Funeral Honors Liaison
Funeral Honors Liaison
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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Services
    • Contacts Us
    • Testimonials
    • Become A Volunteer
    • FAQ
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Services
  • Contacts Us
  • Testimonials
  • Become A Volunteer
  • FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: What We Do

Please reach us at info@funeralhonorsliaison.org  if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 To assist families and funeral homes in coordinating military funeral honors to ensure veterans receive the respect and recognition they deserve. 


 We help families request and verify the veteran’s military service records, including the DD-214 or service verification letters, which are necessary for funeral honors eligibility. 


 We coordinate services such as the playing of Taps by buglers, flag folding (but we do not present the flag to the family), rifle salutes, and we assist by submitting requests to the deceased’s branch of service for official honor details. 


We act as a liaison to communicate and coordinate between families, funeral homes, cemeteries, and military honor guard units to arrange funeral honors. 


We verify eligibility by confirming military service through official documents like the DD-214 or other verification letters from the Department of Defense or VA. 


 Our liaison helps families navigate the process, obtain required documents, and coordinate honors, especially when direct military Honor Guard resources are limited or unavailable. 


 Our program is strictly volunteer-based. We connect Guard and Reserve members with volunteer opportunities and carefully document every hour of their service. Eligible volunteers who participate in rendering funeral honors are recognized with awards, certificates, medals, challenge coins, and are submitted for the MOVSM (Most Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal). However, volunteers are only authorized to participate if approved by their unit commander. 


Interested volunteers can register with our program, complete the required training, and then participate in honor guard ceremonies to serve veterans.

Regarding the Army regulation for the Retired Badge or Prior Service Badge:

The Army Retired Badge (sometimes called the Retired Military Badge) is authorized by Army Regulation (AR) 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.

Specifically:

  • AR 670-1, Chapter 29, covers identification badges, including retired military badges.
     
  • Retired Army personnel are authorized to wear the Army Retired Badge on their civilian clothing or on the uniform when authorized.
     
  • Detailed information about the retired badge can be found in AR 670-1, paragraphs 29-1 through 29-6.
     

Summary for your use:

  • Retired Army personnel must show valid documentation of prior service.
     
  • They must wear the Army Retired Badge, as authorized by AR 670-1.
     
  • The badge signifies retired status and is worn according to regulations.


A veteran or retiree is authorized to wear the Army dress uniform only under specific conditions as outlined in Army Regulation (AR) 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia.

Per AR 670-1, paragraph 29-5 and related sections:

  • Retirees may wear the uniform during official military functions such as ceremonies, parades, military funerals, and other occasions where military dress is appropriate.
     
  • When wearing the uniform, retirees must comply with current Army uniform standards, including the proper wear of insignia, badges, and identification.
     
  • Wearing the uniform for unauthorized civilian purposes, or in a manner that discredits the Army, is strictly prohibited.
     

In summary, retirees may wear their dress uniform only when participating in or attending official military events or functions that warrant military attire.


What We Don’t Do & What Is Strictly Prohibited

Please reach us at info@funeralhonorsliaison.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.

No, our volunteers are not authorized to present or fold the American flag during funeral honors. The ceremonial folding and official presentation of the flag to the next of kin must be performed only by authorized military honor guard personnel, in accordance with Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1300.15, Military Funeral Honors Program. This ensures all elements of the ceremony are carried out in compliance with official military protocol.

Our volunteers may only participate in approved ceremonial roles, which include:

  • Firing parties (rifle salutes)
     
  • Playing Taps (buglers)
     
  • Bagpipers
     

These duties are vital in rendering honors with dignity and respect. All volunteers must be properly trained and authorized, and their service hours are officially documented and recognized.


No, military honor guard members, as well as retired or prior-service personnel wearing a service uniform, are not permitted to accept donations, tips, or any form of compensation for participating in funeral honors. This applies regardless of their duty status or branch of service.

Receiving gifts or payment while in uniform may violate military ethics regulations, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) standards, and could result in disciplinary action or legal consequences. All participation in military funeral honors must be conducted voluntarily and with integrity, in full compliance with military policy and federal law.


 No. Wearing the military uniform outside of authorized official functions is prohibited. 


No. Reserve and National Guard members must have written authorization from their unit commander in order to volunteer with our program and be eligible for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM). Participation without command approval is not permitted and may jeopardize both eligibility for the award and compliance with military regulations. 


No. We assist by submitting requests to the deceased’s branch of service but do not directly provide all honor guard services. 


No, our organization does not assign official military honor guard personnel. We can only assist with submitting requests to the decedent’s branch of service for the following elements:

  • A military chaplain (with direct command approval)
     
  • A live bugler to perform Taps
     
  • A ceremonial bagpiper
     

All requests are subject to availability and must be approved and fulfilled by the appropriate military authorities.


No, Military Honor Guard members, as well as retired or prior-service personnel wearing a service uniform, are not permitted to accept donations, tips, or any form of compensation for participating in funeral honors. This applies regardless of their duty status or branch of service.

Receiving gifts or payment while in uniform may violate military ethics regulations, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) standards, and could result in disciplinary action or legal consequences. All participation in military funeral honors must be conducted voluntarily and with integrity, in full compliance with military policy and federal law.



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