Funerals for Veterans

Friday, June 26, 2009 by Roger Bridges

Six veterans and three spouses became the first to be buried at Alabama's newest veterans cemetery this morning in Montevallo.

Indiana Veterans may be buried at Marion National Cemetery or at the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison.  Indiana Funeral Care offers funerals for veterans, low cost caskets and pre planned funerals.  Call us today at 1-866-570-0029 for more information.  Or visit us online at www.indianafuneralcare.com

A Soldier Died Today

Friday, May 22, 2009 by Roger Bridges

A Soldier Died Today

by R.F. Dees and his grandson, Justin Pierce in honor of Memorial Day
and veterans who have fought in wars and conflicts.

He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast;
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes everyone.
And tho' sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer, for old John has passed away;
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He'll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
And thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Newspapers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young.
But, the passing of a simple Soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,
A person who breaks promises and cons his fellow man,
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers his life?
It"s so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago,
That the "old Johns" of our country went to battle, but we know,
It was not the politicians, with their promises and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
He was just a "common soldier" and his ranks are growing thin.
But, his presence should remind us, we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part,
Is to clean up the troubles, that others often start.
If we cannot give him honor, while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least, let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps a simple notice, in the paper that would say,
"Our country is in mourning, cause a Soldier passed away today."

American Legion, Dept. of Indiana Exclusive Endorsement

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 by Roger Bridges
It was nearly two years ago that The American Legion, Department of Indiana exclusively endorsed Indiana Funeral Care and Veterans Funeral Care for their expertise in veterans funeral benefits. This is the first time an American Legion department has endorsed funeral services providers.

We are proud of this endorsement and consider it an honor to serve Indiana veterans.

One call to Indiana Funeral Care and we handle all funeral service details, apply for all VA benefits, file for Veterans Life Insurance and arrange for military honors.  Call us today at 1-866-570-0029 or visit us online at www.indianafuneralcare.com.

Veterans Funerals

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 by Sara IFC

Indiana Funeral Care provides funerals for veterans while still offering low cost caskets and cheap cremation options.  I just had a call today asking me information on how to help them with a VA Funeral.  I explained to the family member that we specialize in funerals for veterans; however, any funeral home can assist a famliy with this.  The loved one stated that she was thankful for the information I gave her. 

An Indiana Funeral Home, IFC, can and will help anyone that needs assitance with makeing funeral arrangements.     

Burial at Arlington

Friday, January 16, 2009 by Sara IFC

I had the opportunity to take Mr. Waugh to Arlington National Cemetery on the 8th.  What a honor to see family and friends come together again to witness such an honorable event.  Some of Del's friends from work came along with old friends from past jobs and those that servered with him during the service.  The burial was amazing with all the active military escorting him and then having the taps played by the band. Words can't describe that moment. 

The good thing is that any honorribly discharged veteran is eligible to be buried at any national cemtery for free.  Funerals for veterans can be arranged by calling us at 317-636-6464 or visit our website at Indiana Funeral Care. 

Missing in America Project

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 by Roger Bridges
Have you heard about the Missing in America Project?  Their mission is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.  To date they have visited 592 funeral homes, identified 491 unclaimed veterans cremains and interred 321.

Many veterans are unaware of the benefits available to them.  Most funeral homes won't even mention these benefits!  At Indiana Funeral Care, we are proud to serve veterans and their spouses and work hard to make sure they get all of the benefits to which they are entitled, such as:
  • Free cemetery space at a natioanl cemetery
  • Free burial vault
  • Free opening and closing
  • Free grave marker

Contact Indiana Funeral Care today to find out more about veteran benefits.  We offer discount cremations starting at $890 and complete church funerals starting at $3,950. 

