We perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and assist their widows and orphans; ...
2008-May-30 at 03:11
by DD
The Captain of our team receives requests for services routinely, but none are routine. The Captain coordinates closely with the military, funeral directors, cemetery directors, and families. Far too many times family members from outside our county and state are not counseled properly regarding what entitlements are available upon the death of a veteran. This is what we did for Mrs. Janet Hagstrand of Arizona. Her husband Jon donated parts his body to medical science and after was cremated. There was no funeral director involved. Capt. K counseled Janet regarding entitlements and how to attain them. Janet got Jon;s flag in Arizona, visited the county veterans service officer, and flew out to California. Janet contacted the US Navy to schedule their scattering her husbandŐs ashes, got the necessary death certificates and DD Form 214, and submitted her requests for a VA memorial plaque and Presidential Memorial Certificates. Memorial services were planned to be at a beach vacation house. The Capt. got Jon;s obituary published in the Sentinel newspaper, coordinated the Army to perform funeral honors, the participation of Patriot Guard Riders, and the participation of our team to fire 3 volleys. The services were held in the front yard along E. Cliff Drive and 35th in Pleasure Point of Santa Cruz along the ocean. The Army in their dress blues ceremoniously marched in carrying Jon;s urn and folded flag, They placed them down on a table next to his picture. Then the Patriot Guards following behind carrying 4x6 US flags that fluttered in the ocean breeze and positioned themselves in a line along the roadway as security. Capt K wrote the eulogy and officiated the memorial services as Chaplain. The State ARNG funeral team unfolded and refolded the flag. Sal Betran directed the team in firing of three ceremonial volleys and it sounded excellent. A passerby got out of his van stopping all traffic on E. Cliff Drive and saluted during the playing of taps [live] by the Army. It could not of been planned better or more beautiful. Following the service, Janet Hagstrand and her family thanked and welcomed everyone to a barbecue in the backyard to celebrate her husbands life. We had cheeseburgers, dogs, dip, salad and drinks. It was great visiting with the family, SFC Beltram of the ARNG, and members of the Patriot Guard with their motorcycles. This was the first time the Patriot Guard was part of a service we participated in and their presence was the icing to the cake.0 Comments | Post Comment | Email This
