How to Find Vietnam Veterans

You can locate a Vietnam veteran by contacting the VA.

Finding a Vietnam veteran is possible due to the advancement of technology and the Internet in general. Whether you're looking to reconnect with a long lost war buddy or a family acquaintance, knowing how to properly find a Vietnam veteran is a must. Increase your odds of locating a Vietnam veteran by expanding your search with a variety of different search tools and applications online.

Things You'll Need

• 2 envelopes
• Stamps

Instructions

1. Forward a message to a Vietnam veteran by way of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA can locate and forward a message to a Vietnam veteran as long as the vet has a claim filed with the VA and they have the veteran's address on record. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs recommends placing your message to the veteran in an unsealed, stamped envelope with an attached note explaining which veteran you're trying to reach. Place all materials in a second envelope and address it to your nearest VA Regional office.

2. Visit the Vietnam Veterans website (http://www.vietvet.org) and submit a lost and found ad. The lost and found ad is used by the organization to help you find a specific Vietnam veteran. Click the "Lost and Found Search Engine" link. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "Post New Lost and Found Listing" link.

3. Fill out and submit the lost and found ad. You will need to list your name, home address, email address, the name of the Vietnam veteran you're looking for, the branch of service and unit they were in, and when and where they served. Click the "Submit the Ad" button to complete the form and have it listed in the organization's lost and found database.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find the address of your nearest VA Regional office by visiting the "Facility Locator by Zip Code" application on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

• You can increase your odds of finding a Vietnam veteran by providing as much identifying information as possible about the individual you're searching for.

• You can't contact the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and request a veteran's mailing address or location, as it is against the law. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the VA is a federal agency that is required by law to enforce the Privacy Act and protect the privacy of veterans' personal information, therefore personal information about a veteran cannot be released without that person's express permission.

References

• United States Department of Veteran Affairs: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• VietVet: Submit a Lost and Found Ad
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs: Locations