Can national guard be buried in veterans cemetery?

Can National Guard Be Buried in Veterans Cemetery?

The National Guard is a unique component of the US military, with a dual mission to serve both the state and the federal government. As a result, the eligibility rules for burial in veterans’ cemeteries can be complex. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question: Can National Guard members be buried in veterans’ cemeteries?

Direct Answer:

Yes, National Guard members can be buried in veterans’ cemeteries, but there are specific eligibility requirements and procedures that must be followed.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for burial in a veterans’ cemetery, a National Guard member must have:

• Served at least one day of active duty under federal authority, including:

  • Federalized National Guard units
  • Title 10 National Guard duty
  • Title 32 National Guard duty (except for training and maintenance)

• Been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
• Been a member of the National Guard at the time of death

Types of National Guard Duty:

There are different types of National Guard duty, and not all of them qualify for burial in veterans’ cemeteries. The following types of duty are eligible:

• Federalized National Guard duty: This is when the National Guard is activated by the President to support federal missions.
• Title 10 National Guard duty: This is when the National Guard is activated to support federal missions, but is not federalized.
• Title 32 National Guard duty: This is when the National Guard is activated to support state or local missions, but is not federalized.

Types of National Guard Duty that do not Qualify:

The following types of National Guard duty do not qualify for burial in veterans’ cemeteries:

• Annual Training: This is when National Guard members attend training exercises and drills.
• Weekend Warrior Duty: This is when National Guard members attend drills and training exercises on weekends.
• State Active Duty: This is when the National Guard is activated to support state or local missions, but is not federalized.

Burial Eligibility:

To be eligible for burial in a veterans’ cemetery, a National Guard member must have:

• Served at least one day of active duty under federal authority
• Been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions
• Been a member of the National Guard at the time of death

Burial Process:

The burial process for National Guard members is similar to that for active duty military personnel. The following steps must be taken:

1. Obtain a copy of the DD Form 214: This is the discharge document that shows the National Guard member’s military service and discharge status.
2. Apply for burial benefits: The National Guard member’s family or estate must apply for burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
3. Provide documentation: The VA will require documentation of the National Guard member’s military service, including the DD Form 214 and any other relevant documents.
4. Determine eligibility: The VA will determine whether the National Guard member is eligible for burial in a veterans’ cemetery based on their military service and discharge status.
5. Schedule the burial: If the National Guard member is eligible, the VA will schedule the burial and provide any necessary assistance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, National Guard members can be buried in veterans’ cemeteries, but there are specific eligibility requirements and procedures that must be followed. By understanding the types of National Guard duty that qualify and the burial eligibility requirements, families and estates can ensure that their loved ones receive the honors and respect they deserve.

Table: National Guard Duty Types

Bullets: Key Points to Remember

• National Guard members must have served at least one day of active duty under federal authority to be eligible for burial in veterans’ cemeteries.
• National Guard members must have been discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions to be eligible for burial in veterans’ cemeteries.
• National Guard members must have been a member of the National Guard at the time of death to be eligible for burial in veterans’ cemeteries.
• Federalized National Guard duty, Title 10 National Guard duty, and Title 32 National Guard duty (except for training and maintenance) qualify for burial in veterans’ cemeteries.
• Annual Training, Weekend Warrior Duty, and State Active Duty do not qualify for burial in veterans’ cemeteries.