U.S.C.G. ASSISTED VETERAN HELP GUIDE

Transcription

1 TOGETHER WE SERVED Save Our Veterans Stories This Help Guide enables you to organize and gather all information associated with your Veteran Family Member s military service, ready for you to post to their Military Service Page on TogetherWeServed.org. Once completed, a beautiful Shadow Box presentation of their entire military service, including all insignia, badges, medals, photos and memories is available for you to print out and frame, or share with other family members via your own personal web address. Contents: Military Service Information 1. Brief Overview - Getting Started 2. Your Veteran s Discharge Certificate Explained 3. Coast Guard Job Rating Codes 4. Basic Veteran Military Service Information 5. Medals and Ribbons Awarded 6. Boot Camp or Officer Training School Attended 7. Units and Duty Stations Assigned To 8. Combat and Non-Combat Operations Participated In References 9. Badges - Illustrated Selection Reference 10. Medals and Ribbons - Illustrated Selection Reference 11. Service Reflections - Capturing Memories Worksheet 12. Service Photographs Photo Description Summary 13. Veteran Video Interview Guidelines 14. Posting Video to Your Veterans Military Service Page 15. Posting Veterans Discharge Certificate 16. Viewing, Printing and Sharing Your Veterans Shadow Box TogetherWeServed.org 1

2 GETTING STARTED U.S.C.G. ASSISTED VETERAN HELP GUIDE Step 1 Gather Your Veteran s Service Information Using This Help Guide First locate your Veteran s discharge certificate if available. Work with your Veteran to enter as much information as you can from this certificate into the Basic Veteran Information page. You will use this information during the Join process. On the Help Guide, identify and mark all the medal ribbons, insignia and badges awarded to your Veteran. Scan their discharge certificate and all military photos. Now you are ready to start building your Veterans Military Service Page. Step 2 - Build Your Veteran s Military Service Page On Together We Served.org After joining Together We Served.org as a Family Member, enter all the information gathered on the Help Guide into your Veteran s Military Service Page using the Add button in each section. Need help? Contact our online Help Desk at bottom left. A complete service history will begin to appear with medal ribbons worn exactly as on uniform and all badges, insignia and unit patches correctly displayed. Add their photos to designated photo albums - an album is available for each event in their service career - boot camp, each assignment, combat mission etc. Click the Edit button in any section of their Military Service Page to add photos to an event in that section. eg add related photos to a specific duty station in the Assignments section. Click on the Shadow Box and Timeline buttons on your Veteran s page to view unique and beautifully illustrated presentations of your Veteran s military service which can be shared via a personal web address or printed out and framed. Step 3 - Capture Your Veteran s Service Memories. A unique feature of your Veteran s Military Service Page is as section called Service Reflections. Service Reflections is an easy to complete self-interview designed to help your Veteran remember key people and events from their military service The Service Reflections interview questions are contained in this Help Guide. Your Veteran may wish to write their own answers which you can then enter into the Service Reflections section of their Profile Page. Each question may be answered on at a time. Once your Veteran has completed their Reflections, you can choose to have your Veteran recount their military memories in a video record. Using the Reflections Interview Questions to guide the session, you can record your Veteran reflecting back using any recording device - smartphone, tablet or video camera. You can now upload your recorded video to your YouTube account and insert the YouTube Share link in the Service Reflections section of their Together We Served Military Service Page. TogetherWeServed.org 2

