Veteran Funeral Services
At Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.
Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.
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
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.
Headstones and 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.
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 veterans cemetery, or a cemetery that is part of the Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration. For a list of cemeteries, click here.
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.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
What are military funeral honors and a committal service?
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.
You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
Eligible Veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more about available items and eligibility at
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/
The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.
Helpful Links:
ASVAB Practice Test
Take advantage of Study.com's complete Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) practice tests to gain confidence for your military placement exam, Our practices tests are crafted in the style of the actual ASVAB, so you can get comfortable with the test's format, style and difficulty level.
Best Jobs for Returning Service Members
The days and months after a veteran leaves active duty service and starts searching for a civilian job are important time. This is when a veteran can dip into that military experience to use it in search of a new job. With the right knowledge and understanding, as well as the myriad of resources available to today’s vets, you can put your military training to good use, overcome the obstacles associated with transitioning and start a career that is rewarding and financially beneficial. As long as you understand the challenges you face and how to mitigate them best, you will come out on top with the best possible civilian job.
Medicare Plans Resources for Veterans
Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage for older adults and some younger adults with disabilities. If you have VA benefits due to your military service, you may be wondering if it’s worth signing up for Medicare when you already have access to care at VA facilities.
For many veterans, enrolling in Medicare offers an extra level of protection against high out-of-pocket medical costs. Medicare coverage can also give you more flexibility when it comes to choosing the doctors and hospitals that provide your care. The following guide explains how Medicare works with your VA benefits.
National Military Family Association
The National Military Family Association is at the forefront of the issues that matter most to military families. Whether it is writing letters in support of legislation, keeping track of bills in Congress, or providing testimony, if it affects military families, we are here. We remain constantly updated on the latest issues that affect the lives of military families and provide a voice for their concerns. We care about the quality of life for military families and the issues they are faced with every day.
Tips & Resources for Helping Veterans with PTSD
Included here are tips, tools, and resources that can help friends and families of veterans who may be suffering from PTSD. Ideas range from offering assistance to veterans after they have returned home from service, encouraging former service members to seek mental health treatment, and simply having friendly conversations with veterans to see how they’re feeling.
Veteran's Benefits Administration
It's the Veteran's Benefits Administration (VBA) which informs you of all the different types of benefits that veterans are entitled to from our government.
Veterans Crisis Line
Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Veterans Transition Support
The Mission of Veterans Transition Support 501(c)(3) nonprofit is to help to transition veterans land jobs by transferring military experience into civilian job skills through No Cost civilian certification training, one-on-one career management coaching, and networking to veterans in businesses and veteran-friendly employers. We can't do this without you. We need donations and volunteers to serve.