Extremely salty graffitied and named Nam’ helmet. Possibly ID’d!

[P-59A]

4 minutes ago, Gear Fanatic said:

And that’s all I need, unit and when he was in country.

 

The DD-214 is a summary of service. All service's tell you to keep it as a record in  your files.

[Gear Fanatic]

And it can’t hurt. I’ll be calling them tommorow.  That would put this to rest for me if I could just get his DD-214. I would be satisfied. I’m in the IE, near lake Elsinore.

[Rakkasan187]

You are overthinking the process of filling out the SF-180... You DO NOT NEED TO SEND ANY MONEY with the initial records Request...

 

If go through all the trouble of filling out the SF-180 and claim to be a NOK but do not show any proof, that may also slow the process. Call the cemetery and you may be able to get a positive response to the DD214. Saying you are NOK and not providing proof or evidence will also slow the process. 

 

Keep in mind that the folks that are doing this research are Government employees and some will be very strict and request proof while others will overlook things on the records requests... 

 

These are all true events and instances that I have encountered with the numerous NARA staff that I have had pull records for me over the years. You may get a good researcher, you may get a middle of road researcher, so it's anyone's guess who will get your application in their inbox. 

 

One time I submitted a request 7 times because I kept getting the letter back from NARA saying they could not find the records.. I knew for a fact that the records existed on a particular sailor who was Pearl Harbor because the person I bought the medal from had the Sailor's records. NARA didn't realize the records had been pulled for research so they were not in the file  they were supposed to be. By letter number 7 I was able to get his records and it was over 3 inches thick, so persistence also pays off. 

 

Again if there are any records after submitting to NARA you will not get billed unless you request the records, then you will have to pay. If you don't pay no harm, just don't answer the letter from NARA or submit payment, but at least you will know that if a positive reply comes back from NARA they most likely did find records and later down the road when you have funds you can always resubmit the form. 

 

What most of the researchers will do at NARA is look for records and confirm they found something. They will then send you a letter stating they found some files and prior to proceeding with making copies they want to ensure you want the records so they don't waste money printing. In the letter they send to you confirming records were found will be the price, sometimes it can be less than $25.00, it all depends on how many pages they find. I have had some instances where they found records for me, and NARA did not charge me, but instead sent me what they had. In some cases it was 2-3 pages, but it was enough for me to close the loop on my research.

 

Leigh 

[P-59A]

45 minutes ago, Rakkasan187 said:

You are overthinking the process of filling out the SF-180... You DO NOT NEED TO SEND ANY MONEY with the initial records Request...

 

If go through all the trouble of filling out the SF-180 and claim to be a NOK but do not show any proof, that may also slow the process. Call the cemetery and you may be able to get a positive response to the DD214. Saying you are NOK and not providing proof or evidence will also slow the process. 

 

Keep in mind that the folks that are doing this research are Government employees and some will be very strict and request proof while others will overlook things on the records requests... 

 

These are all true events and instances that I have encountered with the numerous NARA staff that I have had pull records for me over the years. You may get a good researcher, you may get a middle of road researcher, so it's anyone's guess who will get your application in their inbox. 

 

One time I submitted a request 7 times because I kept getting the letter back from NARA saying they could not find the records.. I knew for a fact that the records existed on a particular sailor who was Pearl Harbor because the person I bought the medal from had the Sailor's records. NARA didn't realize the records had been pulled for research so they were not in the file  they were supposed to be. By letter number 7 I was able to get his records and it was over 3 inches thick, so persistence also pays off. 

 

Again if there are any records after submitting to NARA you will not get billed unless you request the records, then you will have to pay. If you don't pay no harm, just don't answer the letter from NARA or submit payment, but at least you will know that if a positive reply comes back from NARA they most likely did find records and later down the road when you have funds you can always resubmit the form. 

 

What most of the researchers will do at NARA is look for records and confirm they found something. They will then send you a letter stating they found some files and prior to proceeding with making copies they want to ensure you want the records so they don't waste money printing. In the letter they send to you confirming records were found will be the price, sometimes it can be less than $25.00, it all depends on how many pages they find. I have had some instances where they found records for me, and NARA did not charge me, but instead sent me what they had. In some cases it was 2-3 pages, but it was enough for me to close the loop on my research.

 

Leigh 

I will add on to this. I was doing research on a British subject who worked for the American Consulate for British affairs in France after the fall of France in 1940. These were State Department Documents. They sent me 12 documents that nailed everything I was looking for. If I wanted more documents I would have to contract a researcher, NARA does as best it can in my opinion.  