3 SAMPLE U.S. COAST GUARD DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE DD FORM 214 TogetherWeServed.org 3

4 Coast Guard Job Rating Codes (eg TTC is a Chief Petty Officer with TT (Telephone Tech) Job Code) AC Air Controlman ( ) ACM Aviation Carpenters Mate ( ) AD Aviation Machinist's Mate (1948-Present) AE Aviation Electrician's Mate ( ) AG Aerographer's Mate ( ) AL Aviation Electronics Mate/Airborne Radioman ( ) AM Aviation Metalsmith ( ) AM Aviation Structural Mechanic (1948-Present) AMT Aviation Maintenance Technician (1999-Present) AO Aviation Ordnanceman ( ) ASM Aviation Survival Technician ( ) AST Aviation Survival Technician ( ) AT Aviation Electronics Technician ( ) BM Boatswain's Mate (1920-Present) BML Boatswain's Mate Lifesaving ( ) BT Boilertender ( ) CS Commissaryman ( ) DC Damage Controlman (1948-Present) DN Dentalman ( ) DR Dentalman Recruit ( ) DT Dental Technician ( ) E Electrician ( ) EM Electrician's Mate (1920-Present) EMT Electrician (E) ( ) EN Engineman ( ) ET Electronics Technician ( ) ETN Electronics Technicians Communications ( ) ETN Electronics Technicians Communications FC Fire Controlman ( ) FS Food Service Specialist (1996-Present) FT Fire Control ( ) GM Gunner's Mate (1929-Present) HM Hospital Corpsman ( ) HS Health Service Technician (1983-Present) IS Intelligence Specialist (2008-Present) ISM Information Systems Management ISS Intelligence System Specialist IT Information Systems Technician (2003-Present) IV Investigator (1982-Present) JO Journalist ( ) ME Maritime Enforcement Specialist TogetherWeServed.org 4

5 MK Machinery Technician (1974-Present) MM Machinist's Mate ( ) MoMM Motor Machinist's Mate 1( ) MSS Maritime Safety Specialist Deck MST Marine Science Technician (1968-Present) MU Musician (1925-Present) OS Operations Specialist (2003-Present) PA Public Affairs Specialist (1972-Present) PH Photographer's Mate ( ) PR Parachute Rigger ( ) PS Port Security Specialist ( ) QM Quartermaster ( ) RD Radarman ( ) RDm Radarman ( ) RM Radioman ( ) SD Steward ( ) SHT Ships Serviceman ( ) SK Storekeeper (1920-Present) SM Signalman ( ) SO Steward ( ) SO Sonarman ( ) SS Subsistence Specialist ( ) ST Sonar Technician ( ) TC Telecommunications Specialists ( ) TT Telephone Technician ( ) YN Yeoman (1948-Present) YN Yeoman ( ) TogetherWeServed.org 5

6 Basic Veteran Information (Numbers Reference Red Numbers on Discharge Certificate) Name (1) Last Name: Initial: First Name: Nickname/ Military Codename Final Rank (2) State / Zip Code of Residence State: Color of Sleeve Chevrons: Red [ ] Gold [ ] Zip: Date of Birth (9) Date of Birth (9): Home Town (8): Home Town (8) State/ Country of Birth State of Birth: Country of Birth: Contact Phone Number Contact Address Service Years (3) (4) Start Date (3): Separation Date (4): Service Status (Circle) a) Veteran b) Retired c) Active d) Reserve Last Rating + Job Specialty Code (2) (6) Last Rating (2) Last Specialty Code (6) Last Ship or Duty Station Assigned To (5) Hashmarks (Service Stripes on Sleeve) Number of Diagonal Stripes: Breast Badges Shown on Uniform (See Appendix to Identify) Primary Breast Badge (Above Ribbons): Secondary Breast Badge (Below Ribbons): Language(s) Spoken TogetherWeServed.org 6

7 Medals and Awards (See Medals Reference in Appendix) Medals and Awards (7) If a medal was awarded more than once, list each award separately along with its year of award. 1.Name: 2. Name: 11. Name: 12. Name: 3. Name: 13. Name: 4. Name: 14. Name: 5. Name: 15. Name: 6. Name: 16. Name: 7. Name: 17. Name: 8. Name: 18. Name: 9. Name: 19. Name: 10. Name: 20. Name: TogetherWeServed.org 7

8 Service History: Recruit Or Officer Training and Assignments Recruit or Officer Training (Boot Camp) Training School Name: Location: Company: Platoon: Month: Year Assignment #1 Ship Duty Station Formal Schools Assignment #2 Assignment #3 Assignment #4 Assignment #5 Assignment #6 Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Start End Location: TogetherWeServed.org 8

9 Assignment #7 Assignment #8 Assignment #9 Assignment #10 Assignment #11 Assignment #12 Assignment #13 Assignment #14 Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Start End Ship, Duty Station or Formal School: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Location: Rank: Job Code: Start End Location: TogetherWeServed.org 9