Cheap Caskets Indianapolis

Saturday, November 15, 2008 by David Ring
Several casket stores have come and gone in Indianapolis.  Costco continues to sell caskets, but according to a friend that works there, he has not seen much demand or interest.  As far as cheap caskets Indianapolis, they are hard to find.  Indiana Funeral Care prices it's caskets at prices much lower than other funeral homes in Indianapolis....and they are American made!  Some funeral homes in Indianapolis have started selling caskets made in China, which is okay, I guess.  But due to the number of veterans funeral services we perform and just plain old patriotic feelings, we have stayed with American manufacturers.  The price is fair, the quality is dependable and consistent and we can obtain just about any color or material in 24 hours. 

Funerals for Veterans

Saturday, November 15, 2008 by David Ring
Most veterans have no idea that VA National Cemeteries offer a free grave, free opening and closing of the grave, free outer burial container and free marker for the veteran AND spouse.  When people are planning funerals for veterans, they should at least consider a National Cemetery.  An honorable and beautiful place for burial and they will save thousands of dollars.  

VA Funerals

Friday, October 24, 2008 by David Ring

Hanging out at the VFW Post #10003 last night at the reception to honor Del Waugh, a member's wife said her husband understood that VA Funerals were paid for by the VA until just recently.  When they asked a local funeral home about VA benefits, they responded that they did not know, but would look into it.  We can clarify VA Funeral benefits in advance with just a call.  Now that he realized that there is not such thing as VA Funerals and that the benefits would not cover the cost, he wants to preplan his funeral.

Funerals for Veterans

Friday, October 24, 2008 by David Ring
After witnessing the funeral at the Indiana War Memorial this week, I cannot think of a more fitting location for funerals for veterans.  The grandeur, history and significance of the Indiana War Memorial is inspiring and makes attendees proud and appreciative of the dedication and commitment to our country of our veterans.  It doesn't seem so much like a funeral, but more an expression of gratitude and celebration of an unselfish life lived and gift given!

Funerals for Veterans

Monday, October 13, 2008 by Roger Bridges
Many veterans are unaware of the benefits available to them.  Most funeral homes won't even mention these benefits!  At Indiana Funeral Care, we are proud to serve veterans and their spouses and work hard to make sure they get all of the benefits to which they are entitled, such as:
  • Free cemetery space at a natioanl cemetery
  • Free burial vault
  • Perpetual care with no annual maintenance fee
  • Free grave marker

The U.S. Navy will also scatter ashes from a war ship and conduct a full military honor ceremony. Active military personnel are permitted on board the ship only, however, the Navy will send a video to the family. For those veterans who have given 20 years active duty, they are entitled to a free burial at sea.

Contact Indiana Funeral Care today to find out more about veteran benefits.  We offer discount cremations starting at $890 and complete church funerals starting at $3,950. 

Funerals for Veterans

Monday, September 29, 2008 by David Ring
I am frustrated and saddened when we receive calls (like we did today) that a funeral home did not make arrangements for military honors for a funeral for a veteran.  It is so simple and so richly deserved!  When any funeral home performs funerals for veterans, I believe they have an obligation to make arrangements for military honors to be performed by a local burial team or with active duty personnel from the branch of service.
    Regardless of the funeral home, call us, we will make those arrangements, "on behalf of a grateful nation!"

Funerals for Veterans

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 by David Ring
What an honor to participate in the American Legion National Convention in Phoenix in the last few days.  The response from Legion members to our funerals for veterans packages was very well received.  Many of the attendees were not aware of the veterans burial benefits at the VA national cemetery and were very appreciative of the services Veterans Funeral Care provides for less fortunate veterans and their families.  We heard a lot of great stories and met a lot of impressive men and women that have served our country! 

The illusion of the deal (part 2)

Thursday, August 21, 2008 by Joel IFC
(if you have already read part 1, just skip down to the numbers part to compare ground burial vs. mausolem spaces in a private cemetery's veteran section) 

Free burial spaces for veterans?
Well, it is true, but unless you go to a National Cemetery, you can easily pay over $8000 for a "free" grave or crypt for a veteran and their spouse. Let's start with the simple part: An honorably discharged veteran and their spouse are entitled to free graves, free grave liners, free headstones, free open & closing (the digging), and free perpetual care. This is if they select any National Cemetery for their resting place (Marion National is the closest to Indianapolis).
    Private cemeteries love to advertise "free burial spaces for veterans" which is technically true, but then they charge for the grave for the spouse, the open & closing of the grave, the headstone, the headstone backing, the headstone installation, a paperwork processing fee, a perpetual care fee, a consumer protection fee- for BOTH the veteran and the spouse. Remember, it is TOTALLY FREE for BOTH at any of our fine National cemeteries.
    I recently visited a local cemetery and inquired about Veteran's burial for my father-in-law, a Vietnam Veteran who served two tours in the Marine Corps. (Semper Fi!!!)  Whereas his grave ($1100) and VA Bronze marker were free, the other charges were as follows:

    Mausoleum Crypts
    veteran's crypt-     free 
spouse's grave-            $4895
administrative fee        $95    (for paperwork, etc.)
consumer protection fee    $48.95
open & closing for veteran    $695
open & closing for spouse    $695
                So far, we are at $6428.95

Instead of headstones, the crypt has an engraved front or a face plate
veteran's crypt plate-        $750
spouse's crypt plate-        $750
sales tax                        $105
total for crypt plates        $1605
Add the two together, and the grand total is $8033.95 to entomb the veteran and the spouse (but the veteran's crypt is "free")

In all fairness, Mausolem entombment is not available in all VA cemeteries.
In all fairness, care and respect for veterans is not available in all private cemeteries.

Thanks for listening! Please feel free to email any questions to me at info@indianafuneralcare.com

The illusion of the deal (part 1)

Thursday, August 21, 2008 by Joel IFC
Free burial spaces for veterans? Well, it is true, but unless you go to a National Cemetery, you can easily pay over $8000 for a "free" grave for a veteran and their spouse. Let's start with the simple part: An honorably discharged veteran and their spouse are entitled to free graves, free grave liners, free headstones, free open & closing (the digging), and free perpetual care. This is if they select any National Cemetery for their resting place (Marion National is the closest to Indianapolis).
    Private cemeteries love to advertise "free burial spaces for veterans" which is technically true, but then they charge for the grave for the spouse, the open & closing of the grave, the headstone, the headstone backing, the headstone installation, a paperwork processing fee, a perpetual care fee, a consumer protection fee- for BOTH the veteran and the spouse. Remember, it is TOTALLY FREE for BOTH at any of our fine National cemeteries.
    I recently visited a local cemetery and inquired about Veteran's burial for my father-in-law, a Vietnam Veteran who served two tours in the Marine Corps. (Semper Fi!!!)  Whereas his grave ($1100) and VA Bronze marker were free, the other charges were as follows:
    veteran's grave-     free 
perpetual care fee-      $165
spouse's grave-            $1100
administrative fee        $95    (for paperwork, etc.)
consumer protection fee    $11.00
veteran's 'vault'            $975 for basic vault
spouse'  'vault'             $975 for basic vault
open & closing for veteran    $975
open & closing for spouse    $975
                So far, we are at $5111.00
Do you want a headstone? For both husband and wife, the charges are:
veteran's flat bronze marker    $free (provided by VA)
matching bronze for spouse    $1060    (no, that is not a typo)
Granite base for both markers    $1030
Vase                                    $730    
concrete foundation for base    $260
installation fee                    $200
perpetual care fee            $248
sales tax                         $125.30
        Total for the headstones: $3653.50
Add the two together, and the grand total is $8764.30 to bury the veteran and the spouse (but the veteran's grave is "free")

Stay tuned for "The illusion of the deal Part 2" which is for mausoleum entombment...

