As we planned for deployments and prepared for homecomings, we must also prepare for those we will leave behind.  Providing a roadmap to ease the already emotional burden on your loved ones leaves a lasting memory untainted with the frustration of having to navigate through different agencies for assistance.

Create a love drawer of sorts, a place with the documents and information your loved ones need:

1. Copies of your DD214. If your discharge papers are misplaced, obtain them by contacting the archive at http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html.

2. Information on requesting a headstone: http://va.gov/vaforms/va/pdf/VA40-1330.pdf. In most cases, the funeral director assists in obtaining a military flag.

 3. To request Military honors, contact 1-877 MILHONR or your local veteran service organization (VFW, American Legion).

Contact the Philadelphia Cremation Society for assistance with a veteran’s cremation. Call us today to learn more: (610) 572-7078.