Privacy Policy

How we collect, protect, and respect your information.

Effective Date: March 2026  |  Veterans DD-214 Project

The Veterans DD-214 Project is committed to protecting the privacy, security, and dignity of every Veteran we serve. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights. We keep it plain — no legal jargon, no fine print.

Our Five Core Commitments

  • Minimum Necessary Data — We collect only what we need to help you, nothing more.
  • You Stay in Control — You decide what you share. You can decline anything.
  • No Retention Unless Required — We don't hold onto your information after your session ends.
  • Security First — Your information is protected with reasonable administrative and technical safeguards.
  • Never Sold or Monetized — Your data is never sold, traded, shared for marketing, or monetized in any way.

What Information We Collect

When you request help or contact us (via our online forms), we may collect:

  • Your name and contact information (phone, email)
  • A general description of the issue you need help with
  • Confirmation of Veteran status — visual verification of DD-214 or VA ID only
  • Any information you voluntarily provide to help us assist you

During a remote support session, a technician may temporarily view your screen with your permission. We do not record sessions or retain screen captures.

When you visit this website, Google Analytics collects anonymous usage data (pages visited, browser type, general location). This data does not identify you personally and is used only to understand how the site is being used.

What We Never Collect or Store

  • Social Security numbers
  • VA claim numbers or case files
  • Medical records, diagnoses, or health history
  • Login passwords or authentication codes of any kind
  • Copies of your DD-214 (viewed for verification only — never scanned, photographed, or retained)
  • Payment card information (donations are processed directly by PayPal — we never see your card)

Your DD-214 Document

Verification of Veteran status is required before any services are provided. A DD-214 or valid VA ID must be presented — no exceptions. Any documents received, whether submitted through our request form or provided during a support session, are not retained after the verification process is completed. We do not copy, photograph, scan, or permanently store your DD-214 in any form.

VA Login & Account Assistance

When we help you access VA.gov, ID.me, or Login.gov, you remain in control of your credentials at all times. Our volunteers and technicians will never ask for your password, enter your password on your behalf, or store any login information. You are always encouraged to enter your own passwords and authentication codes.

Third-Party Services We Use

  • Web3Forms — Our Contact and Request Help forms submit through Web3Forms, which delivers submissions directly to our email inbox. Web3Forms does not retain submission data on their servers beyond delivery. We use this data only to respond to your request.
  • PayPal — Donations are processed through PayPal's secure platform. We never receive or store your payment card information. Transactions are governed by PayPal's privacy policy.
  • Google Analytics — Anonymous website traffic data is collected via Google Analytics (ID: G-T2Z4ZTL6FZ). No personally identifiable information is sent to Google through this service.
  • Google Fonts — This site loads fonts from Google Fonts. Google may log the request; no personal data from our site is transmitted.

Data Sharing

We do not share your information with any third party except:

  • With your explicit consent
  • When required by law

We do not transmit Veteran information to the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency on your behalf. We are a support organization, not a government intermediary.

Data Storage & Security

Any information submitted through our forms is stored in password-protected systems with access limited to authorized personnel. Physical records, if any exist temporarily, are kept in a secure location and securely destroyed when no longer needed. We use reasonable technical and administrative safeguards to protect against unauthorized access.

If There Is Ever a Data Breach

In the unlikely event of a data breach involving Veteran information, we will immediately contain and secure the affected data, notify our Board of Directors, notify affected Veterans as appropriate, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence.

Your Rights as a Veteran

You have the right to:

  • Ask what information we have collected about you during the service process
  • Request correction or deletion of any retained information
  • Know that your DD-214 or VA ID is used solely to confirm eligibility — not stored, shared, or filed
  • Receive services knowing your personal documents will not be retained after verification is complete

Please note: Proof of Veteran status is required to receive services. Veterans who are unable or unwilling to provide verification will not be eligible for assistance.

Cookies

This website uses cookies only through Google Analytics to understand aggregate site usage. No cookies are used for advertising or to track you across other websites. You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.

Privacy Questions or Requests

If you have any questions about this policy or want to request deletion of your information, please use our Contact page. We will respond within 5 business days.

This policy may be updated periodically by the Board of Directors. The effective date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.