Veteran Services
Military & Veteran Services
They served our country and often made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom and way of life. We understand the special needs of veterans' families. Whether it is a simple family funeral or a full military service, we would like the opportunity to serve you and our country by honoring your loved one.
Please Contact Us to have one of our caring professionals help guide you through this process.
Benefits
Military Funeral Honors
The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation's deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to a veteran's family.
Flags
A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn. Generally, the flag is given to the next-of-kin, as a keepsake, after its use during the funeral service.
Headstones & Markers
The Department of Veterans Affairs furnishes upon request, at no charge, a headstone or marker. Flat markers and upright headstones are available as well as niche markers for Columbaria. Alternatively, a medallion which can be affixed to a privately purchased headstone is available. In a National Cemetery, a veteran, spouse of veteran, and dependent children receive a free headstone. For burial in a private cemetery, a simple marker for veterans ONLY will be provided, if allowed by the cemetery officials. Reserved space for future inscription of spousal data may be allowed. The grave no longer has to be 'unmarked' unless the death was prior to September 11, 2001.
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Families can also receive the Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans.
Cemeteries
A military funeral can take place at a private cemetery, a state veteran's cemetery, or a cemetery that is part of the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration.
For a list of cemeteries
click here.
Cash Benefits
VA Cash Benefits for Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
$300 is available for an honorably discharged veteran, IF: they were in receipt of VA non-service-connected disability pension benefits or service-connected compensation benefits at the time of death or IF the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA contracted health care facility. Additional costs of transportation of the remains may be paid.
Active Duty or Service Connected Death
$2,000 is available IF the veteran died during active duty; or is an honorably discharged veteran and died as a result of a service-connected injury.
Burial Plot Allowance
$300 is available for an honorably discharged veteran not interred in a cemetery that is under the jurisdiction of the US government, IF: the veteran was receiving VA non-service-connected disability pension or service-connected compensation benefits at the time of death or IF the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA contracted health care facility.
Burial in a National Cemetery
Free space is available for a veteran, spouse and dependent children (except Arlington). At the time of death, we will notify the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
Eligibility
Veterans from all military branches qualify for a military funeral, regardless of rank, whether or not they died in combat. They could have been active duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired, or a veteran of military service.
For soldiers who die while on active duty, families may request both a burial and an interment allowance to assist with the cost of the funeral arrangements. For soldiers who die in a non-service related death, partial reimbursements may apply.
For more information, contact the United States Department of Veteran Affairs or go to http://www.cem.va.gov.
