DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have written to you and someone helped me. This time I am looking for help finding two of my Air Force buddies. We were stationed together in Thailand and Vietnam back in 1967. We were with the 635th Fighter Interception Squadron. It was a B 52 and KC 125 Base. I have had no luck on the internet, is there anyone who can help me? My email is etq@myfairpoint.net and my phone number is 207-897-2290. — Edward Quinn, Livermore Falls.

ANSWER: It can be incredibly difficult to track someone down without some of their personal information, even on the internet. Social media can help though, especially Facebook. People with common names are not easy to search, but if you type in 635th Squadron or other related topic, people who have posted about those things should pop up. If these are not the people you are looking for, they may at least be able to point you in the right direction.

What you do know about your friends is their military service, so that would be another good place to start exploring, though veterans’ records are not easy to access.

According to the National Archives website, archives.gov, records of individuals who left service less than 62 years ago are non-archival and subject to access restrictions. The National Archives cannot release personal information about a veteran and lack the resources and current information to forward letters or correspondence to veterans.

However, the Department of Veterans Affairs and certain military branches may be able to forward some messages to veterans or active service personnel. Some veterans service organizations such as the VFW and American Legion and other groups also maintain reunion listings, member directories and locator services.

• You can send a request for information to the VA at iris.custhelp.com/app/ask;
• The Air Force has an international locator for all active and retired personnel. Yours would be considered an unofficial request and must be in writing. For more details visit www.afpc.af.mil/Air-Force-Worldwide-Locator;
• You can request information and membership records from the VFW at www.vfw.org/contact-us; or
• You can reach the American Legion’s national customer service line at 800-433-3318 for information about membership records.

If anyone has any additional resources to share or other information, please contact Edward.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Caring people still help. Recently, about a month ago, I had a heart attack and four stents put in as well as congestive heart failure. So many people helped us which was so appreciated. My pastor, my family and my friends visited me at the hospital. I received phone calls, gifts, cards and, since home, people have come over with good food. I am doing much better and home health, physical therapy and occupational therapy has since been introduced. I just want to say thank you so much for everything! I want to thank God for saving my life and for all the prayers. There are such caring people. — Betty Campbell, Livermore Falls.

ANSWER: Thank you for sharing your experience! Sun Spots hopes that you continue to feel better.

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