I need some information from some of our military members.

My father-in-law passed away back in January at the age of 91. Because of weather and distance, the funeral won't be till the annual family reunion at the end of June. A number in the family are not wanting a church funeral for reasons that I understand but I was wondering what might be available in the form of a military honor guard or similar at the grave-side service. He was active in the local American Legion up until the last couple years when he couldn't get out anymore and he even rode in the 2011 Veteran's Day parade. Here is an excerpt from his obituary about his military service:

In service to his country, he enlisted with the Air Corps in December of 1942. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Jane Blakeslee. Red returned home to his wife after his discharge, three years later, in 1945. For his service as a Technical Sergeant, Red received the WW II Victory Medal.

I plan to call the American Legion post on Monday but was curious what anyone might be able to tell me about what standard procedures were so that I was prepared. Thanks in advance and thanks for your service.

 

Touching base with the Legion should get you some answers. Your best bet though is to make contact with the VA. There are military honor guards all across American. I'm active Navy stationed in north Texas on an Air Force base as an instructor. We get tasked about 2 times a month to perform funeral details for Navy Veterans. Good luck in your search.

Marshall

 

The Legion should be able to help you out as well as the local VFW, I served Honor Guard for quite a few years and their are certainly some in your area as well. That is one thing Veterans ALL have in common, they want their fallen brothers to get the flag and respect they EARNED.

Your local Funeral home will also know what is available in your area.

 

Get in contact with the nearest USAF reserve station, they should be able to help you out.
Not sure if youre having the funeral in OK or not. Here is the contact number for the Air National Guard in OKC 1-405-686-5227

 

Thanks for the info guys.

The funeral will be held up in the Adirondacks of NY so I'll check with the Legion and VFW up there. I'll check on the USAF reserve station too for that area.

 

Don't forget to get his military grave marker...............