VA Cremation/ burial

[lopez1171]

Anyone have any experience trying to take advantage of these benefits for a Veteran? Long story but an old friend passed and wasn’t associated with many people anymore. I just want to help lay him to rest and not have his daughter go into debt.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

My step father passed away a bit over a year ago. My mom went this approach. It wasn’t too bad of a process. Took a few phone calls to find the right person to talk to but once done, it moved along fairly straightforward. Cost was an issue as well for her.

 

[lopez1171]

My step father passed away a bit over a year ago. My mom went this approach. It wasn’t too bad of a process. Took a few phone calls to find the right person to talk to but once done, it moved along fairly straightforward. Cost was an issue as well for her.

It seems like there is 1 general phone number with business hours Monday -Friday. I’ll give that a try. Thanks

 

[Sheepdog1968]

It seems like there is 1 general phone number with business hours Monday -Friday. I’ll give that a try. Thanks

you’re welcome. I know how stressful this can be. The folks on the phone were understanding.

 

[BillSmith]

Was told by Golden Gate National Cemetery that no full body burials, cremated only. Said great. They said bring him, later her. But GGNC did not make the cremation arrangements, dealt with VA at Yountville. I transported both to GGNC in San Bruno. No fuss, no muss.

 

[Gawernator]

I wonder too, I did funeral honors before

 

[jayson_b24]

I wonder too, I did funeral honors before

Same.

 

[MunnyShot]

Prayers sent for your friends passing

 

[Mugshot]

When my dad passed the funeral home made all the arrangements for the burial at the veteran's cemetery. The veterans did an amazing job at the service. I think they give you 20-30 minutes max. 21-gun salute, prayers, flag folding. For something so sad, it was beautiful.
Prayers to your friend and I'm sure someone will help when you call on Monday.
You will need his discharge papers.

 

[Hit Factor]

When my dad passed the funeral home made all the arrangements for the burial at the veteran's cemetery. The veterans did an amazing job at the service. I think they give you 20-30 minutes max. 21-gun salute, prayers, flag folding. For something so sad, it was beautiful.
Prayers to your friend and I'm sure someone will help when you call on Monday.
You will need his discharge papers.

Same for my father-in-law at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. The funeral home in Sacramento handled the arrangements, but my wife, as his executor, took all his military service records down ahead of time. Ultimately, I think they only needed his DD-214, but the man did fight in 3 wars (beginning as a 17-year-old at the tail end of World War II), so we wanted to make sure they had everything. The service included a three-volley salute performed by a 7-person rifle party, the folding and presentation of the U.S. burial flag, and the playing of "Taps.”

OP, you can start the process here: https://www.usa.gov/military-funeral-honors

 

[Sheepdog1968]

When my dad passed the funeral home made all the arrangements for the burial at the veteran's cemetery. The veterans did an amazing job at the service. I think they give you 20-30 minutes max. 21-gun salute, prayers, flag folding. For something so sad, it was beautiful.
Prayers to your friend and I'm sure someone will help when you call on Monday.
You will need his discharge papers.

I agree it was a beautiful service and about the duration you mentioned. There was a military based near Monterey, CA now veterans cemetery where my step father (great man) is buried. He was cremated.

 

[lopez1171]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Prayers sent to you and your families for your losses.