10 Service History: Combat and Non-Combat Operations Combat / Non-Combat Operations #1 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #2 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #3 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: TogetherWeServed.org 10

11 Combat / Non-Combat Operations #4 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #5 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #6 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: TogetherWeServed.org 11

12 Medals and Awards (See Medals Reference in Appendix) Medals and Awards (7) If a medal was awarded more than once, list each award separately along with its year of award. 1.Name: 2. Name: 3. Name: 11. Name: 12. Name: 13. Name: 4. Name: 14. Name: 5. Name: 15. Name: 6. Name: 16. Name: 7. Name: 17. Name: 8. Name: 18. Name: 9. Name: 19. Name: 10. Name: 20. Name: TogetherWeServed.org 12

13 Coast Guard Badges and Insignia Reference (Mark Those Awarded) Image Command Badges Name Command Afloat Officer Command at Sea Command Ashore Operational Badges Marine Safety Officer Officer Cutterman Boat Force Operation Boat Force Operation Gold Coxswain Enlisted Cutterman Surfman TogetherWeServed.org 13

14 Tactical Law Enforcement Port Security Warfare Officer Port Security Warfare Enlisted Image Small Craft Badges Name Craftsmaster Officer in Charge (Small Craft) Badge Petty Officer in Charge (Small Craft) Badge Image Official Coast Guard Badges Name Company Commander Commandant Staff TogetherWeServed.org 14

15 Officer In Charge Afloat Officer In Charge Ashore Command Chief E7 Command Master Chief E9 Unit Chief E7 Unit Senior Chief E8 Command Master Chief Gold TogetherWeServed.org 15

16 Command Senior Chief E8 Rating Force Master Chief Coast Guard Police OIF Marine Investigator Badge Defense Logistics Agency Coast Guard Band Honor Guard TogetherWeServed.org 16

17 Afloat Training Specialist WWI Discharge Pin WW II Honorable Discharge Pin Coast Guard Retired Pin Auxiliary Coast Guard Badges Auxiliary Cutterman Auxiliary Coxswain Auxilary Trident Operations Auxiliarist Auxiliary National Staff Badge Auxiliary Aircrew Auxiliary Aviator TogetherWeServed.org 17

18 Personal Watercraft Operator Device Recreational Boating Safety Device Past Officer Device Auxiliary Auxiliary Retired Image Aviation Warfare Badges Name Aerospace Physiologist Badge Navy/Marine Corps Combat Air Crew Wings Navy Dirigible Pilot Wings Navy Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Badge Navy Flight Nurse Badge Naval Astronaut Wings Naval Aviation Supply Corps Badge Naval Aviator Wings TogetherWeServed.org 18

19 Naval Flight Officer Astronaut Wings Naval Flight Officer Wings Naval Flight Surgeon Wings Coast Guard Astronaut Coast Guard Aviator Coast Guard Flight Officer Coast Guard Aircrew Coast Guard Aerial Ice Observer Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Coast Guard Flight Surgeon Naval Observer Wings Image Surface Warfare Badges Name Surface Warfare Dental Badge Surface Warfare Enlisted Badge Surface Warfare Medical Badge Surface Warfare Nurse Badge Surface Warfare Supply Badge TogetherWeServed.org 19

20 Surface Warfare Officer Badge Image SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badges Name SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 1 Patrol SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 2 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 3 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 4 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 5 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 6 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 7 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 8 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 9 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 10 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 11 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 12 Patrols TogetherWeServed.org 20

21 SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 13 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 14 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 15 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 16 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 17 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 18 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 19 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 20 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 21 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 22 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 23 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 24 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 25 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 26 Patrols TogetherWeServed.org 21

22 SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 27 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 28 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 29 Patrols SSBN Deterrent Patrol Badge - 30 Patrols Image Submarine Warfare Badges Name Deep Submergence Enlisted Badge Submarine Combat Patrol Badge Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 2 Patrols Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 3 Patrols Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 4 Patrols Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 5 Patrols Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 6 Patrols Submarine Combat Patrol Badge - 7 Patrols Submarine Enlisted Badge Submarine Engineering Duty Badge Submarine Medical Badge TogetherWeServed.org 22

