Veterans Information
The George P. Kalas Funeral Home is proud to honor our U.S. Military Veterans who have served us during both war and peace time. We actively process veteran’s benefits on behalf of the families we serve. Specific veteran’s benefits are available to military personnel who were honorably discharged from the military, regardless of branch of service. The Summation of Veteran’s Benefits will be different for each family. For very specific details on veteran’s benefits, visit the government website, www.va.gov.
We have provided a general summation:
Military Discharge Papers
The Kalas Funeral Home will acquire, if the family is unable to find their copy and if available from Veterans Services, the military discharge papers for our veterans. These discharge papers, also known as a DD214, assist us in coordinating all veteran’s benefits.
Military Honors
The Kalas Funeral Home will coordinate the appropriate military branch to present the burial flag at the time of cemetery interment, at a church funeral or Mass, or at a funeral home service.
Burial Flag
As a way to show the Nation’s deep gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country, the U.S. Government provides an American Flag. The flag is cotton and measures 5’ wide x 9 1/2’ long. Kalas will process the Application for the flag and ensure its availability for services.
Burial in a Veteran’s National Cemetery
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of the 130 national cemeteries with available space. The government acquires the financial responsibility for opening/closing and perpetual care. Kalas will coordinate all interments within a Veteran’s National Cemetery.
Burial in a Maryland State Veterans Cemetery
Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of the state cemeteries in Maryland, the closest being in Cheltenham and Crownsville, Maryland. The government acquires the financial responsibility for opening/closing and perpetual care for the veteran and a nominal fee for a spouse or dependant that is eligible.. Kalas will coordinate all interments within the Maryland Veterans Cemeteries.
Veteran’s Headstones and Markers
A veteran’s marker is provided free-of-charge by the U.S. Government when the veteran is interred in a cemetery. Each cemetery has installation policies on the type of markers they accept and whether or not there is an installation fee. Kalas can help to prepare the Application. If burial or inurnment takes place in a state or national veteran cemetery, the cemetery will process this request for the family.
Presidential Memorial Certificates
Presidential Memorial Certificates are engraved paper certificates from the White House signed by our current U.S. President to honor the memory of an honorable discharged deceased veteran. Kalas will coordinate the processing of these certificates, if desired, which will be mailed to the next-of-kin. There is usually a 2-month turnaround from the government.
Veterans Life Insurance
Some veterans purchased V.A. Life Insurance when they were discharged from the military. Kalas will contact the V.A. Life Insurance Group at 1-800-669-8477, inquire if there is a policy, complete the Claim Form and process the claim on behalf of the beneficiary. There is usually a short turnaround from the government on the payment of the death benefit.
Burial Benefits
Burial benefits are usually available to U.S. Veterans who have been receiving disability benefits as a direct result of the veteran’s service or for a veteran who dies in a V.A. Hospital. Kalas will contact veteran’s services at 1-800-827-1000 and prepare the Application, if the family is eligible. There is usually a 2 to 12 month turnaround from the government.
Death Pensions
A death pension may be payable when the death of a veteran with wartime service is not due to service, and income is within applicable limits. Due to the required family income and other personal financial questions, it is recommended that all families contact veteran’s services at 1-800-827-1000 to see if they are eligible.
