| How to Search Military Records Posted: 25 Mar 2018 05:00 PM PDT If you want to find military records, there are several ways in which you can do so. Keep in mind that limited military records are available to the public, so specific veteran records will only be released to the veteran or their next of kin. EditIn a Hurry? If you're looking for general military information, such as casualties of war, you can use an online site to find military records. For more specific information, like a personnel file for a U.S. veteran, you can request the records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Provide the veteran's full name, date and place of birth, service number, social security number, branch of service, and dates of service. To learn how to request these records, read on! EditFinding Records - Use an online site to find general information. If you're looking for the casualties of a specific war or want to find out if a specific person served in the military, you can likely find this information online. Do an online search for military records to find applicable websites.
- Gather the veteran's personal information if you need specific records. To access a specific veteran's records, you'll need to know their:[1]
- Full name
- Date and place of birth
- Service number
- Social security number
- Branch of service
- Dates of service
- Request specific records through the National Personnel Records Center. If you want to view the records for a specific military veteran, you can submit a request to the National Personnel Records Center. They will provide you with copies of the personnel records for the veteran in question.[2]
- Depending on your relation to the veteran, you can either send the request online, via fax, or by mail.
- Expect to receive limited information if you are not the next of kin. If you are not the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the veteran in question, you will not be able to access their full military record. Instead, you will only be provided with basic information, such as the veteran's name, assignments, and service awards.[3]
EditRequesting Records - Order the records online if you are the veteran or next of kin. If you are a military veteran who wants your own records, or if you are related to the person whose records you want to view, you can do so online using the eVetRecs system.[4]
- Fill out Standard Form 180 if you are not the veteran or next of kin. If you want records for a person that you are not related to, you'll need to fill out Standard Form 180 and submit it to the National Personnel Records Center.[5]
- Write a letter to request the records if you prefer. If you can't or don't want to access Standard Form 180, you can write a letter requesting the records. Include your name, your relation to the veteran (if any), and the reason you are requesting the records. Provide the veteran's full name, date and place of birth, service number, social security number, branch of service, and dates of service. Fax the letter to 314-801-9195 or send it to:[6]
- National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138 - Visit the National Archives if you want to view the original record. If you want to see an original record instead of receiving copies, you can visit the National Archives in the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri. You must schedule an appointment for the specific research room in which the records are located.[7]
- If the records are from before 1956, call 314-801-0850 to schedule an appointment.[8]
- If the records are from after 1956, call 314-801-0775 to schedule an appointment.[9]
- Pay a fee for archival records. Generally, you won't have to pay to access military records, especially if you are the veteran or next of kin. However, if the records you want to view are from 1956 or earlier, you will have to pay a fee to obtain copies of them.[10]
- The fee for 5 pages or less is $25. The fee for more than 5 pages is $70.
- Expect the receive the records within 6 months. In many cases, the National Personnel Records Center can respond to a request for separation records within 10 days. If you haven't heard back after 90 days, you can send a follow-up request. Keep in mind that some requests, such as those for archived records, can take up to 6 months to complete.[11]
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| How to Compare Handwriting Samples Posted: 25 Mar 2018 09:00 AM PDT Handwriting analysis is both an art and a science. Whether you want to compare handwriting samples for fun or for legal or forensic purposes, you'll need a sharp eye. The first step is to obtain samples, which typically include a sample in question and several documents you know someone actually wrote. Examine each document individually, and look for formal, formatting, and stylistic quirks. Determine if samples share any of these subtle characteristics, and form a conclusion about the documents' authorship based on your findings. EditObtaining Suitable Samples - Ask for samples if you're comparing handwriting for fun. If you just want to practice comparing handwriting, ask friends or family members to write samples. Have a few people write 2 or 3 notes each, and ask them to mix the notes up before giving them to you. Then see if you can tell which notes were written by the same person.
- You could also ask each person for a sample that you know they wrote and try to match the notes to the right person.