Military Honors

Friday, August 1, 2008 by Joel IFC
Even though i have experienced military honors many, many times, i still get goosebumps when i hear the notes of "TAPS'  played at the conclusion. Many families tell me "I don't care about the funeral part, but Dad really wanted a military service", referring to the honors rendered at the conclusion of the service (usually at the graveside, but not always). After participating in this solemn occasion, there is rarely not a dry eye or person that hasn't been touched by the ceremony. I believe the military honors are the perfect conclusion to any celebration of a veteran's life. It is meaningful, cathartic, and leaves behind a reminder of how soldiers take care of fellow soldiers, no matter the circumstances. For those who have served, no matter how young or old, it reinforces the camaraderie of the military and their ideals. For civilians who have not served, it is a powerful reminder of the dedication those in uniform have for the cause of the greater good and the steadfastness of those who have answered the call of duty.

VA Funerals

Friday, July 18, 2008 by David Ring
 We are honored to serve families of less fortunate veterans in need of financial assistance.  When a Veteran dies in a VA Medical Center or if his or her care is contracted out to a hospice or nursing facility (domiciled):  

    A.  Indiana Funeral Care will pick up the body of the deceased, meet with the family to complete all documents, bathe, dress and casket, in a minimum flat top casket, arrange for a military graveside service and transport to the closest VA cemetery for that service.  We will provide those services for the VA burial benefits, there will be no charge to the family.
    B.  Indiana Funeral Care will pick up the body of the deceased, meet with the family to complete all documents, cremate and transport to the closest VA cemetery for a military graveside committal service.  We will provide those services for the VA burial benefits, there will be no charge to the family. 

We are most grateful for our veterans and their service to our country!

Low Cost Cremations

Friday, July 18, 2008 by David Ring

I was honored to speak to the incoming District Commanders at the American Legion Department of Indiana, July 13.  One of the Commanders volunteered that he learned he could transfer the arrangements he had made for he and his wife to be cremated.  They made the arrangements before they were aware of cremation services offered by Veterans Funeral Care through the American Legion.  He was amazed that our prices on cremation services were so much less expensive.  He was very pleased to learn that Veterans Funeral Care refunds the excess amount in the trust at the time of need to the next of kin and wanted other Legionnaires to be aware of that.

VA Funerals

Friday, July 4, 2008 by Sara IFC
 When applying for veteran funeral expenses, the discharge papers or DD214 are required.  If unable to find it then we will help them request it.  All it takes is a signature from the next of kin on a request form with some information about that veteran.   We will then fax it to the veteran's administration.  They in turn will fax a copy to us.  At that point we can apply for the veteran's benefits

Burial for Veterans

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 by Joel IFC
During my travels in Indiana I have come across many different cemeteries. Some are huge, some historic, and there are some that most folks have probably forgotten even exist. One of my favorite cemeteries in Indiana is Marion National Cemetery.  I have many, many reasons why my favorite cemetery is a Veteran's Cemetery just northeast of Indianapolis-
  • The grounds are beautifully kept. It doesn't matter what the season is, it is always taken care of.
  • There are NO CEMETERY CHARGES for the burial of the honorably discharged veteran AND their spouse. You can still be laid to rest, with your loved one and your service to your country has reserved both of you a place at any national cemetery in the country.
  • My families are always taken care of there- The dead are always treated with respect and care, and their living survivors are treated well by the cemetery staff. They are not commissioned salespeople that are friendly only to sell you something; most are also veterans serving fellow veterans.
  • I love how the white upright veteran's headstones make symmetrical lines going left-right, forward-backward, and even diagonally!
  •         
  • The setting is beautiful and peaceful. There are no sounds of traffic or construction, only the rustling of the leaves and the serene sounds of the birds and your own footsteps.

It is an honor and privledge to be laid to rest there, and there is still a camaradarie among veterans, even in their solemn slumber. Military honors are always available, and the rank of the veteran determines which honors will be rendered. There is also an excellent VSO that supplements the honors with a 21-rifle salute and chaplain if so desired.

I have many photos of the cemetery taken during different times of the year. We'd love to share them; simply email a request to us at info@indianafuneralcare.com

Also, if you should have any questions about funerals for veterans, veteran's benefits, military honors, VA funerals, please contact us. Even though we specialize in veterans funerals, we take care of everyone.  We pride ourselves on our low cost funerals with excellent quality service in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.