Recently my Sister In-Law visited the Greenbrier Country Clerks Office to obtain a copy of her late father’s Discharge Form DD214, which was needed to complete an Application for a Honorary Display Flag to honor her father a WWII Veteran.
She was refused on the basis she was not authorized to receive a copy of the file.
Since, I had directed her to go to The County Clerk’s office I called and spoke with Ms. Loudermilk to ascertain why my Sister In-Law was refused a copy of the document. She stated that that file had been under lock and key since 9-11-2011 and my Sister In-Law was not authorized to obtain a copy of the file.
I asked her to send me a copy of the WV Code or directive which stated that. After more than a week and a phone message reminding her of my request she has not responded.
West Virginia Code Chapter 7-1-3LL is very clear who can obtain copies from this file and “Next of Kin” is included.
A directive of the Department of Defense dated 2004 made the requested document “Public Information” June 3, 2007. Therefore anyone can have access to any DD214 more than 62 years past the discharge date.
This is common published information and I would think Ms. Loudermilk with her long tenure in this office would be aware of it as well.
Later, I talked by phone with one of Monroe County’s Deputy Clerks about who was authorized access to theses files and she knew and understood the WV Code as if she had just read it prior to my call.
In a recent West Virginia Daily Mail article where she announced her re-election bid. She stated, “I love my Job”. I do not question her love for her job. But, I do question her love and compassion for the people she has sworn to serve.
Since I am of her Political Party Affiliation. This is not a political statement directed at her. But a statement of her performance in this matter.
Benjamin M. Reed CSM, WVARNG (Ret).
Dublin, Va.
