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. Basic Veteran Military Service Information 4. Medals and Ribbons Awarded 5. Boot Camp or Officer Training School Attended 6. Units and Duty Stations Assigned To 7. Combat and Non-Combat Operations Participated In References 8. Badges - Illustrated Selection Reference 9. Medals and Ribbons - Illustrated Selection Reference 10. Service Reflections - Capturing Memories Worksheet 11. Service Photographs Photo Description Summary 12. Veteran Video Interview Guidelines 13. Posting Video to Your Veterans Military Service Page 14. Posting Veterans Discharge Certificate 15. Viewing, Printing and Sharing Your Veterans Shadow Box TogetherWeServed.org 1
GETTING STARTED U.S.M.C. 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
SAMPLE U.S. MARINE CORPS DISCHARGE CERTIFICATE DD FORM 214 TogetherWeServed.org 3
Basic Veteran Information (Numbers Reference Red Numbers on Discharge Certificate) Name (1) Last Name: Initial: First Name: Nickname/Codename Final Rank (2) State / Zip Code of Residence State: 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 E-mail Address Service Years (3) (4) Start Date (3): Separation Date (4): Service Status (Circle) a) Veteran b) Retired c) Active d) Reserve Last Military Occupational Specialty Number (6) Last Unit or Duty Station Assigned To (5) Hashmarks (Service Stripes on Sleeve) Number of Diagonal Stripes: Number of Horizontal Stripes: Language(s) Spoken TogetherWeServed.org 4
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: Year: 2. Name: Year: 11. Name: Year: 12. Name: Year: 3. Name: Year: 13. Name: Year: 4. Name: Year: 14. Name: Year: 5. Name: Year: 15. Name: Year: 6. Name: Year: 16. Name: Year: 7. Name: Year: 17. Name: Year: 8. Name: Year: 18. Name: Year: 9. Name: Year: 19. Name: Year: 10. Name: Year: 20. Name: Year: TogetherWeServed.org 5
Service History: Recruit Or Officer Training and Assignments Recruit or Officer Training (Boot Camp) Training School Name: Location: Company: Platoon: Month: Year Assignment #1 Unit Duty Station Formal Schools Assignment #2 Assignment #3 Assignment #4 Assignment #5 Assignment #6 Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, 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 Year: End Year: Location: TogetherWeServed.org 6
Assignment #7 Assignment #8 Assignment #9 Assignment #10 Assignment #11 Assignment #12 Assignment #13 Assignment #14 Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, Duty Station or Formal School: Start Year: End Year: Unit, 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 Year: End Year: Location: TogetherWeServed.org 7
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 8
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 9
Combat / Non-Combat Operations #7 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #8 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: Combat / Non-Combat Operations #9 Name of Operation: Dates of Operation: Memories: TogetherWeServed.org 10
Marine Corps Badges and Insignia Reference (Mark Those Awarded) Image Rifle Marksmanship Badges Name Rifle Expert Rifle Expert 2nd Award Rifle Expert 3rd Award Rifle Expert 4th Award Rifle Expert 5th Award Rifle Expert 6th Award TogetherWeServed.org 11
Rifle Expert 7th Award Rifle Expert 8th Award Rifle Expert 9th Award Rifle Expert 10th Award Rifle Expert 11th Award Rifle Expert 12th Award TogetherWeServed.org 12
Rifle Expert 13th Award Rifle Expert 14th Award Rifle Expert 15th Award Rifle Expert 16th Award Rifle Expert 17th Award Rifle Expert 18th Award TogetherWeServed.org 13
Rifle Expert 19th Award Rifle Expert 20th Award Rifle Sharpshooter Rifle Marksman Rifle Marksman (Pre 1959) Rifle Sharpshooter (Pre 1959) Rifle Expert (Pre 1959) USMC Basic Qualification Badge TogetherWeServed.org 14
Image Pistol Marksmanship Badges Name Pistol Expert Pistol Expert 2nd Award Pistol Expert 3rd Award Pistol Expert 4th Award Pistol Expert 5th Award Pistol Expert 6th Award Pistol Expert 7th Award TogetherWeServed.org 15
Pistol Expert 8th Award Pistol Expert 9th Award Pistol Expert 10th Award Pistol Expert 11th Award Pistol Expert 12th Award Pistol Expert 13th Award Pistol Expert 14th Award TogetherWeServed.org 16
Pistol Expert 15th Award Pistol Expert 16th Award Pistol Expert 17th Award Pistol Expert 18th Award Pistol Expert 19th Award Pistol Expert 20th Award Pistol Sharpshooter TogetherWeServed.org 17
Pistol Marksman Image Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Name Master EOD Senior EOD Basic EOD Image Parachutist Name Navy/Marine Parachutist Basic Parachutist Image Name Aviator Pilot Wings Naval Flight Officer Navigator Naval Observer Wings TogetherWeServed.org 18
Image Air Crew Name Air Crew Wings Combat Air Crew w/3 Stars Combat Air Crew w/2 Stars Combat Air Crew w/star Combat Air Crew Combat Air Crew w/3 Silver Stars Combat Air Crew w/2 Silver Stars Combat Air Crew w/1 Silver Star Image Warfare Specialist Name FMF Qualified Officer FMF Chaplain FMF Warfare Specialist Surface Warfare Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist TogetherWeServed.org 19
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Image Diving Badges Name Master Diving Officer Diving Medical Officer Master Diver Enlisted Diving Medical Technician First Class Diver Badge Combatant Diver Badge Second Class Diver Badge Scuba Badge TogetherWeServed.org 20
Image Official Badges Name French Fourragere PMI Pith Helmet Master Training Specialist Military Police NCIS Special Agent Criminal Investigation Division TogetherWeServed.org 21
Criminal Investigator Marine Gunner Counter Intelligence WW II Honorable Discharge Pin National Defense University US Central Command (Original) Vietnam Combined Action Platoon (CAP) US Space Command TogetherWeServed.org 22
