VETERAN SERVICES

When any Veteran dies, we take our responsibility of acknowledging the individual's service to our country very seriously. We are committed to ensuring that each Veteran receives the honor and respect they deserve. Retired Commander Dave Kenney is shown below, presenting a plaque to Mark Cournoyer, in recognition of his on-going assistance and support of the U.S. Navy's Funeral Honors Program.

Over the years, Mark has assisted Commander Kenney with several demonstrations of Full Military Honors at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery. All branches of the Military Funeral Honors teams have taken part in the demonstrations, as well as for the filming of A Living Memorial-the Story of the NH State Veterans Cemetery.

Benefits

Benefits are available to veterans discharged or separated from active duty under conditions (other than dishonorable) who have completed the required period of service, or U.S. Armed Forces members who die during active duty. Spouses and dependent children of eligible living and deceased veterans, and of current and deceased armed forces members, may also be eligible.

Burial in a National or State Veteran Cemetery

The United States Government provides free burial in a National or State Veteran Cemetery to all those who are eligible. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Many cemeteries have columbaria niches for the inurnment of cremated remains or special sections for burial of cremated remains, if cremation is chosen as the final form of disposition.

Headstones and Markers

The United States Government provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans and eligible dependents anywhere in the world that are not already marked. Flat bronze, flat granite, flat marble, and upright marble types are available to mark the grave of a veteran or dependent in the style consistent with exiting monuments at the place of burial. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria in national cemeteries used for inurnment of cremated remains (some cemeteries charge for marker installation).

Burial at Sea

Burial at sea is not just a tradition that was practiced by the Navy of old. It is a means of final disposition of cremated and intact remains that is offered to and still utilized by active duty, retired, and honorable veterans of all branches of the United States military. Burial at sea services are performed while the vessel is on official maneuvers; consequently, it is impossible for the family to be present. The family is notified by the commanding officer of that vessel of the date, time, longitude, and latitude of the committal service.

Individuals eligible for this program are members of the uniformed services, veterans discharged under honorable conditions, United States civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command, and dependents of members, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services

Our Local Port of Embarkation

Newport, Rhode Island

Naval Hospital

Newport, Rhode Island 02841-5003

(401) 841-4128

Presidential Memorial Certificate

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

The United States Government provides a burial and funeral expense allowance for veterans who, at the time of death, were entitled to receive pension or compensation or would have been entitled to compensation but for receipt of military retirement pay. Eligibility is also established when death occurs in a Veterans’ Administration facility or a nursing home which the Veterans’ Administration contracted, and additional costs of transportation of the remains may be reimbursed in those cases. Claims must be filed within two years after permanent burial or cremation.

What Are VA Burial Allowances?

VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

How Much Does the VA Pay?

Service-Related Death - VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001. VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-Related Death - VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot-interment allowance for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the deceased’s remains may be reimbursed.

United States Burial Flag

The United States Government provides an American flag to drape the casket of a veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. After the funeral service, the flag may be given to the next of kin or a close associate of the deceased. The staff of Cournoyer Funeral Home will gladly coordinate all of the logistics involved in arranging a service with military honors.

How to Contact the Veterans' Administration