BIRLS veteran data

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

1) A copy of the Beneficiary Identification and Records Locator System (BIRLS) master file database, limited to deaths that occurred after Jan. 1, 2001 and the following data fields:
- Name of veteran
- Entry and release from active duty
- Branch of service
- Military discharge information
- Date of death

To clarify my request: I understand that certain information in the BIRLS master file database, such as social security numbers, is exempt from disclosure. I am asking that those data fields be excluded and the responsive record, which can be easily generated by a filtered query of the BIRLS database, be limited to the data fields mentioned above.

A complete description of the BIRLS master file can be found at: https://foiamapper.com/record-systems/n1-015-11-002_sf115.pdf

I ask that all fees be waived for this request as I am a journalist and I intend to use the requested records to publish articles in the public's interest and not for any commercial purpose.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Todd Feathers

Hello,

It has been eight months since I submitted this request. The FOIA allows 20 business days for a response. Please acknowledge that you are processing the request and provide me with a tracking number and estimated date of completion.

Sincerely,
Todd Feathers