USMC Retired Pin (30 Years) USMC Retired Pin (20 Years) COMSIXTHFLT Badge LSS/TMS Red Patch United States Taiwan Defense Command USMC Retired Pin FBI National Academy Order of Samuel Sharpe TogetherWeServed.org 23
Pearl Harbor Memorial Medallion Military Police (Pre-2003) Gun Captain WWI Discharge Pin "The President's Own" Defense Logistics Agency United States Marine Band Joint Task Force-6 TogetherWeServed.org 24
Badge of Military Merit WWII USMC Aviation Engineer Navajo Code Talkers Congressional Medal DIA Special Agent Montford Point Marines Congressional Gold Medal Image Cross Service Badges Name Allied Command Atlantic Allied Forces Central TogetherWeServed.org 25
Central Command Defense Intelligence Agency Defense Information Service Agency (DISA) Inter American Defense Board US Southern Command Badge Joint Chiefs Service Joint Deployment Agency TogetherWeServed.org 26
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency NORAD Command Badge NSACSS Badge Northern Command Presidential Service Secretary of Defense Service SOCOM Transport Command TogetherWeServed.org 27
USAF Strategic Command US European Command US Joint Forces Command Army Staff Identification Badge United States Africa Command Commander In Chief Pacific (CINCPAC) Allied Joint Force Command Naples TogetherWeServed.org 28
Marine Medals and Awards Reference Identify the Medals and Ribbons which have been awarded. See (7) on the Discharge Certificate When a Medal has been awarded more than once, indicate how many times. Marine Corps Medal of Honor Navy Cross Defense Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Navy & Marine Corps Medal Bronze Star Purple Heart Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal Joint Service Commendation Medal TogetherWeServed.org 29
Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal Combat Action Ribbon Navy Presidential Unit Citation Joint Meritorious Unit Award Navy Unit Commendation Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Navy E Ribbon Prisoner of War Medal Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal China Service Medal American Defense Medal American Campaign Medal TogetherWeServed.org 30
European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal WWII Victory Medal Navy Occupation Service Medal for Humane Action National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal Antarctica Service Medal 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) TogetherWeServed.org 31
Korea Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Navy Arctic Service Ribbon Navy & Marine Overseas Service Ribbon Marine Corps Recruiting Ribbon Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon Marine Security Guard Ribbon Armed Forces Reserve Medal Marine Corps Reserve Ribbon (Obsolete) Vietnam Gallantry Cross Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Korean Presidential Unit Citation Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation TogetherWeServed.org 32
Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation Philippine Defense Medal Philippine Liberation Medal 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 Vietnam Wound Medal TogetherWeServed.org 33
Reflections On Military 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 34
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 35
Of all your duty stations or unit 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 36
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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 39
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 40
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 41
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 42
Military Photographs Photo #1 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #2 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #3 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 43
Military Photographs Photo #4 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #5 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #6 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 44
Military Photographs Photo #7 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #8 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #9 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 45
Military Photographs Photo #10 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #11 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #12 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 46
Military Photographs Photo #13 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #14 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #15 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 47
Military Photographs Photo #16 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #17 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #18 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 48
Military Photographs Photo #19 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #20 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: Photo #21 Title of Photo: Approximate Year: People in Photo: Description: TogetherWeServed.org 49
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 50
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 http://youtube.com 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 https://youtu.be/zgowbxaueau. TogetherWeServed.org 51
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 http://togetherweserved.org 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 214. 2/ 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 52
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 53