Military Burials

[Hostile0311]

We buried my father today. He was a 20 yr USAR vet. We had tried to find his DD214 to get full honors at his burial but couldn't find anything in his papers/records when I arrived on Monday. We called and faxed the NPRC and submitted them a request as well as submitting to a company called Touchstone Research Group who BTW did all they could to track it down and it finally came in about 5 hours after we buried him today. My question is, since now we have the 214 can we still arrange for a detail to come down nd render honors after the fact? The funeral director wasn't sure and now I'm trying to find out if it would be possible to do a small farewell with family and friends and some of the guys he served with. I would think as long as we provided the death certificate and DD214 and explain the situation that he would still rate it and the burial detail could be released to come and render honors, but I don't know. Any info would be most helpful.
B/R,
Hostile

[8Ball]

I don't have a clue regarding your dilemma. But, I wanted to chime in and offer my condolences to you.



Take Care.
8

[JJ_BPK]

No idea,, but I would call the local VFW and ask. As they are all local folks, I'm sure they could gather an Honor guard for a brief ceremony.


Good Luck

[Richman]

Washington State's National Guard has a pretty robust Honor Guard and does all service members, plus trains the active component in some cases. You should check with your State's National Guard HQs and see if they have a similar program and they may have some answers.

[RedDawg_03]

Where are you located Hostile?

[overcontrolnn]

Call the local recruiting station. It doesn't matter what branch. Ask to speak to an NCO or the station commander.
Ask them for the number to "services" and mention it is for funeral arrangements for your father. When you get that number, ask them to put you in touch with burial benefits laison or counselor and tell them what you want.

Typically, services for an honorably discharged vet are:
color guard
casket wood or silver clad
marker
free burial in any one of the Nat cemetaries
flag
etc.

I did some time on an honor guard and with a little provocation, they will go a lot further. Most soldiers go out without knowing they had the benefit waiting on them.

I'm sorry for your loss. If none of these folks are willing to help you, call your congressman or the DAV and I guarantee you'll get some attention.

God Bless your family

[Cass]

Hostile and Guys
Military honors at a burial is mostly at the discretion of the particular Gov't Vet cemetery. At Arlington they have it down pat. But with outlying U.S. wide Vet cemeteries each cemetery will generally have contact with a Reserve Unit, a VFW/Am Legion Post, or some military entity to offer up the color guard and podium speaker.

Had it of been prior to bural it would be thru the Funeral Home that you would place your request. After the burial it would be to the cemetery that you would place your query.

Overall, when planning a military burial it is thru the Funeral Home the NOK makes their wishes known. Then the wishes are passed onto the selected Vet Cemetery. Vet's cemeteries do not take direct requests prior to involvement of the Funeral Home. The Funeral Home should be proficient at reading DD-214.

FYI: I have pre-planned and pre-paid for my own funeral. When asked about my DD-214 I whipped them out and placed them on the desk. The counselor's eyes immediately went to the square that read "Honorable." The rest was done by the numbers.

[Hostile0311]

Thanks Gents,
I'll make a few inquiries with the local recruiting command but I think Cass nailed it. The funeral home said they would arrange for a detail to come over, whether active or the VFW or the Legion it doesn't matter. They'll do the rifle salute, re-present the flag to my baby sister and play Taps and thats really all I want for my Dad. He did 20 years in the local reserve unit as a Radio Mech. I think he rates a good send-off. I just hate we didn't receive his DD214 in time to get it done at the graveside service. Better late than never though. Thanks again Gents for all your help. My family is greatly appreciative.
B/R,
Hostile
To Red Dawg 03, I'm in Salisbury, NC.

[OldSwabbie]

I'm sorry for your loss brother.. These things are so incredibly hard. I'm sorry it wasnt worked out for you. May the Lord comfort you and your family during all this. I hope you can accomplish what you're trying to do with the honor guard.