Skip to main content

Help & FAQ

Common questions about using Honor Bound LLC.. If you don't find your answer here, email [email protected].

You don't have to be a verified Veteran to use the site — confirming your email makes you a member. Verifying your service is optional and unlocks the Veteran-only forums, the directory, and direct messaging.

To verify, click Verify in the navigation bar:

  1. VA record check — we confirm your service electronically using the VA's own system. Enter the name and address currently on file with the VA. No documents or SSN needed, and results are instant.
  2. Can't be confirmed automatically? If the VA check can't match your records (records not yet updated, a name discrepancy, etc.), contact us and we'll help you get verified.

Tip: use the exact name and address on file with the VA — not a nickname or a name changed after service. A single character difference can cause a mismatch.

No. The VA record check returns only a yes/no confirmation — we never receive or store your military records, service history, SSN, or any document from the VA.

If the VA couldn't confirm your service, your Verification Status page will say so. The most common reason is that the name or address you entered didn't exactly match VA records, or your records aren't indexed yet.

Double-check the exact name and address on file with the VA and try again. If you think it's a mistake, contact Site Webmaster.

From the navigation bar, click Directory. You can search by:

  • Keyword — unit name, MOS, deployment location, etc.
  • Branch
  • Era — WWII, Vietnam, Gulf War, Post-9/11, etc.
  • Operation — OEF, OIF, OND, Desert Storm, etc.
  • Decoration — Purple Heart recipients, Ranger tabs, etc.
  • State

If you find someone you think you served with, click Message on their profile. You'll need to be verified to send direct messages.

Some boards are restricted by service criteria. For example, the OEF Veterans board is open only to members who have OEF on their profile. If you served in OEF but the board is locked, edit your profile and add the operation. Your access updates immediately.

The Verified Lounge is restricted to members with completed verification.

Go to Profile → Edit → Privacy & OPSEC. You can:

  • Set profile visibility to Anyone, Verified Veterans only (the default), or Private
  • Hide your real name (the default) or show it
  • Hide your location entirely
  • Show only your state/country (the default) or include your city

OPSEC matters. Default settings are conservative on purpose.

For inappropriate content, abuse, suspected stolen valor, or any other concern, email Site Webmaster with:

  • The username or post URL
  • A brief description of the issue
  • Any context an admin would need to investigate

For direct messages from another user that you no longer want to receive, click Block sender when reading the message. They won't be able to message you again.

Email Site Webmaster from the address associated with your account. An admin will issue a one-time reset link to your email. The link expires in 24 hours and can only be used once.

(Self-service password reset is on the roadmap.)

Email [email protected] from the address associated with your account. We offer two options:

  • Soft delete (default): your account is disabled and your name is replaced with "[deleted user]" on posts and messages. Forum continuity is preserved. Reversible if you come back.
  • Hard delete: full erasure. Your account, profile, threads, posts, messages, and any verification documents are permanently removed. Not reversible. Use this for GDPR/privacy requests.

Hard delete may leave gaps in conversations where you participated. We don't recommend it unless you have a specific reason.

Go to Profile → Edit → Email Preferences and toggle off the notification you don't want.

Transactional emails (password resets, verification status updates) cannot be opted out of while your account is active — these are essential to operating the account.

Honor Bound LLC. is not equipped to handle mental health emergencies. Please reach out to people trained for this:

You're not alone. People who served are standing by.

No. Honor Bound LLC. is a private community operated by Honor Bound LLC, an independent nonprofit. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or any branch of the U.S. military. Verified-Veteran status on this site is not an official government credential.

Still stuck? Email Site Webmaster.