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?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 20:44:36 -0500

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.

Burial Benefits - National Cemetery Administration

The VA National Cemetery Administration honors the military service of our Nation's veterans. We provide a dignified burial and lasting memorial for veterans and their eligible family members and we maintain our veterans' cemeteries as national shrines.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Dec 31 at 2015 8:54 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 20:54:25 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs thanks for the thread. I have not, 2016 will be the year I get my Will together and I do want to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This is an important event, even though it deals with death. I served my country and this is the final salute. It has to be squared away! Thanks for the assist!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 31 at 2015 8:56 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 20:56:18 -0500

I have requested cremation. My significance won't be in a stone on the ground. If my wife & son, and future grandchildren need a ceremony I'll let them make that decision.

Response by LTC Robert Dunn made Dec 31 at 2015 9:04 PM

LTC Robert Dunn — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 21:04:04 -0500

Agree it is important to discuss this with your family.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 9:37 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 21:37:09 -0500

I'm not sure about which cemetery but I did request military honors.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 31 at 2015 9:49 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 21:49:59 -0500

Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust, Earth to Earth and Water back to the Sea. Cremation then dump my Ashes in the Columbia River to take me back to the Pacific Ocean. I was here and then no more.

Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 31 at 2015 10:04 PM

SrA Andrea West — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 22:04:42 -0500

I have made arrangements and told my brothers to bury me in a state veterans cemetery, should I predecease them. We have a nice one here in Montana and frankly I'm rather fond of Ft. Harrison. Now to make sure my wishes are in my will - a very good plan for 2016!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 31 at 2015 11:42 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 23:42:28 -0500

Thank you for the post sir. I will be buried at a National Cemetery.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 31 at 2015 11:47 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 23:47:58 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Salt water runs in my veins, Colonel, after 28 years. Cremate me and then send me home to Davey Jone's locker.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made Jan 1 at 2016 12:42 AM

MSgt Keith Hebert — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 00:42:10 -0500

Nope me and wife are being cremated

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 1 at 2016 2:46 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 02:46:18 -0500

I was only in for 5 years, didn't think I was eligible.

Response by PO2 Sam Messer made Jan 1 at 2016 7:08 AM

PO2 Sam Messer — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 07:08:58 -0500

I got out in 1969 & I knew I wanted to be close for any family that lived here in my home town. I Bought a plot in at that time a new cemetery & was to be in a military section. Well I didn't get in the military section but I did get a plot that 2 could be buried in one on top of the other. It just happens to be surrounded by WW 2 vets that my Dad & I have known for almost all of my life. I paid it off in 1989 & have a head stone already on site with my name & wife's name. I am wanting more info on my head stone than the room on there now, so thinking of a second stone beside of the one there now. I found out AFTER I paid my plot off that my Dad had bought in addition to his plots another 6 plots for family & didn't think to tell me before I paid mine off, LOL... I hope my brothers decide SOON if they want them or not so I can deed to them or sell! I am torn between cremation or not, cheaper for a vase of ashes just don't know which way I want to be stashed away..

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Jan 1 at 2016 7:40 AM

1stSgt Eugene Harless — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 07:40:21 -0500

Interesting question. I'm looking at a cremation and placement in a wall with my wife besise her mother and father. The plaques are pretty restricted as far as the amount of lettering so the chances are there wont be anything about my service on it. I was thinking that I will probably ask my brother to sneak some of my ashes down to MCRD and dump them on the parade ground and the PT field so the recruits will be breathing me in. That way I will always be a part of the Corps. Totally illegal but i'm not going to ask permission, maybe forgiveness. Also would want my family to buy a brick for me in the DI monument.
One thing I would like to do ahead of time as well is write a personel thank you note to the Marines who will provide the burial detail for taking care of me on my final trip.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 1 at 2016 8:11 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:11:18 -0500

If I pass in the states, I am to be cremated and interred at Punchbowl, National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. If I pass anywhere else my remains are to be cremated and scattered over the runway at the former US Air Base at U-Tapao, Thailand and out into the sea.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 1 at 2016 8:35 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 08:35:33 -0500

I haven't really thought about it to be honest, seriously at least. I've given some thought to both cremation and having my ashes scattered somewhere and being buried at a national cemetery with honors. Hell, I don't even have a will!

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Jan 1 at 2016 11:01 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 11:01:57 -0500

Cremation and ashes scattered with minimal fuss is my preferred option. Don't like the idea of graveyards.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 1 at 2016 11:41 AM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 11:41:44 -0500

I'm torn about this, because military honors at the VA cemeteries take almost the full 30 minutes allotted for each funeral. They also do not allow graveside services. This essentially eliminates the possibility of religious funeral services at the cemetery...

