Posted on Dec 31, 2015
Have you indicated in your Last Will and Testament that you want to be buried in a National Cemetery with full or normal military honors?
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Have you indicated in your Last Will and Testament that you want to be buried in a National Cemetery with full or normal military honors?
RP Members this is something that is very important to me and something that I've discussed with my family. It is something that all families need to discuss and be prepared for if you are a veteran and wish to utilize your veteran benefits either at a National Cemetery, State Cemetery, or Private Cemetery.
Have you prepared for it?
Do you think it is an honor and privilege as a veteran to be buried at a National Cemetery with full or normal military honors (or) you don't care either way or haven't planned for that day yet?
The VA provides a number of resources for this very important matter:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
I bring this up because we just experience the death of my father-in-law (Vietnam Veteran) there is still a cost to make arrangements through your local funeral home for a visitation, transportation, cremation, and other arrangements that can start at around $6,000.00 and go up. This is before any VA Benefits come into the process.
RP Members this is something that is very important to me and something that I've discussed with my family. It is something that all families need to discuss and be prepared for if you are a veteran and wish to utilize your veteran benefits either at a National Cemetery, State Cemetery, or Private Cemetery.
Have you prepared for it?
Do you think it is an honor and privilege as a veteran to be buried at a National Cemetery with full or normal military honors (or) you don't care either way or haven't planned for that day yet?
The VA provides a number of resources for this very important matter:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/index.asp
I bring this up because we just experience the death of my father-in-law (Vietnam Veteran) there is still a cost to make arrangements through your local funeral home for a visitation, transportation, cremation, and other arrangements that can start at around $6,000.00 and go up. This is before any VA Benefits come into the process.
Funeral
Planning
What Would You Do
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 57
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I would like military honors, but my personal opinion is that only those killed in combat should be buried in national cemeteries!
Again, that is MY personal opinion.
Again, that is MY personal opinion.
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My wife, children and I have discussed this. My wish is to be cremated and buried either at West Point or Arlington National Cemetery. Upon my wife's death, if I go first, she wishes to be cremated and buried along side me.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
LTC Robert Dunn I have that exact same scenario written in my Last Will and Testament as well. If Arlington is not available then I've pick a couple of very nice Federal locations in Colorado! Good for you and thanks for sharing. This is a very important thing that veterans, active duty soldiers, retirees, and families from all walks of life need to discuss and make arrangements for especially if you have children. Don't leave it unchecked and your children burdened with this. I've seen it destroy families and put some in to so much financial difficulties they never recover. I've experienced firsthand with my father-in-law.
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I have not as of this moment made a will, as I have no as to what I wanted to happen. My discharge is a general under honorable, so am I eligible for this honor???
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
A1C John R Wooton Here is the official word (Based on this I believe you are fully eligible!
FUNERAL HONORS ELIGIBILITY
Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
FUNERAL HONORS ELIGIBILITY
Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
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Cremation with most of my ashes being placed with my sons and a small part in the Grotto at Notre Dame.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
A1C (Join to see) Sounds like you have it covered and plan - thanks for sharing
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I did not I am either going to be buried with my family or cremated. That Is decision my wife and I need to decide on still.
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I say cremate me the same day I pass, put my ashes in a boat and burn it viking style...
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I have told my family and others, that I wish to be buried at Arlington. It is all set up-I believe-for my ashes to be stored in a Columbarium there. I will have my memorial service at the church which I attend.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs my wife and I have had will and testaments since the early part of this century. My attorney was an USNA graduate. We didn't specifically enter where i would like to be interred in my will but my wife knows my first choice is West Point, NY and second choice is Arlington, VA. I have been working with what is now known as First Command for financial investments and insurance since 1985. They understand the military system and one of their services includes providing the surviving spouse with death assistance - similar to what a casualty assistance officer provides.
In March we have an appointment with a First Command trust attorney to learn more about trusts. Our plan is to put our assets in a trust to protect them from probate and minimize tax burden fro our beneficiaries. I plan on discussing my internment desires and specifically including my priorities for internment in the trust process documents.
In March we have an appointment with a First Command trust attorney to learn more about trusts. Our plan is to put our assets in a trust to protect them from probate and minimize tax burden fro our beneficiaries. I plan on discussing my internment desires and specifically including my priorities for internment in the trust process documents.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
LTC Stephen F. Thanks for sharing and it sounds like you have a very good plan in place. Stephen please forward the First Command contact information to me via personal email: [login to see] - thanks!
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Very good idea which every SM should at least consider early on in case of worst possible scenario. It's free to all SMs and spouses. Here in TX there are several Texas State Veterans Cemeteries. Check out this website for more information. http://www.glo.texas.gov/vlb/cemeteries/index.html
VLB Texas State Veterans Cemeteries are special resting places, close to home, where friends, family and fellow Texans can honor Texas Veterans. The sacrifices they laid upon the altar of freedom will never be diminished nor forgotten.
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COL Mikel J. Burroughs
Capt Tom Brown Thanks for your comments and sharing the information! I owe you a vote up!
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