23 Submarine Supply Corps Badge Submarine Officer Badge Deep Submergence Officer Badge Image Special Warfare Badges Name Basic Parachutist Naval Parachutist Badge Special Warfare Combatant Badge Special Warfare Enlisted Badge Special Warfare Officer Badge Navy Enlisted Expeditionary Warfare Pin Image Restricted Warfare Badges Name FMF Warfare Specialist Badge Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Enlisted Badge Integrated Undersea Surveillance System Officer Badge TogetherWeServed.org 23

24 Naval Reserve Badge Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Enlisted Badge Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist Officer Badge Image Special Operations badges Name Special Operations Badge Scuba Diver Badge Second Class Diver Badge First Class Diver Badge Master Diver Badge Master Diver Medical Badge Master Diver Medical Officer Badge TogetherWeServed.org 24

25 Master Diver Officer Badge Navy Basic EOD Badge Navy Senior EOD Badge Navy Master EOD Badge Image Rifle Marksmanship Badges Name U.S. Distinguished International Shooter Badge Navy Distinguished Marksman Badge CG National Rifle (Gold) CG National Rifle (Silver) TogetherWeServed.org 25

26 CG National Rifle (Bronze) CG Rifle Competition Marksman (Gold) CG Rifle Competition Marksman (Silver) CG Rifle Competition Marksman (Bronze) CG Distinguished Marksman Navy National Trophy Match Rifleman Excellence in Competition (Gold) Navy National Trophy Match Rifleman Excellence in Competition (Silver) TogetherWeServed.org 26

27 Navy National Trophy Match Rifleman Excellence in Competition (Bronze) Navy Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold) Navy Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver) Navy Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze) Navy Fleet Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold) Navy Fleet Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver) TogetherWeServed.org 27

28 Navy Fleet Rifleman Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze) Image Pistol Marksmanship Badges Name CG National Pistol Shot (Gold) CG National Pistol Shot (Silver) CG National Pistol Shot (Bronze) CG Competition Pistol Shot (Gold) CG Competition Pistol Shot (Silver) TogetherWeServed.org 28

29 CG Competition Pistol Shot (Bronze) CG Distinguished Pistol Shot Navy Distinguished Pistol Shot Badge Navy Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold) Navy Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver) Navy Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze) TogetherWeServed.org 29

30 Navy Fleet Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Gold) Navy Fleet Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Silver) Navy Fleet Pistol Shot Excellence in Competition Badge (Bronze) Image Joint Service Badges Name Presidential Service Badge Inter American Defense Board US European Command TogetherWeServed.org 30

31 Allied Forces Central Joint Deployment Agency US Central Command (Original) National Defense University NATO Standing Naval Forces Atlantic NATO Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean FBI National Academy TogetherWeServed.org 31

32 US Pacific Command Department of State Service Badge Joint Forces Command Defense Intelligence Agency Secretary of Defense ID Badge Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice President Service Badge US Northern Command ID Badge TogetherWeServed.org 32

33 Allied Command Atlantic Central Command Transport Command U.S. Strategic Command Badge Defense Information Systems Agency United States Africa Command TogetherWeServed.org 33

34 Coast Guard Medals and Awards Reference (Mark Those Awarded to Veteran) Mark the Medal Ribbons which have been awarded to your Veteran. See (7) on their Discharge Certificate When a Medal has been awarded more than once, indicate how many times. Medal of Honor Navy Cross Defense Distinguished Service Medal Transportation Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star D.O.T. Secretary's Award Outstanding Achievement Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Coast Guard Heroism Medal Gold Lifesaving Medal TogetherWeServed.org 34

35 Bronze Star Purple Heart Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritiorious Service Medal Air Medal Silver Lifesaving Medal D.O.T. Secretary's Award For Meritorious Achievement Joint Service Commendation Medal Coast Guard Commendation Medal D.O.T. Award for Superior Achievement Joint Service Achievement Medal Coast Guard Achievement Medal Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon TogetherWeServed.org 35

