Finding Those You Served With

Whether you're looking to reconnect with battle buddies, need a witness for a buddy letter, or just want to find old friends from your service days, there are several resources available.

Online Resources

Social Media Groups

• Facebook Groups: Search for your unit, ship, or base. Many units have dedicated reunion groups.
• LinkedIn: Search for people who served at the same time/place.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/Military and r/veterans can help.

Veteran Locator Services

• Together We Served - Free service to connect with fellow veterans
• VetFriends - Veteran locator and military encyclopediaI
• Military.com Buddy Finder - Search by name, unit, or location

Official Resources

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

The NPRC can forward correspondence to veterans if you have a valid reason (medical, legal, etc.):

• Website: archives.gov/veterans/locate-service-members
• Phone: 314-801-0800

Note: They cannot give you the veteran's address, but they can forward a letter on your behalf.

VA Locator Services

The VA can also help locate veterans in certain circumstances:

• Reference: Center for Women Veterans (CWV) - Locating Veterans FAQ

Branch-Specific Resources

• Army: Army Veteran Verification
• Navy/Marines: Unit reunion websites and association pages
• Air Force: Air Force Personnel Center
• Coast Guard: USCG Official Site

Tips for Finding Someone

1. Gather information: Full name, approximate dates of service, unit, MOS/rating, duty stations
2. Start with social media: Facebook groups for your unit are often the fastest way
3. Contact unit associations: Many units have formal associations that maintain rosters
4. Attend reunions: Check if your unit has scheduled reunions
5. Use multiple resources: Don't rely on just one method

Need a Buddy Letter?

If you're searching for someone to provide a buddy letter for your VA claim, check out our guide:

• Buddy Letters Guide

Thanks To

• u/Forsaken_thought