DD-214 Information. A DD-214 is a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. It includes Grade/Rank of the person, place of entry into active service, DOB, home of record, list of Decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons awarded or authorized for all periods of service. Also contains mailing address after separations, name of nearest relative, type of separation, character of service, and record of service. Record of service shows date entered active duty for this period. total active service. foreign service, sea service, etc. Finally shows the character of service of the person. Each time a person leaves or re-enlists in the service, he/she will receive a DD-214. You can get a form from your local Veterians Affairs Office requesting a copy of a persons DD-214. When doing so, also request acopy of the persons 201 file, which contains information as to where the person was during his service. Many servicemembers have copies of their DD-214's filed with their local Probate Judge. It's not a requirement, I have 2 of 3 of mine filed that way. Dale L. Blackburn Huntsville, Alabama