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:
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
- Gather information: Full name, approximate dates of service, unit, MOS/rating, duty stations
- Start with social media: Facebook groups for your unit are often the fastest way
- Contact unit associations: Many units have formal associations that maintain rosters
- Attend reunions: Check if your unit has scheduled reunions
- 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: