World War I draft registration form, dated Sept 12, 1918, lists him as a porter for J. A. Adams Company, Jersey City, NJ. The 1920 US Census of 10-WD Jersey City, Hudson County, NJ, lists Richard E. West/Nest (21, operator, elevator) living with his mother and brother.

SSN: 090-05-5328

Elevator Operator 1920
Refrigerating Co. Messenger 1940

WWII Draft card has his landlady, Mrs. Louise Wilson, as next of kin. He was 6 ft. tall, 185 lbs, with blue eyes, brown hair, and a ruddy complexion.