ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Recorder Jason A. Garczyk and the Ohio Recorders’ Association urge the public to be aware of exploitative practices targeting military veterans who are being charged for services that are available for free.

DD214 Direct, a company based in Arizona, is soliciting veterans in Ohio to purchase a copy of their DD-214 form for a fee ranging from $79-$99, according to a release provided by Garczyk. While this practice may be legal, Garczyk and other county recorders across Ohio want to ensure that veterans are informed about the free services to which they are entitled.

Veterans can obtain a free certified copy of their local Veterans Service Commissions as well as their DD-214 at their local county recorder’s office at no charge. The veteran’s DD-214 is only recorded locally if the veteran recorded it in the county recorder’s office. The DD-214 form is essential for veterans to access benefits like Veterans Administration loans, disability compensation and reduced medical costs.

In recent months, recorders offices across Ohio have received DD-214 forms (paid for by veterans) from DD-214 directly through the mail, along with a limited power of attorney granting the recorder the authority to file both documents on behalf of the veteran.

To safeguard veterans from exploitative, unnecessary fees and inform the public, the ORA is working to raise awareness among veterans about these practices. Furthermore, the ORA is currently looking into potential legislation aimed at regulating companies like DD214 Direct and mandating the disclosure of the availability of these services at no charge.

If your local Veterans Service Commission and county recorder’s office is unable to obtain it, veterans can request a copy of their DD-214 at the National Archives website at archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records or print a Standard Form-180 and mail or fax it to National Personnel Records Center 1 Archives Drive, St. Louis Missouri 63138 FAX: 314-801-9195.

For more information or assistance, call Garczyk’s office at 740-699-2140 or the Belmont County Veterans Service Commission at 740-325-1042.