Protecting Ohio’s Veterans: Clermont County Recorder, Deborah Clepper cautions Veterans to be aware of exploitative practices

Clermont County Recorder, Deborah Clepper, and the Ohio Recorders’ Association (ORA) urges Veterans 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 currently soliciting veterans in Ohio to purchase a copy of their DD214 form for a fee ranging from $79 to $99. While this practice may be legal, Deborah Clepper and other County Recorders across Ohio want to ensure that Veterans are informed about the free services they are entitled to.

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, Recorders offices across Ohio have received DD214 forms (paid for by veterans) from DD214 Direct 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 promote 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.

Veterans can request a copy of their DD214 at The National Archives website at https://www.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, MO 63138

Fax: 314-801-9195

and

Clermont County Veterans Services

76 S. Riverside Drive Heritage Building 3rd. Floor

Batavia, Ohio 45103

Fax:513-732-7363

For more information or assistance, please contact the Clermont County Recorder’s Office at 513-732-7236 or the Clermont County Veterans Service Commission at 513-732-7363.