Wichita Standard

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – today commended the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC), housed within the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), for successfully clearing a backlog of over 600,000 requests for military service records.

“Pandemic-era restrictions created lingering effects that made it challenging for veterans in Kansas and across the country to receive their records, delaying access to the health care and benefits they deserve,” said Sen. Moran.

The backlog at the NPRC had been a significant issue affecting veterans' ability to access their military service records. However, thanks to the dedicated workforce at the NPRC, many of whom are veterans themselves, this backlog has now been eliminated. Sen. Moran acknowledged their hard work and commitment to ensuring that veterans have timely access to their records.

To address this issue, Sen. Moran has been leading bipartisan efforts since 2020 to increase the operating capacity of the NPRC. These efforts have included expanding collaborative records digitization projects between NARA and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, resources have been allocated to alleviate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NPRC workforce has gone above and beyond to clear the backlog, with expanded shifts, overtime work, and even working during holidays. They have also implemented innovative solutions to streamline the process of record retrieval and delivery. Their dedication has been instrumental in ensuring that veterans can access their records promptly.

The timely access to military service records is crucial for veterans to receive the healthcare and benefits they are entitled to. Sen. Moran's efforts, alongside the hard work of the NPRC, have made a significant impact in resolving this issue and improving the lives of veterans.

The National Archives and Records Administration plays a vital role in preserving the nation's historical records and providing essential services to veterans. This successful clearance of the backlog is a testament to their commitment to serving the needs of the veteran community.

As the backlog of military service requests has been cleared, veterans in Kansas and across the country can now access their records without unnecessary delays. This achievement represents a significant step forward in ensuring that veterans receive the support they deserve.

Sen. Moran's leadership and the collaboration between NARA and the VA have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. The commitment and dedication of the NPRC workforce have made a tangible difference in the lives of veterans, ensuring they receive the care and benefits they have rightfully earned.

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