Veteran Services
Veteran Services
Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Olney Foust Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLC proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.
Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits that are provided through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for deceased veterans.
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.
A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/
The Department of Veteran 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 Veteran 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.
Personalization Services
When searching for ways to personalize a funeral service, remember the moments you spent with the person and try to highlight the qualities that she or he are remembered for. Consider hobbies, subjects of interest and places where the person spent much of his or her time. It can help to make lists of their passions, achievements and memories you shared together. There are a number of ways that these lists can be incorporated into a service:
Photos and Albums
There are many opportunities to display photos at a funeral service. Poster boards with photo collages can be placed on easels for display. Flat screen TV monitors can be used to display pictures or a slideshow during calling hours or just prior to the services. Photographs can be printed in the memorial folders, registry book or on urns.
Videos
A DVD video is a wonderful way to share your loved one’s life with others. It can be personalized with your special photos and music. These videos become keepsakes that you can share with your family for generations.
Artwork
Artwork of the deceased or art created in tribute is a beautiful addition to a service. Sculptures, a slideshow of drawings or displaying artwork throughout the funeral home helps people learn more about a life that was cherished.
Music
Live or pre-recorded music can be relaxing and comforting to those who have come to the service. Some other ways music can be used, is to record a CD with the deceased’s favorite songs or songs that he or she wrote or to have musically inclined family or friends perform at the funeral service.
Readings of Poetry & Literature
Passages from the deceased’s favorite books or poems that capture the essence of life help create a service infused with wisdom and words to remember. You can also invite friends and family members to read passages or poems of their choice or write their own pieces to share.
