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 Final Honors
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The Military Final Honors Program receives numerous questions on topics relating to the program. For the benifit of Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and funeral directors, listed below are answers to some of the more common questions..
- What are military funeral honors?
All eligible veterans are entitled to a flag folding ceremony, presentation of the flag and the sounding of taps. Rendering military funeral honors reflects the highest regard and respect accorded to military service and demonstrates military professionalism to the nation and the world. Veterans have earned this ceremony and the Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with VSOs, the service-specific Casualty Assistance Centers, your state's National Guard and our VSO teams, will do our utmost to provide this tribute to our fallen comrades.
- How does the Military Funeral Honors Program (MFHP) establish veteran eligibility?
The preferred method is a certificate of release or discharge from active duty, most commonly referred to as a DD-214 form. If the DD-214 is not available, any discharge document showing other than dishonorable service can be used. The Department of Veterans Affairs will coordinate with local county veterans service officers and also search online for eligibility documents. If funeral directors have received the DD-214 form or eligibility document from the family, they should forward it to the MFHP office.
- Is it really necessary to provide a copy of the DD-214 or other eligibility document?
Yes, the federal government requires eligibility to be established before the military can participate in honors and so we require the same. If a document is not available, or provided upon request for honors, the MFHP normally is able to obtain or establish eligibility through other means.
- Where can I obtain additional information and the forms used by the Military Funeral Honors Program?
The Military Funeral Honors Request Form - VA form and additional forms for Funeral Directors or VSO's are available online in the VA Forms section.
- How do I arrange for military funeral honors and ceremonial support?
Call the Department of Veterans Affairs who will help you contact the local, state and federal sources to arrange the service to the level you desire. The service detail that performs the honors may be a full-time state team, a full federal service team, a full complement from your local veteran's organization or a combination of federal, state and local personnel.
- How does a VSO receive notification or a request to perform military funeral honors?
The preferred method is to have the funeral director call our toll-free number for coordination of the services. The MFHP will then make final coordination with the VSO for performing honors. The funeral director can make direct contact with the VSO by contacting them or by listing the VSO information on form VA form (Military Funeral Honors Request) when faxing or calling in the request.
- Who is eligible to receive a burial flag and is there a cost?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides one flag per veteran at no cost. This flag is normally obtained by a funeral director or CVSO completing paperwork and providing to the Post Office. The flag is presented to the family or next of kin when honors are provided. For those national and state cemeteries with an Avenue of Flags, families of veterans buried in these national and state cemeteries may donate the burial flags of their loved ones to be flown on patriotic holidays. For further information and assistance, contact your County Veterans Service Office or the Federal VA Burial Benefits/Burial Flags website.
- Are the eligibility requirements for funeral honors and burial in a state veteran's cemetery the same?
No. There is an eligibility requirement both for military service and state residency in state cemeteries. For further information, see the state's VA Cemeteries listing.
- What services/items can the Military Funeral Honors Program provide?
- Coordination of and conducting Military Funeral Honors.
- Funeral Honors Training for veterans organization.
- CD of TAPS.
- Practice Burial Flag for a veterans organization.
- Funeral Honors Training Video.
- Military Funeral Honors Burial Coins for veterans organizations.
- Ammunition for M1 and Springfield Rifles.
- Magazine Clips for M1 Rifles.
- Information/Forms for issue or turn-in of rifles.
- Information/Forms for obtaining Military Display Items.
Refer to the frequently asked questions to obtain detailed information for each service/item or contact the MFH Program for assistance.
- What is the Ceremonial Bugle and how do I obtain one?
The ceremonial bugle was introduced so that veterans’ families have a choice on how Taps will be sounded when a live bugler is not available for a military funeral. The ceremonial bulge has an electronic insert that enables an individual to “symbolically play Taps. The ceremonial bugle comes complete with an authentic bugle music insert, hard case for protection and a manual. Cost of the bugle with shipping is $525. More information and the order form.
- What is the Taps Tuition Voucher Program for Students?
A funeral director may issue a tuition voucher in the amount of $25 to a student when sounding TAPS during a military honors funeral for a deceased veteran. The tuition voucher form and instructions, VA form will provide detailed information and student eligibility.