- Consult an attorney if you need to compare samples for a legal matter. If your issue is much more serious, a judge can order someone to provide handwriting samples for comparison. An attorney can help you figure out your options and recommend a professional forensic analyst.[1]
- Compare original documents instead of photocopies. The devil is in the details! Whenever possible, examine original documents, which reveal more detail than photocopies. Line weight, subtle retouches, and other tiny details might not be visible in copied samples.[2]
- Typically, you'll compare a known sample with a questioned sample. A known sample is a document that you're reasonably sure a writer composed. A questioned sample may or may not have been composed by that writer.
- If original samples aren't available, you can still form conclusions based on letter shape, stylistic idiosyncrasies, arrangement, and other qualities visible in copied documents.
- Obtain both requested and collected known samples, if possible. Requested documents are samples someone prepares and submits for comparison. Collected samples, such as letters and signed forms, are documents that someone created without knowing they'd be used in a handwriting comparison. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so use both whenever possible.[3]
- You'll know beyond doubt that someone composed a requested document if you watch them write it. However, since they know it'll be used for comparison, they might try to disguise their handwriting.
- A collected document is less likely to be disguised, but you can't be absolutely certain that the writer actually composed it.
- Compare questioned samples with similar examples. Choose known documents that fit the same category as your questioned sample. For example, if you're trying to find out if someone wrote a full letter written with cursive, compare it with a letter you know that person wrote.[4]
- You'll have an easier time comparing 2 similar documents, and your results will be more reliable.
- Use known samples prepared around the same time as questioned samples. Handwriting changes over time due to a variety of factors. If your questioned sample is dated, try to compare it with collected samples written around that date. Requested documents are best if the unknown sample was composed recently.[5]
- Obtaining similarly dated samples is especially important when comparing samples written by children and the elderly. Handwriting changes as children mature and can deteriorate with advanced age or illness.
- Obtain 20 to 30 repetitions if you're comparing signature samples. People don't sign their signature the same exact way every time. If you have enough samples, you can get a feel for someone's natural variations and spot characteristics consistent throughout their signatures.[6]
- A precisely reproduced signature is a red flag for forgery.
EditExamining the Samples - Evaluate formal qualities, such as letters' shape, curves, and angles. Begin by looking closely at each document, and note the particular ways each sample's writer forms letters. Examine stroke direction and legibility, letter size, and whether loops are rounded or angled.[7]
- For example, check to see if the writer makes an "M" with 2 upward arches or with a pointed squiggle. See if they make an "8" with 2 individual circles or with 1 continuous stroke.
- Examine each sample's line weight and quality. See if lettering is heavy, as if the writer placed more pressure on the pen or pencil as they wrote. Is line weight consistent throughout a document, or are there places where lines are bold and others where lines are thin?[8]
- Additionally, figure out if line weights fade due to the pen running out of ink. Look for spots where ink might have thinned that the author traced over to form clear lettering.
- Inspect letters' arrangement, height, and relation to the baseline. Look for quirks such as capital letters that sit below their baseline or veer into the above baseline. Check for forward or backward slants, bunched or loose groupings, and other formatting quirks.[9]
- The baseline is the lower ruled or imaginary line on which all of the letters sit.
- Notice stylistic traits, such as capitalization and embellishment. For example, a writer might always use a capital "N," but otherwise uses capital lowercase letters appropriately. In a journal entry written in cursive, you might find exaggerated strokes at the end of each word, or dramatic loops throughout the sample. Alternatively, perhaps a cursive writer uses closed, angled marks for letters like "b," "f," and "p" instead of rounded, open loops.[10]
- Look for retouching, hesitations, and other signs of unnatural writing. Quivering lines, touch-ups, and other strange marks could indicate the writer was trying to disguise their handwriting or mimic someone else's style. Keep in mind unsure marks are a red flag, but aren't absolute proof of forgery. Wavering lines, for instance, could be due to the writer being cold or anxious.[11]
- Check for repeated spelling and grammar mistakes. While formal and stylistic characteristics are the most concrete forms of evidence, you can also glean information from a sample's content. Shared turns of phrase and repeated spelling and grammatical errors can indicate that 2 documents share an author. However, the marks themselves are more important than content.[12]
- Plenty of people spell the same words wrong or use the same slang. However, all handwriting is unique, so the marks themselves provide stronger evidence of a sample's authorship.
