As a result of a recent change in policy, the Department of Defense's Privacy Office now requires next-of-kin who are requesting records related to a deceased veteran to provide proof of death. Since the National Personnel Record Center serves as the agent for the Department of Defense, their procedures and forms for requesting documents for deceased veterans have been amended as well. The change was made in a continued effort to ensure the protection of the privacy of veterans.

The Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) air cargo screening regulations will become mandatory August 1. These regulations require 100% of cargo shipped on passenger aircraft to be screened at the piece level by August 1. This means shipments – including human remains shipments – must either be screened before reaching the air carrier (by a freight forwarder, indirect air carrier or Certified Cargo Screening Facility) or by the carrier itself. Please note: this new screening requirement is separate from the "known shipper" requirement that went into effect last year.