Private firms can replace lost medals

Question: I have misplaced one or more of my medals. How can I get replacements? In fact, I'm not sure I recall correctly what medals I received. Where can I obtain this information?

Answer: An Internet search for "military medals" will generate advertising links from private firms selling replica medals, including miniatures. Retirees may wish to check with military exchanges or military clothing stores.

Under certain circumstances, official replacements for lost or damaged medals may be obtained from the government by veterans by sending a request to the appropriate branch of service. Information and links to initiate requests are at www.va.gov/veteranspride. Service histories are available from government archives to veterans and to their next of kin.

Q: Must I reapply for health care benefits in subsequent years and will I receive an enrollment confirmation?

A: If you have previously enrolled, your enrollment will be reviewed annually without any action necessary on your part. Veterans who are required to update their financial information are still required to provide their income information on an annual basis using form VA 10-10EZR.

Depending on your priority group and the availability of funds for VA to provide medical benefits to all enrollees, your enrollment will be automatically renewed without any action on your part. Should there be any change to your enrollment status, you will be notified in writing. For information on enrolling for health care benefits, contact the VA at 433-0600.

If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.

Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin, can be reached by phone at 294-4075 or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com. See also: In The Military