If you do not have a copy of your records for military service, specifically DD214 papers, you can request a FREE copy of them through this site:

http://archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/

Obviously you have to have all the right information to get the material, and you must sign a form and mail it or fax it to them to get your copies.

I was looking through some stuff the other day, because my wife and I are considering purchasing a business, and discovered I've never received a copy of my DD214 for about 1/2 of my total service time. I was active duty for 14 years, and in the Reserves another 12 years. I do not have copies of the reserve dd214, which might make it difficult when applying for VA loans and things of that nature.

Thought I would share this piece of information with any vets out there that might need it

Rick