The Importance for Veterans to Record their Military Separation Papers

Press Release

Peoria County Recorder of Deeds Nancy K. Horton and Congressman Aaron Schock held a press conference to remind military veterans of the importance of recording their military separation papers in a Recorder of Deeds Office. In addition to Congressman Schock and Nancy Horton, Ernie Crowl, Chairman of Peoria County's Veterans Assistance Commission, and representatives from each branch of the military were present.

Discharged or retired military personnel should record their military separation papers or DD-214 in the Recorder of Deeds Office in order to receive the benefits they have earned. By recording their DD-214, veterans are assured this valuable document is kept in a safe place and that certified copies will be readily available when needed.

During the press conference, Congressman Schock emphasized the importance of recording military separation papers to receive the benefits veterans are entitled.

"The DD-214 form is one of the most often requested forms that individuals seek assistance with from my office. My office will typically receive 20-30 requests per week for copies of their military separation documents," said Congressman Aaron Schock. "The road to acquiring the DD-214 can often be a long process, so I want to stress the importance for veterans to go ahead now and record their military separation documents with their county courthouse because you never know when you may need them at a moment's notice. My office stands readily available to help the veterans in the area to obtain the documentation they need whether it's now or in the future."

Recorder Nancy Horton agrees and remarked on the integrity of the recording process, "A veteran's DD-214 contains personal information about their military service; therefore, this document is protected from the public eye. When a veteran records his or her DD-214 in any county's Recorder of Deeds Office, he or she can have peace of mind knowing their service record can only be accessed by the service member, his or her legal guardian, or those with signed authorization from the service member or legal guardian. We keep all recorded military separation papers in a sealed vault in our office."

If a spouse or family member is in need of their loved one's military separation papers, they are encouraged to visit Peoria County's Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC). VAC Chairman Ernie Crowl explains, "The VAC is here to serve those who have served us, and their families. If a family member needs information contained in discharge papers, they can come to us and we will help them get the information they need. The VAC works very closely with the Recorder's Office to ensure veterans and their family members get the assistance they need as quickly as possible."

In addition to expedited service, veterans are able to record their DD-214 in any Illinois county free of charge. The Illinois Association of Clerks & Recorders recommends recording military separation papers in a county convenient for current and future access, a location easy to remember. Veterans or their legal guardian are able to get copies and certified copies of their DD-214 free of charge. For more information about recording military documents, please call the Recorder of Deeds Office at (309) 672-6090.

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