[Gear Fanatic]

I will send it in knowing that. I called the cemetery today, and they said they were willing to give me the info, but his DD-214 is not on file anymore. So to the NARA!

[Gear Fanatic]

To possibly not have to pay. Could I ask for only specific things to minimize the amount of pages and thus the potential bill? You’re probably right, I am over thinking this. I just want to know when he was in Country what unit. That’s it. I doubt that’s how it works (specifying what I am looking for) but it’s worth a shot if ya’ll don’t think it’s out of line 

[Gear Fanatic]

14 hours ago, Rakkasan187 said:

You are overthinking the process of filling out the SF-180... You DO NOT NEED TO SEND ANY MONEY with the initial records Request...

 

If go through all the trouble of filling out the SF-180 and claim to be a NOK but do not show any proof, that may also slow the process. Call the cemetery and you may be able to get a positive response to the DD214. Saying you are NOK and not providing proof or evidence will also slow the process. 

 

Keep in mind that the folks that are doing this research are Government employees and some will be very strict and request proof while others will overlook things on the records requests... 

 

These are all true events and instances that I have encountered with the numerous NARA staff that I have had pull records for me over the years. You may get a good researcher, you may get a middle of road researcher, so it's anyone's guess who will get your application in their inbox. 

 

One time I submitted a request 7 times because I kept getting the letter back from NARA saying they could not find the records.. I knew for a fact that the records existed on a particular sailor who was Pearl Harbor because the person I bought the medal from had the Sailor's records. NARA didn't realize the records had been pulled for research so they were not in the file  they were supposed to be. By letter number 7 I was able to get his records and it was over 3 inches thick, so persistence also pays off. 

 

Again if there are any records after submitting to NARA you will not get billed unless you request the records, then you will have to pay. If you don't pay no harm, just don't answer the letter from NARA or submit payment, but at least you will know that if a positive reply comes back from NARA they most likely did find records and later down the road when you have funds you can always resubmit the form. 

 

What most of the researchers will do at NARA is look for records and confirm they found something. They will then send you a letter stating they found some files and prior to proceeding with making copies they want to ensure you want the records so they don't waste money printing. In the letter they send to you confirming records were found will be the price, sometimes it can be less than $25.00, it all depends on how many pages they find. I have had some instances where they found records for me, and NARA did not charge me, but instead sent me what they had. In some cases it was 2-3 pages, but it was enough for me to close the loop on my research.

 

Leigh 

 

[P-59A]

6 hours ago, Gear Fanatic said:

To possibly not have to pay. Could I ask for only specific things to minimize the amount of pages and thus the potential bill? You’re probably right, I am over thinking this. I just want to know when he was in Country what unit. That’s it. I doubt that’s how it works (specifying what I am looking for) but it’s worth a shot if ya’ll don’t think it’s out of line 

Gear, you may have have to consider getting a job. Never never land comes to pass for all.

[aerialbridge]

27 minutes ago, P-59A said:

Gear, you may have have to consider getting a job. Never never land comes to pass for all.

 

The extreme pressure on the thumb and index joints from repetitive compression of a nickel hard enough to get the Indian to ride the buffalo has been known to cause premature arthritis. 

[P-59A]

1 hour ago, aerialbridge said:

 

The extreme pressure on the thumb and index joints from repetitive compression of a nickel hard enough to get the Indian to ride the buffalo has been known to cause premature arthritis. 

You had a nickel?  I had lots of thoughts, but I couldn't think of anyone who would give me a penny for them.

[manayunkman]

I ran out of popcorn.

[Gear Fanatic]

It’s not that I don’t want to work. I’m not even old enough to have a job. The only “income” I have is from selling stuff off which is a fairly hard. And I don’t have much I feel comfortable letting go. Also if I even wanted to work I have to fill out and apply for a workers permit which is a pain in rump. And even if I did get it accepted then actually getting hired at a place that hires younger people would be next to impossible. 

[Gear Fanatic]

I hate to be that guy that keeps asking how much money can he get knocked off his tab. But It is very hard for me to come up with money.

[Mr.Jerry]

Not to bash anyone's financial situation, but as I was a collector at a young age, and realized I needed money to do so, so at 12 I mowed lawns, shoveled snow, did yard work, shoveled literally tons of manure (loading and unloading), weeded peoples gardens, washed cars, hauled trash, collected bottles & aluminum cans (we don't have the deposit on cans here) and worked a friends newspaper route (granted back then people had newspapers). The thing about the "knock of opportunity" is that it is actually you who does the knocking- opportunity opens the door.