EditForming a Conclusion - Spot forged, precisely identical signatures. If you're comparing signatures, the easiest way to spot a forgery is to check for tracing or simulation. If 2 signatures are exactly the same, and you know 1 is authentic, it's almost certain that the other is a forgery.[13]
- Identical signatures are the most obvious example of forgery. Natural signatures always have slight variation.
- Find characteristics that prove the samples share a writer. After examining your samples, you should have a list of individual characteristics for each document or signature. Compare your notes and look for subtle consistencies that prove 2 documents share an author.[14]
- For example, you might find that there are inconsistencies in slant, letter size, and spacing between letters in 2 samples. However, despite these differences, "m" is always written as 2 upward arches, "I" always sits below its baseline, capital "R" is always used instead of lowercase "r," and cursive "s" always has a rounded top. If you don't see signs of tracing or mimicry, these characteristics are good evidence that the documents share an author.
- Decide if the samples do not share individual characteristics. Keep in mind there are always variations between handwriting samples written by the same person. However, if you find 1 document or signature includes at least 1 repeated trait not present in the other sample, you can reasonably conclude the documents do not share an author.[15]
- For instance, suppose the writer of 1 document always represents an "m" with a quick, natural squiggle stroke with 2 points, but the other document features only rounded arches. This would outweigh any similarities between the 2 samples.
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| How to Get a Job As a Mortuary Makeup Artist Posted: 25 Mar 2018 01:00 AM PDT Mortuary makeup artists apply makeup to the deceased for public viewings. This line of work is also known as "desairology." To begin a career in mortuary makeup, you'll need to attend Mortuary Science School or Cosmetology school. Since you must either be a licensed mortician or cosmetologist to work with dead bodies, you'll then need to apply for and pass your state's licensing exam. Start finding jobs by offering your services at local funeral homes and salons. At the end of the day, this job can be unusual and difficult, but it can also incredibly rewarding to bring some peace to a grieving family. EditCompleting Your Education - Take science and cosmetology-related classes in high school. Classes like biology, chemistry, and physics will give you a background in chemicals and scientific processes. You should also complete a high school cosmetology course if one is available at your school. Some schools offer this as a vocational program.[1]
- Other classes that may be helpful include communications and psychology, for learning how to respectfully communicate with families, as well as art, for understanding color and design.
- Graduate from high school or obtain your GED. Graduating high school is crucial to continuing your education as a mortuary makeup artist. Make sure to get your diploma or GED in order to apply to Mortuary Science School or Cosmetology school.[2]
- Complete your Cosmetology associate's degree. Cosmetology school requires 1,000-1,500 hours of training in makeup, hair, and nails, which you can complete at a college or 2-year school.[3] You'll be trained on mannequins and watch live demonstrations before advancing to live subjects. Many schools also offer specific courses in desairology.[4]
- Associate's degrees generally take 2 years and often include a professional certification as well.
- This training can also give you more options and experience. Even if the funeral home isn't hiring for makeup artists, they oftentimes hire hair stylists or nail artists.
- Many mortuary makeup artists use their cosmetology license to work in salons while freelancing for funeral homes.
- Attend Mortuary Science School for an emphasis on funeral home work. This path will give you more experienced and diverse training across a wide range of mortuary jobs. Mortuary makeup training will focus on mixing and injecting chemicals in order to make the deceased look more alive. This step isn't necessary, though, so only do this if you want to have multiple roles as a mortuary employee![5]
- Having extra mortuary qualifications can also make you a more attractive prospect when you start looking for jobs.
