GDVS, DOD partner to appreciate Vietnam War Veterans
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service can assist veterans and immediate family members in filing for several types of certificates of honor on the behalf of their departed loved ones. These certificates are offered through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration’s Certificates of Honor series.
“We recognize and honor the unique service and sacrifice of all of Georgia’s Vietnam War veterans,” said Georgia Commissioner of Veterans Service Mike Roby. “Their families deserve our respect and gratitude for their love and support as they kept the fires at home burning.”
Individuals and families interested in applying for these certificates can email their information directly to certificates@ vs.state.ga.us; mail the information to GDVS – Central Office, Attn: Certificates, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SE, Suite E-960, Atlanta, GA 30334 or fax the information to 404-656-7006.
There are four categories of Certificates and accompanying lapel pins available to Georgia veterans and family members through the GDVS: The “In Memory of” Certificate https:// veterans. georgia. gov/ sites/ veterans. georgia. gov/ files/ related_ files/ site_ page/ in_ memory. pngThe “In Memory of” certificate is for immediate family members (parents, surviving spouse, children, and siblings) of those American military Vietnam War fatalities. The DoD will verify the submitted information by checking the list on the Vietnam Memorial Wall. This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner. The “Surviving Spouse” Certificate https:// veterans. georgia. gov/ sites/ veterans. georgia. gov/ files/ related_ files/ site_ page/ vietnam_ spouse_ pin. pngThe “Surviving Spouse” certificate is for the widow (widower) at the time of death of a veteran who served on active ( military) duty between June 1, 1954 and May 15, 1975. This certificate can be issued (and printed) by a Vietnam War Anniversary Commemorative Partner organization.
A surviving spouse interested in receiving this certificate will need to provide documentation proving their relationship and a copy of the deceased veteran’s DD Form 214.
The “Unaccounted for/Missing in Action” Certificate
https:// veterans. georgia. gov/ sites/ veterans. georgia. gov/ files/ related_ files/ site_ page/ unaccounted_ for_ pin. pngThe “Unaccounted for/ Missing in Action” certificate is for immediate family members (parents, children, siblings, and spouse) of an American military service member who is listed by DoD as missing and still unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.
Information provided will be verified by the Vietnam War Commemoration office with the Defense Prisoner of War/ Missing Personnel Office ( DPMO). This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner. The “Former POW” Certificate https:// veterans. georgia. gov/ sites/ veterans. georgia. gov/ files/ related_files/site_page/pow_ vietnam_ commemoration. pngThe “Former POW” certificate is for living American military Vietnam War POWs as listed by DoD. This certificate is requested through and presented by a Commemorative Partner.