36 Combat Action Ribbon Navy Presidential Unit Citation Joint Meritorious Unit Award D.O.T. Secretary's Outstanding Unit Award Coast Guard Unit Commendation Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Coast Guard "E" Ribbon Coast Guard Bicentennial Unit Commendation Prisoner of War Medal Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal Coast Guard Reserve Good Conduct Medal Navy Expeditionary Medal TogetherWeServed.org 36

37 China Service Medal American Defense Medal American Campaign Medal European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal WWII Victory Medal U.S. Antarctic Expedition Medal Navy Occupation Service Medal for Humane Action National Defense Service Medal Korea Service Medal Antarctica Service Medal Arctic Service Medal TogetherWeServed.org 37

38 Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal Kosovo Campaign Afghanistan Campaign Medal Iraq Campaign Medal Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) Global War on Terrorism (Service) Korea Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Special Operation Service Ribbon TogetherWeServed.org 38

39 Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon Coast Guard Restricted Duty Ribbon Basic Training Honor Graduate Coast Guard Recruiting Service Ribbon Armed Forces Reserve Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Korean Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Liberation Medal TogetherWeServed.org 39

40 Philippine Independence Medal United Nations Service Medal United Nations Medal NATO Medal NATO Kosovo Medal Multinational Force & Observers Medal Inter-American Defense Board Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Emirate of Kuwait) Republic of Korea War Service Medal Rifle Marksmanship Medal Pistol Marksmanship Medal TogetherWeServed.org 40

41 Reflections On Service Written Interview Questions What influenced your decision to join the military? Whether you were in the service for several years or as a career, please describe the direction or path you took. What was your reason for leaving? TogetherWeServed.org 41

42 If you participated in any military operations, including combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, please describe those which were the most significant to you and, if life-changing, in what way. TogetherWeServed.org 42

43 Of all your duty stations or assignments, which one do you have fondest memories of and why? Which one was your least favorite? From your entire service, including combat, describe the personal memories which have impacted you most? TogetherWeServed.org 43

44 TogetherWeServed.org 44

45 TogetherWeServed.org 45

46 What achievement(s) are you most proud of from your military career? If you received any medals, awards, formal presentations or qualification badges for significant achievement or valor, please describe how these were earned. Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or any other memorabilia, please describe those which are the most meaningful to you and why? TogetherWeServed.org 46

47 Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why? Please recount the names of friends you served with, at which location, and what you remember most about them. Indicate those you are already in touch with and those you would like to make contact with. TogetherWeServed.org 47

48 Can you recount a particular incident(s) from your service which may or may not have been funny at the time, but still makes you laugh? TogetherWeServed.org 48

49 What profession did you follow after your military service and what are you doing now? If you are currently serving, what is your present occupational specialty? What military associations are you a member of, if any? What specific benefits do you derive from your memberships? How has military service influenced the way you have approached your life and career? What advice would you have for those that are still serving? TogetherWeServed.org 49

50 Military Photographs Photo #1 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #2 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #3 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 50

51 Military Photographs Photo #4 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #5 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #6 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 51

52 Military Photographs Photo #7 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #8 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #9 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 52

53 Military Photographs Photo #10 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #11 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #12 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 53

54 Military Photographs Photo #13 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #14 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #15 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 54

55 Military Photographs Photo #16 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #17 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #18 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 55

56 Military Photographs Photo #19 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #20 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: Photo #21 Title of Photo: Approximate People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 56

57 Suggested Video Interview Questions 1: Early Years: Tell me about your early years in the service. Who or what influenced you to join the military? Where did you go to boot camp/ officer training and what memories do you have from that time? 2: Service Years or War Years: Briefly tell me about your career path. What was your first unit assignment and where were you located? What were your subsequent assignments? Your main military occupation was that of infantryman (substitute other occupation). Tell us a little bit about particular military equipment you worked with and any associated special memories. You participated in combat operations in Vietnam (substitute war or type of operation specific to your Veteran). Can you recall the most significant of those operations, the role you played and specific memories you hold to this day of what happened? Your received a Purple Heart (substitute for other significant medal or award specific to your Veteran). How was this earned and what special meaning does this have for you? You left the service in 19XX. What influenced your decision to leave? 3: Special Memories: Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why? Can you recount the names of friends you served with and what do you remember most about them? Of all your duty stations or assignments, which ones do you have fondest memories of and why? Can you describe a particular incident(s) from your service which may or may not have been funny at the time, but still makes you laugh? What achievement(s) are you most proud of from your time in the military? TogetherWeServed.org 57