- How can a VSO transfer, replace, or obtain ceremonial rifles in order to provide or continue to provide honors?
The Army Ceremonial Rifle Donations Program is the responsibility of the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM).
TACOM Life Cycle Management Command
6501 E. 11 Mile Rd.
ATTN: AMSTA-LC-LEAD, MIS: 419
Warren, MI 48397-5000
Phone: (586) 574-8447
Toll-free: 1-800-325-2920 Ext. 48447
Fax: (586) 574-7128
- Go to the TACOM Website for all forms and information.
- Contact the Military Funeral Honors Program at 1-877-944-6667 and we will mail the information packet with the proper forms.
General Information
- Ceremonial rifles issued by TACOM are the M1 Garands. Rifles are conditionally loaned to VSOs. By law, no more than 15 rifles are loaned to one post or department.
- VSOs cannot transfer Springfield weapons to other posts; they must be turned in.
- M1 Garands can be transferred to another post once they are approved by TACOM for transfer. A letter from the post with transfer information and completion of a rifle inventory form must be sent directly to TACOM.
- All paperwork submitted must be 100% complete before any transactions can occur.
- Once you complete an application, ensure you maintain a copy for your records to include any supporting documents, photographs or certifications.
- Original application must be sent through your national headquarters; they will verify it, approve it and mail it to TACOM.
- Forms require a notary public endorsement. It is suggested you mail the packet with a return receipt from your national headquarters.
- Timeline; after TACOM receives the correct paperwork, it takes at least 120 days before an organization will receive the weapons.
- How does my VSO obtain blank .30-caliber ammunition or clips?
Listed below are two methods of obtaining 'free' ammunition and clips for use by firing details when conducting funeral honors for veterans. The option your organization uses is up to you!
Rock Island Arsenal
- Your letter should ask for Form 725-2, Issue of SOSMA, for the purpose of acquiring blank ammunition and clips.
- The form when completed just have the signature of the local organization's Commander, Adjutant or Quartermaster.
- Quantity is limited to 2 boxes (2,480 rounds) (2 metal cans/1,240 rounds each case).
- Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery from the date we receive and process the order.
- All ammunition will be shipped via Federal Express Monday-Friday. The Commander, Quartermaster or Adjutant signature is required.
- How can a VSO obtain a CD recording of 'Taps' or a copy of the Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3) videotape?
Contact your state's VA Military Funeral Honors Program or the VSO final honors provider.
- What is the Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3) and how can my VSO become recognized in order to receive future federal reimbursement, certificates and lapel pins?
VSO Military Funeral Honors groups are currently working with the military service organizations and has implemented the recognition training program in Veterans Service Organization services.
Once your organization is recognized, appropriate certificates and lapel pins will be issued to the organization and/or individuals being recognized. The VSO will then have their name entered on a list of recognized VSOs for future consideration of federal funding.
For further information regarding the AP3 Program, please see the U.S. Department of Defense Military Funeral Honors AP3 or the National Military Funeral Honors Web pages.
- Where can I find information regarding burial benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs?
Visit the Federal VA website or call 1-800-827-1000 for detailed information on:
- Burial in a National Cemetery: most veterans and their spouses are eligible.
- Burial Flags: U.S. flag provided at no cost for all types of burials.
- Burial at sea.
- Burial in a private cemetery.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate.
- Military Funeral Honors.
- VA Burial Allowance: $300, eligibility requirements.
- Headstones and Markers: provided at no cost, upright or flat depends on cemetery restrictions.
- How can my VSO or other groups receive military display items?
The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, MI is the executive agent for the Army's Donation Program. The following guidance is provided:
- Individuals are not authorized to participate. The eight types of organizations authorized by law to receive items are: military organizations and museums, municipal corporations, Soldier's Monument Association, museums/historical societies/historical institutions of a state or foreign nation, incorporated museums, veterans' associations, foreign veterans' associations and Sons of Veterans Reserve.
- The recipient is responsible for the following costs: construction of a suitable display pad/foundation for the item, the cost of demilitarization and the cost of transportation from it's current location to your display site.
