Veterans Service

Veterans Funeral Services

It's easy to forget how lucky we are to have freedom, but everyone at Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home, Ltd. is proud to remember the brave men and women who died for our country. We are committed to giving every veteran the respect they deserve, and that includes the families of veterans in Jersey Shore, Antes Fort, Avis, Oval, Linden, Salladasburg, McElhattan, Dunnstown, and the surrounding areas of Lycoming County.  When a veteran dies, their family can get help from our knowledgeable staff with the paperwork they need to fill out so they can get benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

A Marine salutes graves at a cemetery, wearing dress uniform, with white headwear and belt.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

VA burial benefits help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for burial or memorial services in a VA national cemetery. Veterans Affairs gives out memorial items like headstones, markers, medallions, and burial flags to honor those who served our country.

Who Qualifies for Burial Benefits and National Cemetery Burial?

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the following requirements:



  • A veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge
  • A service member who died 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 died first
  • In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran

What are military funeral honors and a committal service?

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:


  • Served in wartime
  • Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • Served after January 31, 1955
  • Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
  • Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.

How Do I Apply for VA Burial Benefits?

Veterans' death benefits help cover burial, funeral, and transportation costs associated with the deceased's services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with burial and funeral costs, plot or interment expenses, and transportation of the veteran's remains.


Important Deadlines:



  • Non-service-connected burial allowance: File within two years after burial or cremation
  • Service-connected burial, plot, or interment allowance: No time limit


How to Apply: Apply online at va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail using VA Form 21P-530.


Headstones and Markers: Veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge may qualify for a government-furnished headstone or marker at no charge—including for previously unmarked graves. Request by completing VA Form 40-1330 and mailing to:

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

For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.

FAQ

  • How does the funeral home help with VA paperwork?

    Our staff helps families fill out and file VA Funeral applications, headstone requests, and presidential memorial certificates, among other government Veterans Affairs documents.   We make sure that all forms are filled out correctly and on time, and we also gather the necessary paperwork and check that everyone is eligible.   Once you send in your application, we will work with the VA to fix any problems or check on the application.   We are giving this support as part of our commitment to helping veteran families in the Jersey Shore area.

  • Can a veteran be buried in a private cemetery and still receive VA benefits?

    Yes.  The government may still provide burial allowances, a monument or marker, and a burial flag to veterans buried in private cemeteries.  In contrast to private cemeteries, families who opt for burial in a VA national cemetery are eligible for a plot allowance, which can assist defray the cost of the plot.  It is the family's responsibility to pay for the cemetery's or funeral home's setting expenses, however the VA will send a headstone or marker to be placed in a private cemetery.

  • What is the Presidential Memorial Certificate?

    The Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved certificate signed by the current President that honors the memory of veterans who were honorably discharged.  Family members, friends, or coworkers of the deceased veteran can get this certificate for free.  You can ask for more than one copy.  As part of our veterans services, our funeral home helps families get these meaningful tributes.

  • How do we arrange military funeral honors?

    If you need help with military funeral honors, just call Rearick-Carpenter Funeral Home.  We work with the right branch of the military, local honor guards, and groups for veterans to set up the ceremony.  At the very least, honors include two people to fold the flag, present it, and play Taps.  When possible, full honors include a rifle salute, a color guard, and more service members.  We make sure that your loved one gets the honor they deserve for their service.