Veterans

In order to receive benefits on behalf of a deceased veteran, eligibility for veteran benefits must be established. 

How do I establish veteran benefit eligibility?

By providing us with a DD Form 214 or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, we can assist your family in establishing veteran benefit eligibility. If the DD Form 214 is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service may be helpful. Proactively, (as it can take time), the DD Form 214 may be obtained by filling out a Standard Form 180 and sending it to:

National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)

9700 Page Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63132

The Standard Form 180 is available on the National Personnel Records Center website: www.archives.gov

Military Funeral Honors

In honor of most veterans, Military Funeral Honors consists of the playing of taps and the folding and presentation of a United States burial flag to a family member. This ceremony is performed by a funeral honors detail consisting of at least two members of the Armed Forces.

The specific Military Funeral Honors rendered on behalf of a veteran are determined by the status of the veteran at the time of their passing.  Retired career military veterans are entitled to Military Funeral Honors which also includes a gun salute.  Members of the funeral honor detail may act as Pall Bearers if requested by the family in advance.  Military Honors can be rendered at a church or cemetery.

Who is eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

• Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
• Former military members who served on active duty and departed under honorable conditions.
• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under honorable conditions.
• Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Who is not eligible for Military Funeral Honors?

• Any person separated from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions or whose character of service results in a bar to veteran's benefits. 
• Any person who was ordered to report to an induction station, but was not actually inducted into military service. 
• Any person discharged from the Selected Reserve prior to completing one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service for reasons other than a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
• Any person convicted of a Federal or State capital crime and sentenced to death or life imprisonment.

Burial at a National Cemetery

Veterans, their spouses and dependent children can be buried at most National Cemeteries with available space.  Cremated remains can be placed at a National cemetery, either in a niche in the wall or buried in the ground.  Our staff can assist you with this process and answer any of your questions.