Veteran Services

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We Are Proud to Honor Those Who Served

The men and women who served this country gave something that can never be fully repaid. At Coker Family Funeral Home, caring for veterans and their families is not just a service we offer, it's an honor we take seriously. We are committed to making sure every veteran receives a farewell worthy of their sacrifice, and that their family receives every benefit they've earned.


We'll handle the paperwork, coordinate the military honors, and guide your family through every step — so you can focus on what matters most: honoring the life of your hero.

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

VA burial benefits are designed to help service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for burial or memorial services in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and presidential certificates, are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to honor those who served.

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

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible if they meet one of the following:

  • 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 are among the most moving tributes a family can witness, and every eligible veteran deserves them. Full military honors include the playing of "Taps," a rifle detail, a color guard, and uniformed service members who carefully fold and present the United States flag to the next of kin. It is a moment of profound dignity and gratitude.


To qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must meet 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 completing at least one enlistment or due to a service-connected disability
  • 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 burial benefits?

The veteran's death benefits help cover the 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 the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transportation of the veteran’s remains for burial.


You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.

You can apply online here or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.

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Eligible Veterans and service members may qualify for memorial items provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including headstones, markers, burial flags, and certificates. Learn more about available items and eligibility at https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/

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The Department of Veterans Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send 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.

We're here to help.

Navigating VA benefits while grieving is a lot to take on. We've done this before, and we'll walk your family through it every step of the way. Contact us at (830) 282-1710 — we're here for you.