[Gear Fanatic]

I’ve tried, but people also feel very cautious about my generation specifically. Especially when it comes to work, or under the table kind of stuff like doing lawn work and that kind of thing. People my age are seen as just being a bunch of lazy bums. I personally am not that way. But just because of my age they immediately associate me with that “stereotype” the best I’ve been able to do is reffing soccer games. But games are randomly assigned. And there’s only 2 times of the year I can do it. I’ve tried going door to door. Selling drinks at baseball games (got cops called on me for soliciting) it is a lot harder than one would think. Anyways, today I’m sending in the SF-180 today. So I just need to wait. 

[Mr.Jerry]

If you were closer, I'd hire you!

Youth sport./camp/activities is a good way to network too, and start building that resume. Good luck, you will get there!

[manayunkman]

Don’t think that way about your work ethic.

 

Tell people to pay you when you are done, after they see the great job you do.

 

Competition in California is vicious for the jobs you might look for.

 

Buying and selling things that don’t interest you is the best way to make money.

 

At a very young age I learned about watches, old toys, nick nacks, old photos etc.

 

I had a bicycle so I could get around.

 

All before I got into high school.

 

If you go to yard sales there is tons of stuff to buy and sell.

[Gear Fanatic]

35 minutes ago, Mr.Jerry said:

If you were closer, I'd hire you!

Youth sport./camp/activities is a good way to network too, and start building that resume. Good luck, you will get there!

Thanks Jerry, I appreciate The sentiment.

[Gear Fanatic]

15 minutes ago, manayunkman said:

Don’t think that way about your work ethic.

 

Tell people to pay you when you are done, after they see the great job you do.

 

Competition in California is vicious for the jobs you might look for.

 

Buying and selling things that don’t interest you is the best way to make money.

 

At a very young age I learned about watches, old toys, nick nacks, old photos etc.

 

I had a bicycle so I could get around.

 

All before I got into high school.

 

If you go to yard sales there is tons of stuff to buy and sell.

I’m already well on my way to being a hoarder, which I don’t want. I guess I’ll just work on thinning out my collection. I’m still a bit all over the place. I need to have a focus.

[Gear Fanatic]

Buying and selling might be good as well, I have a solid knowledge on US gear and uniforms especially, and some knowledge on TR stuff. Does anyone know if Vintage productions buys ? He’s pretty close. Would be a good outlet possibly.

[The Rooster]

1 hour ago, Gear Fanatic said:

Buying and selling might be good as well, I have a solid knowledge on US gear and uniforms especially, and some knowledge on TR stuff. Does anyone know if Vintage productions buys ? He’s pretty close. Would be a good outlet possibly.

Just wondering how you got the money for all the things you collect?

Also it takes money to sell.

You have to ship the stuff!

🤣

[Gear Fanatic]

About 80% of this stuff was passed down, I got from friends, saved up for specific items etc.

 

and yes, I know it takes money to ship. Usually if I am selling something, I ask for shipping or build it into the price.

13 minutes ago, The Rooster said:

Just wondering how you got the money for all the things you collect?

Also it takes money to sell.

You have to ship the stuff!

🤣

 

[Gear Fanatic]

A lot of my items are from a family friend in SF, he’s been collecting since the 60’s and he had a bunch of duplicates and NOS items that he gave to me. I usually visit him once a year, and we call fairly often. Sort of an adopted grandfather…

[ShibaLegend]

1 hour ago, Gear Fanatic said:

About 80% of this stuff was passed down, I got from friends, saved up for specific items etc.

 

and yes, I know it takes money to ship. Usually if I am selling something, I ask for shipping or build it into the price.

 

Makes me appreciate my 40$ allowance I get every 2 weeks. 

 

At least till the inevitable comes to me and I have to get a job as well.

 

Worse is I've sold 90% of the stuff I've wanted to sell as well.

[Gear Fanatic]

You my friend are spoiled 🤣

 

$40 a week! My parents wanted to give me an allowance of 5 a week. For big chores like deep cleaning the pool, cleaning all the bathrooms, mopping and waxing the floors. All as regular stuff. You are super lucky. 
 

I try to make money. I restore helmets here and there. Just getting steady business in general is the hardest thing.