Base Decals – Base Decals are now optional at McChord. Personnel are no longer required to have a DD Form 2220 for their vehicle. Individuals may still acquire them from the visitors control center if they choose. The only requirement you will need to enter McChord AFB is a valid ID card, or to be sponsored by an authorized individual. The Visitors Center at the main gate is open from 0600 until 1930 hrs, seven (7) days a week. You can also get the decals at Building 100, first floor Room 1001E from 0730 to 1600 Monday through Friday. Items required to obtain decals are: valid ID card, Proof of Insurance, Vehicle Registration document, and a valid drivers license. If you just need an updated year, we need the six (6) digit number off the Decal plus the above information. Ft. Lewis Bangor and Bremerton may have different entry requirements for their installations and individuals should contact the respective installation for specific entry requirements. (Source: 62 SFS, Pass and Registration).

Customer Service Bldg 100, Room 1001 – The hours of Customer Service are 0900 to 1630 hours Monday – Friday.  It is still best to call ahead to make sure there hasn’t been an unannounced closure.  Call 253-982-2544 Source RAO10/3/06

From the VA – If you wish to make a change to where your VA check goes, change of address, or any other change, you need to get that information to the VA by the 10^th of the month BEFORE the month you wish the change to be effective.  Source Seattle VA

You can now request a copy of your military record online at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html . Read the instructions, click on “Request Military Record,” then simply follow the prompts.  The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) believes the new process will minimize delays caused by incomplete applications, and will allow the center to provide better service by eliminating the NPRC mailrooms processing time.  Veterans will still be able to handle the process by mail by writing to the “National Personnel Records Center, 9700 Page Avenue, ST. Louis, Missouri 63132-5100,” providing specific information needed, the member’s service number or Social Security Number, dates of service, etc.  Or you may complete and mail in an SF Form 180 which you can get by requesting it from NPRC or through your local VA Office.  Or you can get a SF Form 180 through the NRPC’s “Fax on Demand program by calling (301) 837-09990 from a fax machine, using the handset.  Follow the voice instructions, and request document number 2255.  There is no charge for the FAX on Demand program except for any long distance telephone charges you may incur.  All in all, if you have internet capability, the on-line record request process should be the quickest, most efficient way to go.  SOURCE: September 2006 Sergeants Magazine