Oldsmar board reviews Veterans Wall engraving applications; two applications pending DD Form 214

At its Sept. 22 meeting the Oldsmar Veterans Advisory Board reviewed applications for engraving on the 2025 Veterans Memorial Wall. Board members approved 10 applications and placed two applications on hold pending additional discharge documentation (DD Form 214) to confirm ranks and service dates.

The board went through applicant packets one by one. For example, the board moved forward with Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Brown after staff confirmed an honorable discharge on his DD Form 214. By contrast, the board placed one application on hold because the DD Form 214 on file listed a lower enlisted grade and did not show later promotion or subsequent active-duty service; staff will accept an updated DD Form 214 by email. Board staff said it has accepted late paperwork in prior years and has, at times, completed engraving as late as the week before the event, but they aim to finalize the engraving list in early November.

Board staff described the documentary standard for inclusion: a DD Form 214 showing honorable discharge and the correct rank and dates of service. A board member said, “we just have to have a DD 214 that shows the correct rank and the correct discharge date so that we put the right thing on the wall.” Staff advised applicants that they may email documents (with Social Security numbers redacted) and that staff will follow up if additional paperwork arrives.

The board also discussed standardizing rank abbreviations on the wall (for example, using SPC for Specialist, CPT for Army captain, CPO for Chief Petty Officer, TSGT for technical sergeant) so inscriptions are consistent. Board members asked staff to continue verifying dates and classifications and to return only applications missing documentation.

Board members noted the engraving criteria were adopted by the City Council in 2013 and include a residency definition; the board confirmed the policy remains current and that veterans' applications remain eligible under the policy language. Staff said they would circulate pending applications to board members by email if documentation arrives after the meeting so members can approve late additions without convening a special meeting.

Outcome: 10 applications approved for engraving, two applications pending receipt of DD Form 214 or equivalent documentation; staff to accept emailed documentation and to circulate approvals by email if needed.