Understanding VFW Benefits: Navigating the Support Provided After a Veteran's Passing

The VFW's role in funeral services primarily revolves around providing honor, respect, and community support. Here's a breakdown of what they typically offer:

• Military Funeral Honors:

• VFW posts often assist in coordinating and participating in military funeral honors. This can include a rifle volley, the playing of "Taps," and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag to the next of kin.

• They often work in conjunction with the Department of Defense to ensure these honors are carried out respectfully.

• Color Guard and Honor Guard Participation:

• VFW members may serve as a color guard or honor guard during the funeral service, adding a visible and powerful symbol of respect for the veteran's service.

• Funeral Service Support:

• Local VFW posts can provide support during the funeral service, such as pallbearers, assistance with logistics, and a presence that offers comfort to the grieving family.

• Memorial Services and Tributes:

• The VFW may organize or participate in memorial services, both at the funeral and at later dates, to honor the veteran's memory.

• They may also offer tributes, such as placing flags or wreaths at the gravesite.

• Community Support and Bereavement Assistance:

• Beyond the formal funeral service, the VFW provides a network of support for grieving families. This can include emotional support, information about veteran benefits, and connections to other resources.

• Flag Presentation:

• While the folding of the flag is a military honors function, VFW members are very involved in ensuring that the flag is handled respectfully, and presented to the family.

Eligibility

• Generally, any veteran who served honorably in a foreign war or expedition and is a member of the VFW is eligible for these benefits.

• Even if the veteran was not a member, local VFW posts often strive to assist families of deceased veterans, particularly those who served in eligible conflicts.

• It is always best to contact your local VFW Post to determine the exact support they can provide.

Important Considerations

• Coordination: It's crucial to coordinate with the local VFW post in advance to arrange their participation in the funeral service.

• VA Benefits: It's important to differentiate VFW benefits from those provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers burial benefits, including a burial allowance, a gravesite at a national cemetery, and a government-provided headstone or marker. The VFW supplements, rather than replaces, these VA benefits.

• Local Post Variations: The level of support provided by VFW posts may vary depending on the resources and capabilities of the local post.

How to Contact the VFW

• To find your local VFW post, visit the VFW website (vfw.org) and use the "Find a Post" locator.

• Contact the post directly to discuss funeral arrangements and the support they can provide.

Honoring Those Who Served

The VFW plays a vital role in ensuring that veterans receive the dignified farewell they deserve. Their participation in funeral services and memorial tributes provides a powerful symbol of respect and gratitude for the veteran's service. By understanding the funeral benefits offered by the VFW, families can ensure their loved one's service is honored appropriately.