.
- Clearly indicate that you are requesting the veteran’s DD Form 214.
- Explain your relationship to the deceased veteran.
- State the purpose of the request.
- Attach proof of the veteran’s death.
- Sign and date the request.
- Use the return-address table on Page 3 of the form to determine where it should be sent.
For records maintained by the National Personnel Records Center, requests may generally be sent to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
Routine requests may also be faxed to 314-801-9195.
Because military records are maintained in several locations, always review the current instructions on Standard Form 180 before mailing or faxing the request.
Emergency and Burial Requests
If the DD Form 214 is urgently needed for a funeral or burial, mark the request as an “Emergency Request.”
For burial in a VA national cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117. VA personnel will work directly with the National Archives to verify the veteran’s military service.
For burial somewhere other than a VA national cemetery, the next of kin may fax a signed Standard Form 180 and proof of death to the National Personnel Records Center’s emergency customer-service fax number:
Emergency Fax: 314-801-0764
For assistance, call the National Personnel Records Center at 314-801-0800.
Fees and Processing Time
Basic copies are generally provided without charge to veterans, eligible next of kin, and authorized representatives when the records are less than 62 years old. Archival records—those opened to the public 62 years after separation—may require a copying fee.
Processing time varies according to the age, location, condition, and availability of the record. The National Archives advises requesters not to submit a follow-up request before 90 days have passed unless the request concerns an emergency.
Important Reminders
- Submit a separate request for each veteran.
- Make a copy of everything before mailing the request.
- Keep the request or tracking number provided by the National Archives.
- Do not send original death certificates or irreplaceable family documents.
- Military-record requests cannot ordinarily be accepted by email because a signed and dated request is required.
- If a record was damaged or destroyed in the 1973 National Personnel Records Center fire, staff may be able to reconstruct the veteran’s service using alternate records.
This directive is provided for informational purposes. Procedures, addresses, telephone numbers, and eligibility requirements may change. Always confirm the current instructions through the National Archives before submitting a request.