- However, many mortuary programs don't offer extensive makeup training—the emphasis is on mortuary science instead.
EditObtaining Your License - Check your state's requirements for the license exam. Most states only require a written test, but some require an additional physical exam or a certain number of apprenticeship hours before you can take the written test. Find your state's requirements through their .gov page and make sure to complete any necessary extra requirements.[6]
- For example, states like Michigan require you to complete a hairstyle in front of a board of licensed cosmetologists.
- Sign up and pay the required fee to apply online. On the your state's website, sign up for a test date and choose a location near you. Generally, you'll also have to pay a fee, which can vary depending on location. On average, you'll need to pay between $125.
- Take an online course for an extra review before the exam. Typically, beauty school will include courses specifically about the written exam, but an online course is a great option if you feel like you need a fresh run-through of the information. The course will especially help prepare you for the multiple choice section of the exam.[7]
- You can find review courses on some college websites or from independent course review companies.
- Take the written exam at your chosen location. Arrive at the location on time and be prepared for the exam to last anywhere between 90 minutes to 2 hours. It covers a wide range subjects, including product chemistry, sanitary rules and regulations, anatomy of the skin, state requirements, and knowledge of labor and compensation laws.[8]
- Pass the exam in order to receive your license. After the test, you'll hear back within 2 weeks whether you passed or not. If you pass, you'll receive your license in the mail. If you don't pass, don't worry! You can sign up and pay to take the test again on the next available exam date.[9]
EditFinding Work - Create a portfolio of your work to show potential clients and employers. Include clear, well-lit pictures of different makeup looks that you've completed, along with some before and after pictures. Your portfolio should only include pictures of living clients, but it can still show potential employers your skills and strengths.
- Your portfolio can either be online or in a physical binder, with the pages tucked into transparent sleeves.
- Include a variety of looks for different age groups to show your versatility.
- Have all your paperwork and requirements in order before you apply. Make sure to have a copy of your cosmetology or mortuary science license, paperwork showing that your immunizations are up-to-date, and a portfolio of your previous work. Bring these with you to any job interviews or funeral home director meetings.[10]
- Reach out to funeral homes in your area. Contact your local funeral home director and ask if they need a contract makeup artist or could use your services on a contract basis.[11] Having a connection with the funeral home could lead to more referrals, individual freelance jobs, or even a rare full-time position.
- If the director is interested in your work, you should both reach an agreement on pricing and how often you can come in to work.[12]
- Larger funeral homes will often hire a full-time makeup artist and smaller homes may hire local cosmetologists on an on-call or contract basis.[13]
- Spread the word about your services among local business. List your services online and leave business cards at salons that don't have a mortuary makeup artist on staff. The more you grow your list of contacts, the more experience you'll be able to have.
- Search for jobs in highly populated areas. Mortuary makeup artists tend to find more job opportunities and higher, steadier salaries in metropolitan areas rather than rural areas. Focus your job search on closeby cities or towns with a higher population.[14]
- Freelance by agreeing with someone to do their funeral makeup. This may sound like a strange transaction, but it's actually one of the most common ways to get additional freelance work in mortuary makeup.[15] Pre-arrange everything with the client, including makeup preferences and choosing a reference photo to work from.
- For a respectful, subtle way to find clients, you can let your family and friends know that you're pursuing this career, and ask them to pass your name on to anyone who may need your services.
- Many mortuary makeup artists rely on freelance work to keep their salaries steady, even if they have an on-call job at a funeral home.
- Expect to get training on the job. If you can't find a mentor or a way to get lots of experience, don't worry. Many mortuary makeup artists get their first experience with working on a deceased person after they've gotten their first job. As long as you have your training and license, you are still a viable candidate for a mortuary makeup artist position.[16]
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