Response by LCDR Steve Didio made Jan 1 at 2016 3:54 PM

LCDR Steve Didio — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 15:54:37 -0500

COL Burroughs, thank you for starting this thread. It's one I'm sure many Veterans need to give some thought to. I definitely want to be buried in a National Cemetery, but I'm not 100% sure which one. Arlington would be an honor, but it's too far from my entire family (all in Western US). I have stipulated in my will that I wish to be cremated, and that my remains be interred in a National Cemetery. I need to indicate a definite location in the next update. Thanks for nudging us all on this important decision.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2016 5:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 17:04:41 -0500

COL Mikel Burroughs, you bring up a great point. How many of us actually have a will/trust/POA/medical POA? Where do you wish to be buried? Do you want to be cremated? Do you have a life insurance policy? Resuscitate? Donate your organs? None of us will live forever. My team and I educate people on these things. If you do not have them it's a great idea to get them now. It will cause less burden on your loved ones down the road.
http://www.protectionthatpays.com/

Protection That Pays

We believe the following less than 5-minute video will be very captivating, insightful and enlightening. Welcome To FES.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2016 9:00 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 21:00:06 -0500

My body will be donated for medical research/teaching then cremated.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 1 at 2016 10:56 PM

SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 22:56:49 -0500

I'd prefer to have a portion of my ashes scattered on the Appalachian Trail and what's left scattered in the ocean.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jan 1 at 2016 11:07 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 23:07:51 -0500

Cremated, ashes tossed on warning track at Wrigley Field.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Jan 2 at 2016 9:24 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 09:24:43 -0500

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

Cemeteries

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.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 2 at 2016 11:40 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 11:40:41 -0500

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.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jan 3 at 2016 12:23 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 12:23:02 -0500

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.

Response by LT Steve Wilson made Jan 3 at 2016 7:31 PM

LT Steve Wilson — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 19:31:30 -0500

Thank you, COL. I have my will prepared, yet failed to include this information.
Looks like 2016 is the time to update not only mine, but the wife's as well (she is also a Vet).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2016 1:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 13:42:52 -0500

I would like to be buried here where I live, but with military honors, of course.

Response by SGM Mike Bachini made Jan 8 at 2016 12:27 PM

SGM Mike Bachini — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 12:27:27 -0500

I say cremate me the same day I pass, put my ashes in a boat and burn it viking style...

Response by SPC Robert Smart made Jan 8 at 2016 2:38 PM

SPC Robert Smart — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:38:26 -0500

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.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2016 11:02 AM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:02:59 -0500

Cremation with most of my ashes being placed with my sons and a small part in the Grotto at Notre Dame.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Feb 10 at 2016 5:36 AM

PO1 Kerry French — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 05:36:24 -0500

I want to be buried where my daughter is buried.

Response by A1C John R Wooton made Feb 12 at 2016 1:23 PM

A1C John R Wooton — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:23:07 -0500

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???

Response by SSG Mike Busovicki made Feb 13 at 2016 10:24 AM

SSG Mike Busovicki — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 10:24:05 -0500

I also noted that full instructions would accompany my dress uniform (how it should look, even though it is ready to go right now), as I requested that I be buried in that. Just in case no one is around w/a copy of AR 670-1 at the time :)

Also, put contact info in there on who to contact to set up the burial and if you want a firing party (usually a local veteran unit like the VFW), so have their contact info in there as well. Keep a certified copy of your DD 214 with your will so your NOK can get that to the National Cemetery asap. You can't "reserve" a spot, so this will have to be requested after you're gone.

Response by LTC Robert Dunn made Feb 18 at 2016 7:43 PM

LTC Robert Dunn — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 19:43:53 -0500

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.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Feb 21 at 2016 2:46 PM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 14:46:07 -0500

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.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Mar 20 at 2016 11:45 PM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 23:45:41 -0400

Thank you for this post!

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 21 at 2016 9:51 AM

LTC Paul Labrador — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 09:51:39 -0400

I had indicated that I wanted to be buried at Arlington with full honors.

Response by SFC Craig Dalen made Mar 21 at 2016 11:38 AM

SFC Craig Dalen — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:38:28 -0400

I want to be with family but with full military honors.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 21 at 2016 11:44 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 11:44:12 -0400

I was into the "any National Cemetery" category until I spent some time just after I moved up here placing flags on graves at our local cemetery. Lots of brothers and sisters here. So I have no objection to being placed here presuming I go before my wife. Then she can pay me a visit more easily to give me her honeydo list.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Mar 21 at 2016 5:43 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:43:50 -0400

Thanks for sharing. My wife and I went to have our wills filled out, and Do Not Resuscitate and Advanced Directives for myself.

I put nothing in there regarding my burial, and this reminds me that I need to do so.

Response by SFC Wade W. made Mar 21 at 2016 11:32 PM

SFC Wade W. — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 23:32:31 -0400

I have but need to redo it and bring it up to date. Life changes, wills need to change also.

