Veteran Services

Honoring Those Who Served

At Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., we hold a deep abiding respect for the men and women who have served our nation. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to freedom deserve to be remembered with dignity and gratitude.



Our mission is to help families honor their loved one’s service in a way that is both meaningful and comforting, ensuring every detail reflects the pride and respect their service deserves.

A woman is holding an american flag and a rose at a funeral.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are available to honor and assist those who have served our country. These benefits help veterans, service members, and their families with the cost and arrangements of a burial or memorial service, whether in a VA national cemetery or a private cemetery.


Eligible Veterans may receive:

  • Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, which includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, and perpetual care.
  • A burial flag to honor their service.
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the President, recognizing their dedication and sacrifice.
  • Reimbursement of certain burial expenses, depending on eligibility and circumstances.


Memorial items are provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs to commemorate a veteran’s service, regardless of where they are laid to rest.

Our funeral home is honored to assist families with obtaining these benefits and completing necessary paperwork to ensure every veteran receives the recognition they deserve.

Who qualifies for burial benefits & burial in a national cemetery?

Veterans, active-duty service members, and certain family members may qualify for burial in a VA national cemetery, along with other benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility is based on service history and discharge status.


Those who may be eligible include:

  • A veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • A service member who dies 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 has passed first and is later buried elsewhere.
  • In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran.


If you are unsure about eligibility, we can help guide you through the process and assist with the required documentation to confirm benefits. Our staff works closely with the VA to ensure every eligible veteran and their loved ones receive the honor and care they deserve.

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors are a deeply meaningful tribute provided to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. These honors may include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle salute, and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the next of kin or a close friend of your loved one who has passed.


These ceremonies are performed by a uniformed honor guard and reflect the nation’s gratitude for a life of service and duty.


To be eligible to receive military funeral honors or a burial flag, the veteran or reservist must meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • Served during wartime
  • Died while serving on active duty on or after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after completing one enlistment or due to a disability caused or worsened by military service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves or in the military forces of the Philippines (while in service of the United States) and died on or after April 25, 1951


A committal service is the final part of a veteran’s service, held at the burial site. It provides a moment for family and friends to gather, reflect, and honor their loved one’s life and legacy in a setting of dignity and respect.


At Howard L. Sipes Funeral Home, Inc., we take great pride in helping families arrange every aspect of a military or committal service, ensuring that each veteran receives the honor they have earned through their service to our country.

What are burial benefits and how do I apply?

VA burial benefits help cover certain costs associated with burial, funeral, and transportation of a veteran’s remains. These benefits are designed to ease the financial burden on families and to honor the dedicated service of our nation’s veterans.


For veterans being buried in a national cemetery, the VA may assist with:

  • Burial and funeral costs
  • The gravesite and perpetual care
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • A government headstone or marker
  • Transportation of the deceased veteran for burial


How to Apply
To receive these benefits, an application must be filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

  • For non-service-connected deaths, a claim must be filed within two years of the veteran’s burial or cremation
  • For service-connected deaths, there is no time limit to apply.


You can apply online at:
VA Burial Benefits Application (Form 21P-530), https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction


Or you can mail a completed form to:

Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909


Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
The VA also provides a free government headstone, grave marker, or niche marker for the unmarked grave of any eligible veteran.

To request one, complete VA Form 40-1330 and send it to the address above.


To check eligibility or learn more, visit:

VA Headstones, Markers, and Medallions — https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/


Need Assistance?
If you’re unsure about eligibility or how to apply, our funeral home can help guide you through the process. We’ll work closely with the VA on your behalf to ensure your loved one receives every honor they deserve.


For more information, visit the VA Burial and Memorial Benefits page at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or call the VA directly at 1-800-827-1000.