Having a strong records storage system makes it easier for staffers to manage and retrieve documents. However, sorting piles of documents on a daily basis can take up a lot of a person’s time and could potentially limit their ability to complete core tasks. Upkeep may get neglected overtime, which may cause essential files go missing or are inadvertently destroyed.
Whenever these types of issues occur, it can be difficult to track down who are benefactors of programs, benefits and awards. This is the reality that many World War II veterans face everyday.
During WWII, safekeeping of records was difficult due to the nature of war conditions. To this day, many military records are stored on 3 x 5-inch index cards. It doesn’t help that a records center in St. Louis caught on fire in 1973, losing personal information on an estimated 16 to 18 million military staff members, WPXI, a NBC affiliate in Pennsylvania reported.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), about 1,800 WWII veterans die everyday without ever claiming funding from disability or other benefits. Military benefits are rolled over to surviving family members, but the VA is racing against time when many men are between 80 to 90 years old.
Veteran Army Master Sergant John Nelson displayed his Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a POW medal in his home for the first time since he was injured at the Battle of Anzio, Italy, 70 years ago. Nelson is 89-years-old and would not have been able to receive his benefits package if daughter-in-law Cheryl Nelson did not commit a full year of her time to complete his paperwork.
“Men and women who served need to find out what they’re eligible for,” Nelson told the source. “They served, they deserve it.”
In the 21st century, businesses have more options available to them to manage their stockpiles of paperwork. Records managers have the resources available to classify and store their records properly and to work collaboratively with a records and information management company on a document scanning system .
Record management companies can assist administrative workers to develop and administer a records and information management program. These organizations also offer secure off-site storage, retrieval and refile services, secure destruction and image conversion services.