That is definitely good advice, M1. There was never any mention of my Dad getting medical treatment from the VA after discharge, but my mother received a burial flag. So first I wrote (in January) to his Buffalo, New York state VA office and have had no response even though I tagged my letter as an FOIA Request. A follow-up to the VA call center told me they are six months backlogged with inquiries, that VA did not have my Dad's records (she checked their database with his social security number), and to contact NPRC in St. Louis.
I already have my father's honorable discharge papers. They show that he signed-up for VA insurance with a premium of $6.70 each month. Because of that, and the burial flag, I thought they would have all his records.
My request included specific files being sought—the 201 file, DD214 documents, Service Record AGO Form 24, and/or all documents containing every assignment - my father's complete military service - from start to finish.
Well I guess the NPRC letter I received, to Dear Sir or Madam, is a form letter. Since it said they located a few documents recovered from the fire it gave me hope that a real effort was in progress.
By now, I know the history of the 36th Engineers pretty well. But there are some discrepancies between my fathers two discharge papers that need clarification and I want to learn the exact dates of brief periods where he was out-of-action due to Sandfly Fever and a non-battle injury. Maybe Morning Reports are the next route to go. I really don't know what else to do if both VA and NPRC are shining my request and besides funds are very limited.
Thanks for your input. Telling our stories often helps others.
Peanuts