By Tim Macy, District Office Intern

Many of us have loved ones who served honorably in the United States Military. Whether they served in the Marines, the Army, the Navy or the Air Force, during peacetime or wartime, fifty years ago or ten years ago, they deserve all of the glory we can possibly bestow upon them. Though these men and women should be honored daily, it is of special importance that they be honored by their grateful country as they are laid to rest. The VA takes on the responsibility of funding a headstone and a ceremonial flag for these men and women who sacrificed so much for us. 

 

Recently, our office was contacted by a woman whose father had just passed away. The deceased had served his country proudly during the Pacific Theatre in World War II but this young woman was having difficulty proving that fact to the funeral home where she had taken the deceased. Without the proper proof that the deceased has served in the military, the necessary arrangements can not be made. It’s very sad that families should have to face such a hurdle during a time of immense loss. Families should not have to jump through so many hoops to give their loved ones a fitting, military burial. However, our office is here to help.

 

When we were contacted by this young woman, one of the first things we asked was if her father had been a resident of the state of Kansas upon entering and exiting the military. Though an answer of “no” to either of these questions does not preclude our office from offering assistance, an answer of “yes” to both questions means that our help should be swifter. Once we receive the call in our office and the proper paperwork has been filled out, one of our constituent services representatives who specialize in military matters will take the information down to the Kansas Army National Guard Archives. Assuming the veteran in question was a resident of Kansas upon joining and leaving the military; our representative should be able to obtain a Statement of Service which will serve as the necessary proof. This will allow the deceased to receive his or her tombstone and ceremonial flag and it will hopefully allow for the grieving to focus on other concerns. 

 

Clearly, when we lose a loved one the absolute last thing we want to worry about is paperwork. Unfortunately, that paperwork is not always avoidable. If you find yourself in a similar situation of not being able to prove that a loved one served in the military, please contact our office and allow us to help with the matter on your behalf. This is a very uncommon hurdle for individuals to encounter but we have had experience in the matter and we are happy to step in when it is necessary.