Every eligible veteran is entitled to Military Funeral Honors performed by uniformed members of the armed forces. The Alaska Army National Guard is a direct representative of the United States military and is highly qualified to perform proper Military Funeral Honors.

Military Funeral Honors are available at the request of the family, at no cost.

"We are Citizen Soldiers proud to serve our community, state and country. We are direct representatives of the United States Army and have been authorized by the Department of Defense to provide honors for all eligible veterans. We are active duty uniformed soldiers who have been tasked to provide honors to all branches of the Armed forces; Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force. They are all entitled to a professionally executed farewell from a grateful nation."

The Honor Guard renders the Military Funeral Honors Ceremony. This ceremony represents the Nation's deep gratitude to those, in times of war and peace, who have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful nation can provide to our veteran's family.

Upon request, military honors will be provided for eligible veterans whenever possible. By law, an honor guard detail will consist of no less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent service of the deceased veterans. The honor detail will, at minimum, perform a ceremony that includes the folding and presenting of the American Flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. The playing of Taps will be played by a bugler if available, or by electronic recording.

• Military members on active duty or in the Selective Reserve.
• Former military members who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Veterans Service Organizations:
Local Veterans Service Organizations (VSO's), such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Posts, have open offers to provide firing parties, chaplains, and additional veterans support for any services when requested. The Alaska National Guard Honors Team frequently works in conjunction with local VSO's to further demonstrate the gratitude of our nation and community support for our deceased veterans and their families.

If the family of a deceased veteran would like to request Military Funeral Honors for their loved one, a funeral director needs to be contacted and given the proper documentation recognizing the loved one's military service. Any of the following Documents are acceptable:

• DD-214
• Honorable Discharge Certificate
• Veteran's Service Number/ID Card
• Documentation for an award received

Funeral Directors should call the Headquarters Office for the Alaska Honor Guard Program. The request will be processed and assigned to the Military Funeral Honors team. In the absence of a funeral director, a family member can contact our office for assistance.