HONORABLE Discharge but No DD214

[wmarantha]

My civil rights were denied, and deprived prior to leaving the Marine Corps. I was not counseled prior to leaving the Marine Corps Reserve,regarding the time required to be considered a veteran.

I was a member of the MARINE CORPS RESERVE in Garden City LONG ISLAND, FROM 1955 TO 1960. At that time the Marine Corps never at any time told me my rights concerning being a veteran.
I feel now that my Civil Rights were violated because I was not told by the Marine Corps that I had not completed 90 days required by law for my DD 214. The Marine Corps never counseled me on potential benefits, concerning being a veteran. I feel an injustice has been performed on me, and my Civil Rights have been deprived and denied. I would not have gotten out of the USMCR if I had known the facts.

My serial number was 1505195. I JOINED THE USMCR at the age of 17 1/2.That unit was the 1st Infantry Battalion USMCR, but now has been renamed 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, USMCR.

I went to normal training drills, and training in Camp Lejeune,etc 1955,1956,1957,1958,1959. I had a good record and I never did not get into any trouble at all. In Jan 1960 I asked the Marine Corps Reserve to extend my enlistment 6 months because my mother was dying of cancer.

At that time they (USMC) in Garden City LI, NY. told me I had successfully completed my obligation. I received an Honorable Discharge in 1963, which is eight years after I enlisted.

I did submit a request to my Congress person, Honorable Rosa DeLauro, here in my CT. district.in January 2007. Finally I received an answer from her and the Marine Corps, this month May 2008, that I did not serve 90 continuous days, and therefore not considered for a DD 214. They did not consider the facts that I did not receive any counseling before separation.
Marine Corps violated & disregarded their Retiremment/Separation Policy
MCO P1900.16F
What would you advise? Thank you,

[questionia]

Sir - how could you have completed boot camp and your follow-on school without having completed 90 days of training? I'm not sure what basic was in 1955 but it's pretty much 90days now - or 20 years ago, at least.

It is my understanding that DD214s are issued at the completion of any period of active duty training if you are a Guard or Reservist. I could be wrong but I have received a copy of my DD214 each time I have completed a period of active duty - the updated version includes the most current period of active duty and any awards earned in that period.

Would you happen to have a copy of your orders which put you on active duty for your initial entry training? That might go along way to sorting this out. A couple of posters provided information regarding records in St. Louis - they are very good about responding quickly and they may be able to help you out.

[RealAmerican]

"My civil rights were denied, and deprived prior to leaving the Marine Corps. I was not counseled prior to leaving the Marine Corps Reserve,regarding the time required to be considered a veteran."

Let me start by defining civil rights for you. Civil rights means that people have the right to be treated the same regardless of their race, gender, or religion. These rights are law in the United States and many other nations.

"At that time the Marine Corps never at any time told me my rights concerning being a veteran."

Sir, being a veteran is a privilege that has to be earned, not a right.

"I feel an injustice has been performed on me, and my Civil Rights have been deprived and denied. I would not have gotten out of the USMCR if I had known the facts."

The United States Military is in no way required to counsel you on the rights of veterans. In fact, the majority of exit counseling and benefits counseling is administered by the Veterans Affairs Department.

"I did submit a request to my Congress person, Honorable Rosa DeLauro, here in my CT. district.in January 2007. Finally I received an answer from her and the Marine Corps, this month May 2008, that I did not serve 90 continuous days, and therefore not considered for a DD 214."

That is kind of like killing a fly with a shotgun. Try contacting the Veterans Affairs office and see if they might have any idea why you do not have a DD214. Good Luck.

"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blodd of patriots and tyrants."

[cyberspook]

Originally Posted by wmarantha

My civil rights were denied, and deprived prior to leaving the Marine Corps. I was not counseled prior to leaving the Marine Corps Reserve,regarding the time required to be considered a veteran.

I was a member of the MARINE CORPS RESERVE in Garden City LONG ISLAND, FROM 1955 TO 1960. At that time the Marine Corps never at any time told me my rights concerning being a veteran.
I feel now that my Civil Rights were violated because I was not told by the Marine Corps that I had not completed 90 days required by law for my DD 214. The Marine Corps never counseled me on potential benefits, concerning being a veteran. I feel an injustice has been performed on me, and my Civil Rights have been deprived and denied. I would not have gotten out of the USMCR if I had known the facts.

My serial number was 1505195. I JOINED THE USMCR at the age of 17 1/2.That unit was the 1st Infantry Battalion USMCR, but now has been renamed 2nd Battalion 25th Marines, USMCR.

I went to normal training drills, and training in Camp Lejeune,etc 1955,1956,1957,1958,1959. I had a good record and I never did not get into any trouble at all. In Jan 1960 I asked the Marine Corps Reserve to extend my enlistment 6 months because my mother was dying of cancer.

At that time they (USMC) in Garden City LI, NY. told me I had successfully completed my obligation. I received an Honorable Discharge in 1963, which is eight years after I enlisted.

I did submit a request to my Congress person, Honorable Rosa DeLauro, here in my CT. district.in January 2007. Finally I received an answer from her and the Marine Corps, this month May 2008, that I did not serve 90 continuous days, and therefore not considered for a DD 214. They did not consider the facts that I did not receive any counseling before separation.
Marine Corps violated & disregarded their Retiremment/Separation Policy
MCO P1900.16F
What would you advise? Thank you,

He probably does have a DD214. He just needs to request a copy from National Archives with a SF 180.

[SHORTY LONG]

Originally Posted by cyberspook

He probably does have a DD214. He just needs to request a copy from National Archives with a SF 180.

At his respective age, he might already have one and just does not like what it says.
After-all, he now is saying his [civil rights] have been trampled upon.

wmarantha, if you have not done so already, you can obtain free services
to help you to some regards with any Veteran Service Organization. They have
specialized Veteran's Service Officers at your disposal.