Veterans organizations need more members
Dear fellow Veterans: HELP.
As many of you know, our military posts across the country have seen a decline in membership resulting of closer of many of them. Here in Emmet County the problem is no different; however, we have the resources to address the problem.
It is my estimation that there are about 5-6,000 veterans in Emmet County (depending on the time of year). We have the VFW on West Conway Road where members meet the second Monday of each month; we have the American Legion on Bay Street across from the County Building which meets the second Tuesday at 7 p.m., followed by coffee and donut time. They both have great buildings with kitchens and meeting rooms along with the hall. It is my belief that we have veterans who could make a great impact on our community by joining (or returning to meetings) at these posts and make these organizations a big part of our community. It will only happen if we decide to take a few hours out of our month and get involved. This also applies to wives, as the ladies’ auxiliary is a very important part of the posts and have made great contributions.
So, I would ask each of you to consider going to the next meeting to check it out and join up with your fellow brothers and sisters working with fellow veterans toward a better community. The Legion in Petoskey sponsors the Petoskey Royals baseball team that plays at the college field. On May 28th they will be giving away orange poppies at Walmart to bring attention to Agent Orange and the “Burn Pits.” They also hold a flag disposal ceremony on June 13th. There are many things that you can assist with if you can take a few hours a month to get involved.
For more information and contacts, call me (231) 348-1780.
Baseball and hot dogs!
Check this out: I am planning a trip to the Traverse City Beach Bums baseball game on May 29. Transportation and tickets will be paid for thanks to donations from Emmet County citizens. Johnson Buses is supplying the bus and fuel to get to TC and back. Bus will leave the Emmet County Fairgrounds at approximately 3 p.m. for a 5:05 game start and we should be back by 9 or 9:30 p.m. If you are interested in going, please call our office ASAP as it is first come first to get a ticket. This is veterans only (a chance to explain your exploits from the service) and meet some fellow veterans. We had a great time about four years ago and expect nothing less this year. Call us at 348-1783. Also, we are planning at veterans’ golf outing later this year in the fall, so get your clubs out!
VA Memorial Benefits, how to apply
Upon the death of the Veteran or his or her spouse or dependent, family members should locate the Veteran’s DD-214 or other discharge papers and then make arrangements with a funeral home, National Cemetery Scheduling Office or directly with a VA national cemetery. (Or call our office for assistance, 231-348-1780.)
VA takes special care to pay lasting tribute to the memory of veterans who served and sacrificed, and that of their families. VA meticulously maintains 134 VA national cemeteries in 39 states and is adding new cemeteries to accommodate veterans and loved ones in their time of need. In a few years, 95 percent of veterans will have a burial option in an open VA, state or tribal veterans’ cemetery located within an hour’s drive of their home. Some benefits are also available for veterans who choose burial in a private cemetery.
Veterans with a qualifying discharge are entitled to VA burial benefits. Spouses and dependent children are eligible too, even if they predecease the veteran.
The following burial benefits may be provided:
Burial in a VA national cemetery
- Opening and closing of the grave or burial of cremated remains or placement in an above-ground vault, also called a columbarium
- A government furnished grave liner
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- A headstone or marker with an inscription
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Transportation of flower arrangements from the committal service shelter to the gravesite
Burial in a private cemetery
- A government headstone, marker, or medallion
- Aburial flag
- APresidential Memorial Certificate.
- Some survivors may also be entitled to VAburial allowances as partial reimbursement for the costs of funerals and burials for eligible Veterans.
Please note that gravesites in a VA National Cemetery cannot be reserved in advance.
Our office can help you in your time of need.
Jim Alton is the Director of the Veterans Affairs Department within Emmet County. Alton served in the United States Marine Corps (1955-62) and is retired from the Michigan State Police. Reach him or his assistant, Rick Wiertalla, at (231) 348-1780 or jalton@emmetcounty.org