Response by PFC Jonathan Cantu made Jul 12 at 2016 4:28 PM

PFC Jonathan Cantu — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:28:51 -0400

Yes I have

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jul 15 at 2016 9:27 AM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 09:27:46 -0400

My wife and I bought a plot in my hometown where we can be buried after cremation. It's not in my Will; but, after watching my wife and her brother struggle trying to guess what kind of arrangements their mother would have wanted, I wrote a two-pager with a bunch of details to include what music I want played.
I 'almost' included FREEBIRD!!

Response by SA Jim Arnold made Jul 15 at 2016 9:33 AM

SA Jim Arnold — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 09:33:49 -0400

As a NAVY man and also a commercial fisherman, I will be cremated and spread throughout the North Atlantic, where I can rest in Davy Jone's locker.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jul 15 at 2016 10:03 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 10:03:48 -0400

I've only recently learned about the death benefits for Veterans and I think it would be a great honor to be laid to rest in a National Cemetery. I don't know what the difference between full and normal military honors is, but being laid to rest in a military manner would be the highest honor in my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2016 12:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:19:21 -0400

Last year...... JAG talked me into it

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 15 at 2016 12:45 PM

PO1 Tony Holland — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:45:20 -0400

Designation of an 'Agent for Body Disposition' should be in every will/estate plan.

Response by SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM made Jul 15 at 2016 12:52 PM

SFC Louis Willhauck, MSM, JSCM, and ARCOM — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 12:52:36 -0400

Not any of the choices given... I want to be donated in the entirety to science/medicine. Not at all interested in making a mortician any richer than they already are. I figure I'd try to do a little good with my trash, as it were... Burn any leftovers, dump me in a little hole in the garden and plant a rose bush over me! Probably near the flagpole... I told the family to take what they would have spent on a funeral and go somewhere fun to remember me by!

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 15 at 2016 6:12 PM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 18:12:12 -0400

Great question once again. I wonder where you get them? Everyone should have a last will and tesitiment!

But of course, i have not practiced what I preached. Idiot. Any way, My kids have already told me I will be cremated and tossed in the ocean. Mikel make sure.LOL

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Jul 15 at 2016 6:25 PM

SFC Bill Snyder — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 18:25:39 -0400

Yes. My wife is waiting for me.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Jul 15 at 2016 8:08 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Fri, 15 Jul 2016 20:08:28 -0400

I have indicated that I want to be buried in the veterans cemetary close to home but I want no funeral of any type. No one is to speak, no one is invited. Nothing. I want it done as cheap as is possible. If it was legal I would tell them to must throw me in a dumpster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2016 1:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:32:21 -0400

Had never thought of it. We have a small family cemetery in Kansas, but due to pesky laws about dead bodies crossing state lines. We will be cremated and then buried there most likely. I'd do the full honors, because it will get seven to twelve kids out of work for the day. They will get notes that say that too. I loved funeral detail, you meet all kinds of people.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 30 at 2016 7:41 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 19:41:48 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs My documents are in order. A draft obit is on my desk. A grandson knows that three dear hymns are in my Apple library to be played in lieu of a service. The funeral homes and the CAARNG are good to go for a funeral detail and three volleys.

Response by TSgt Steve Waide made Jul 30 at 2016 8:07 PM

TSgt Steve Waide — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 20:07:34 -0400

I have stated to my wife that I want to be buried in Arlington and if not possible then cremate me and spread my ashes on our family land where I grew up. Of course that's gonna be about 600 acres worth of spreading.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 30 at 2016 10:58 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 22:58:04 -0400

While I have indicated my preference for a military funeral and burial, I prefer to be placed in the cemetery where other members of my family are resting.

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Jul 31 at 2016 8:53 AM

SFC Richard Giles — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 08:53:07 -0400

I just took care of this a couple of months ago and my Will states I will be buried at Arlington.
I believe it's important that your family knows what your last wishes are and where you want to be buried. For a long time I wouldn't do it, for all the reasons we all give but I'll tell ya it really is a big burden off of your shoulders when it's all in writing and you know where you're going.
Great question.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 31 at 2016 2:20 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 14:20:31 -0400

Though I have yet to fill out a will, I have decided on what I want. Cremation and small ceremony with military honors provided by CVMA and Patriot Guard. A small amount of ashes to be placed in a small container and given to my CVMA chapter so that I may forever ride with my Brothers and Sisters. The rest of my ashes to be scattered at sea (Pacific since I was a West Coast Sailor).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2018 12:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 12:52:42 -0400

The only reason I have thought so much about this is that my daughter passed several years back. At the time of her death she was still my dependent and as such, also qualified for burial in a National Cemetery. She is buried at Washington's Crossing National Cemetery in Pennsylvania. This is a rather new cemetery and is absolutely beautiful. I was also able to reserve the plot directly next to my daughters marker for myself and will be one day, be interred next to her.