58 Record and Upload Your Video To YouTube And Veterans Military Service Page 1: Prepare Your Veterans Interview a) Prepare your questions in advance, based on the guidelines on the previous page and show them to your Veteran. Modify your questions to suit. b) Have your Veteran seated comfortably in a quiet room with no background noise. c) Decide on your recording device smartphone, tablet or video camera are all suitable. However the recording device must be held steady. If possible it is better that another person or tripod holds the recording device which enables the interviewer and your Veteran to concentrate on the interview without distraction. 2: Recording Your Veterans Interview a) The interview should be ideally be 30 minutes to 60 minutes long. b) Introduce your Veteran and include the date of the interview and where it was made. c) Ask your questions sequentially with a pause in between each question. Let your Veteran reminisce as much as they like. Keep the atmosphere similar to a relaxed conversation. d) Look for a story within a story. If a memory is recalled that would prompt an unplanned question, feel free to ask this. 3: Uploading Your Video To YouTube a) Most recorded video files are extremely large anywhere from 3 to 5 GB. YouTube is a very convenient place to upload your video and share this very easily using the YouTube shared video address for your video. b) To upload your video to YouTube, you need to have a YouTube account which is very easy to set up. Go to and click on Sign In at the top right of the web page. If you do not already have a YouTube account you can create one by clicking on Create Account. c) Once you upload your video file to your YouTube Page, you will be able to view this on YouTube. Click on the Share link underneath your video to obtain your videos YouTube web address. This web address will be in a form similar to TogetherWeServed.org 58

59 4. Posting Your Video To Your Veterans Military Service Page on Together We Served a) This YouTube web address is what you will use to post your video on your Veterans Military Service Page on Together We Served. b) Log in to and go to your Veterans Military Service Profile Page. c) Click on the Upload Reflections Video link in the Service Reflections section of the Profile Page. A popup will appear. Enter your YouTube web address in the designated YouTube field and click on Save. d) Your video is now available for viewing. e) Any questions contact our Live Member Help Desk at the bottom left of your Together We Served website. Post a Scanned Copy of Your Veterans DD-214 Discharge Certificate 1/ On your Veterans Military Service Page, just under your Veterans Service Photo, click on the DD-214 link. This allows you to upload a scanned copy of your Veterans Discharge Certificate most commonly called DD Form / After you have scanned your Veterans DD-214, please blank out the Service Number at the top of the form in the event this is a Social Security Number. If you don t know how to do this don t worry, our Administrators will do this for you before approving the DD-214 for upload. View Your Veterans Shadow Box and Order Poster Print Viewing Your Veterans Military Service Shadow Boxes and Timeline On your Veterans Military Service Page, just under your Veterans Service Photo, there are three links you can click on: a) Shadow Box Summary of Complete Military Service b) Reflections Shadow Box Summary of Complete Military Service plus Memories c) Military Service Timeline Timeline Presentation of Complete Military Service TogetherWeServed.org 59

60 2/ Shadow Box and Timeline presentations are fully illustrated with all insignia, medals, badges and patches. 3/ Each time you update your Veterans Military Service Page, their Shadow Boxes and Timeline automatically update. Sharing Your Veterans Military Service Shadow Boxes and Timeline 1/ Click on the link above your Veterans Shadow Box frame entitled: Share your Shadow Box or adjust your Shadow Box settings HERE. Now you can: a) Customize the presentation of your Shadow Boxes. b) Switch your privacy settings from Private to Shared c) Obtain your personal web addresses for each Shadow Box or Timeline you can share with family or friends. Printing Your Veterans Military Service Shadow Box 1/ You can order a high resolution, 18 wide Poster Print of your Veterans Shadow Box by clicking on the Order Poster Print button above your Veterans Shadow Box frame. Your poster is professionally printed on quality satin finish photo paper and delivered to your door in strong cardboard tube. 2/ You have the option to frame your Shadow Box Poster Print and hang this on your wall. TogetherWeServed.org 60