How many times have the local funeral director, and I and my fellow veterans, heard this question from the surviving family of a veteran? What is a 214, what is it for, and how do I get a copy of one? A Department of Defense form 214 is a discharge/separation document issued to a military servicemember after he/she completes the duration of his/her active duty service or other military service that entailed at least 90 consecutive days of active duty training. The report of separation contains information normally needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement pay, employment, and membership in veteran’s organizations. Bottom line: it is proof of honorable service in the armed forces of the United States of America.

For veterans who left military service before Jan. 1, 1950, a different form was used: WD AGO Form 53-55 (Army/AAF); NAVPERS 553 (Navy); NAVMC 78-PD (Marines); and NAVCG 553 (Coast Guard). National Guard personnel receive a form NGB-22 at separation.

Why would a survivor need one of these forms? To apply for any benefits coming to you upon the death of a veteran, for veteran’s healthcare, etc. For help to get one call Paul Loveless, the Veterans Service Officer at the Mid-Coast Veterans Resource Center (MVRC) in Brunswick, at 406-4103; or call Maine State Veterans’ Services in Camp Keyes, Augusta, at 626-4464; or call the American Legion Service Officer at Togus, 623-5726. (Note: A form DD-215 is used to make corrections to an erroneous DD-214.)

All veterans should take the responsibility to brief their family on where their discharge papers are filed. If you don’t have your 214 on hand, you should make sure to get a copy for your family. I thank Bob (a Coffee Crowd regular) for bringing this very important topic to my attention. I know people don’t like to think about it, but death is something we don’t have control over. As veterans, we all have the responsibility to prepare our survivors. My column next week will cover what to do before a veteran dies.

Let’s talk politics. I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of hearing why Governor LePage beat Mike Michaud. Reporters and columnists are blaming Eliot Cutler, or the bear hunting issue, or anything else but the truth. In my opinion, the people of Maine sent a message: Don’t send Obamas and Clintons or other out-of-staters to Maine to tell us who we should vote for. Mainers can make up their own minds. I have travelled around the state since the election and Mainers are upset at what the Democrats tried to do — yes, even a lot of our Democratic friends. We didn’t need outside groups coming to Maine to tell us that “we will have the distinction of having the first gay governor in the country.” That was a mistake and one of the biggest factors for the election results. Again, outsiders don’t tell us who to vote for. Another big factor, and I mean big, was the comment about First Lady Ann LePage’s “ice cream socials.” Lots of families were angry that anyone would take on First Lady Ann.

Veterans from all over the state called me to say they were supporting the Governor and First Lady because of things Mike Michaud said — that our Governor doesn’t do anything to help veterans. Come on Mike, you know better than that. And so does former state senator and political analyst Ethan Strimbling. Both you guys know what a governor can do. And I can tell you because I’ve seen the Governor in action. He has a sincere respect and appreciation for veterans. The Democrats could now use something that we use in the VA: “Lessons Learned.” Democratic leaders, stop making excuses, realize the truth — you didn’t do your job.

Gil and I had a visit with newlyelected Senate President Mike Thibodeau last week. We got to talk about the upcoming 127th state legislative session. I am helping to make plans for the American Legion to conduct the opening ceremony for the state Senate, and we also talked about upcoming legislative matters affecting veterans — a half hour well spent. The Speaker of the House cancelled his meeting with us, but we did meet with his aide. Lots of things talked about there, including the opening of the House’s 127th session. Gil and I also met with the VA’s homeless veterans team at Togus. I will have a lot more to report on this topic next week.

Our Coffee Crowd still meets daily for morning coffee, and is now talking about the Brunswick H.S. football team and their championship. Nice going, Dragons! Dante is preparing to snow-bird in Arizona and Jim says he’ll miss the morning conversations with his friend. The Brunswick Legion Post will hold its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the MVRC. Interested veterans are welcome.

Finally, my sincere thanks to Darcie for putting together my column last week. Great job!

‘Til next time, keep the faith.

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Chick Ciciotte is legislative chairperson for the Mid-Coast Veterans Council. He lives in Topsham.