- To obtain the proper forms and other information you can contact:
TACOM at:
U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command
Attn: AMSTA-LC-LEAD, MIS: 419
6501 E. 11 Mile Rd.
Warren, MI 48397-5000
Phone: 1-800-325-2920, Ext. 46943
Fax: (810) 574-7128
Email: TACOM Donations
- What is the Presidential Memorial Certificate? Who is eligible to receive this certificate and how is one obtained?
This is a parchment certificate with an engraved inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of an honorably discharged, deceased veteran's service in the Armed Forces. The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States. Honorably discharged veterans are eligible to receive this certificate.
The family may request a Presidential Memorial Certificate either in person, at any VA regional office, by fax or by mail. There is no form to fill out when requesting this certificate. When requesting by mail or fax, enclose a written request with a return address, a copy of the veteran's discharge document and a certificate of death. These documents will not be returned. Allow 6 to 8 weeks to receive the certificate. Funeral directors are authorized to request Presidential Certificates by email, families are not.
Presidential Memorial Certificate (402E12)
National Cemetery Administration
810 Vermont Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20420-0001
Phone: (202) 565-4964
Fax: (202) 565-8054
Email: Presidential Memorial Certificate
- A Funeral Director, how can I obtain a Military Funeral Honors Kit?
Fax a request with your letterhead and funeral home license number asking for the kit to (210) 652-5809; Attn: HQ Air Force Mortuary Affairs; San Antonio, TX.
- As a Funeral Director, how can I obtain an access code allowing me access into the funeral directors area within the National Military Funeral Honors website?
Fax a request with your letterhead and funeral home license number asking for an access code to (210) 652-5809; Attn: HQ Air Force Mortuary Affairs; San Antonio, TX.
- Where can I obtain more information on veteran's benefits that I may be entitled to?
Through your county veterans service officer you will receive the most up-to-date information and assistance regarding benefits to which you may be entitled. See federal benefits websites for more information.
- Where can you write or express comments or concerns about the Military Funeral Honors Program?
Your State's Department of Veterans Affairs
Military Funeral Honors Program
- What is the Military Funeral Honors Coin and how does my VSO obtain it?
This is a specialized coin that can be presented at the time of honors to the next of kin after the presentation of the U.S. Flag. Veterans groups that have been recognized under the MFH Training Program are also eligible to obtain and present these coins..
- Where can my VSO obtain white ceremonial gloves to use when conducting honors?
The MFH Program uses white gloves with small grips which makes it easier to hold on to the flag in difficult weather conditions. The supplier we found can be contacted online at: 1-800-221-1264. Gloves Honor Guard Gripper is their product name.
- Where can my VSO obtain M1 Rifle Slings?
When a veterans organization receives M1 rifles from TACOM they will not come with slings. Most gun dealers can obtain slings for your weapons. There are two types of slings, cloth or web.
Possible vendors are:
DPMS – Panther Arms 1-800-578-3767
Amherst Arms (941) 475-2020
Fulton Armory 1-800-878-9475.
Veterans groups should keep the slings for the rifles they turn in.
- Where can my VSO have rifles repaired?
Veterans groups are responsible for the maintenance and accountability of the rifles they are issued from TACOM. For repair a veterans organization may contact any local gun dealer. Veterans groups are responsible for the cost to repair rifles they have been issued. If a gun dealer determines a rifle to be unsafe or beyond repair the veterans organization should then contact TACOM for further guidance. The Army National Guard’s Maintenance Facility at Camp Douglas, WI is another source that veterans organization can contact for repair of rifles. Rifles must be dropped off and repairs will be conducted on a first come basis and when time permits. All labor to repair weapons is free, but parts must be purchased by the veterans organization. For more information or to coordinate repair of rifles by the Army National Guard.
- What are the proper steps involved in folding and presenting the U.S. Flag for a Military Funeral Honors Ceremony?
Obtain a detailed step-by-step procedure for folding and presenting the flag for a casket or cremation honors ceremony.
- Where do I find information about the U.S. Flag and Flag Etiquette?
Information on when and how to fly the U.S. Flag, The US Flag Code or other information about the U.S. Flag.
- What is the reimbursement stipend and how does my Veterans Organization apply for it?
In some states Veterans groups that perform honors are eligible under the state program to recieve a stipend of up to $50 for expenses incurred while performing honors.
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