Proudly serving those who first served us. Proudly serving those who first served us. Delivering military funeral honors is one of the ways we show our immense gratitude for those who put their

lives at risk in times of war and peace in order to defend our country and our way of life.

The ceremony serves to acknowledge the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans.

We would be honored to assist you in this tribute.

Telling your story how you want it to be told.Telling your story how you want it to be told.

Everyone has a story to tell, and we place tremendous value in preserving your legacy. By pre-planning a funeral, you provide us the opportunity to understand your story, and how you want your story to be remembered.

As you begin pre-planning, it is crucial that you secure your military benefits through your discharge papers. To ensure your benefits, make sure your family is aware of where your discharge papers are nownow.

We can help you take care of the rest.

Military BenefitsThere are a variety of benefits available to veterans, and by partnering with our Funeral Home, you are able to take full advantage of them. The U.S. government programs serve to honor and assist service members and their survivors. Government funding is available to aid in financing funeral expenses, and there are free services and programs available to support relatives left behind.

We are here to assist you by providing education and understanding of what services are available, such as: We are here to assist you by providing education and understanding of what services are available, such as: • • What military benefits are available to youWhat military benefits are available to you• • What are the burial and memorial options available in VA cemeteriesWhat are the burial and memorial options available in VA cemeteries • • How to fund what your military benefits won’t coverHow to fund what your military benefits won’t cover• • How to receive a presidential memorial certificateHow to receive a presidential memorial certificate

Military Funeral HonorsAll active service members and veterans, regardless of rank (with exception to those who received a dishonorable discharge) are eligible to receive military honors with no personal cost.

The following outlines the various requirements to be eligible for military funeral honors:• Military members on active duty or in the

Selected Reserve.• Former military members who served on active

duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable.

• Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

A military funeral’s ceremony will include:• The playing of “Taps”• A rifle detail• A color guard• Uniformed service members who present the

burial flag

Veteran’s Headstone and Grave Markers The VA is able to provide a veteran’s headstone and a grave marker to the applicant, regardless of burial site, for the unmarked grave of any eligible deceased Veteran in any cemetery in the world, no matter the date of death.

For those who already have a privately purchased headstone, a Government-furnished headstone can be provided.

Note: when placing headstone or marker in a private cemetery, the applicant is responsible for all placement costs as a private expense.

Financial AssistanceThe Veterans Association may provide burial allowances if you are paying for your burial and funeral costs and will not be reimbursed by any other organization, such as other government agencies, or a veteran’s employer.

If you choose to be buried in a national cemetery, your family will receive allowances for: • Burial and funeral costs• Plot (gravesite) or interment• Transporting the Veteran’s remains for burial

Non-service connected burial allowances must be filed within two years after the Veteran’s burial or cremation.

Burial and Memorial OptionsVA National Cemeteries Eligible parties can choose to be buried for free in any VA national cemetery. Benefits of being buried in a national cemetery include: • opening and closing of the grave• headstone or grave marker• perpetual care of your gravesite

Private or State Veterans CemeteriesWith enough preparation time, your local funeral home can arrange for a burial in a private or state veterans cemetery, with full military benefits. Before adding the cemetery to your pre-planning documents, you must first make sure that the cemetery will allow for a government-furnished headstone or marker.

Once that is confirmed you will need to complete a VA Form 40-1330, Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker for Installation in a Private or State Veterans’ Cemetery.

Financing OptionsLending USAWe understand that not every funeral expense will always be covered by the Veteran’s Association. If additional costs should come up, we offer Funeral Financing with flexible payment schedules.

Through our Partnership with Lending USA you are guaranteed: • ZERO 0% Interest Rate if Paid in Full in Six

Months• Affordable Monthly Payments• Approved Within Seconds• NO prepayment penalties• Fixed Payment Amount• Fixed Term

How to receive a Presidential Memorials CertificateA Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC) is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of deceased Veterans who are eligible for burial in a national cemetery.

Eligibility

To be considered for eligibility to request a PMC, you must be one of the following• next of kin• friend upon request• an authorized service representative acting for the

benefit of a relative or friend

Application Process

If eligible, or acting on behalf of an eligible party, the recipient should first apply in-person at any regional VA office, via mail, or through toll-free fax. Applications via email will not be accepted.

The application must include discharge and death certificates for proof of military service. It is advised that the sender does not send their original copies of their certificates, as they will not be returned.

History of the Presidential Memories Certificate

This program was initiated in March 1962 by President John F. Kennedy and has been continued by all subsequent Presidents.

Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers the PMC program by preparing the certificates which bear the current President’s signature expressing the country’s grateful recognition of the Veteran’s service in the United States Armed Forces.

Proudly serving those who first served us.

1-308-632-2121Bridgman Funeral Home

2104 BroadwayScottsbluff, NE 69361Fax: (308) 635-1642

Email: bridgman@bridgmanfh.com

1-308-262-1753Bridgman Funeral Home - Bridgeport

824 Main StreetBridgeport, NE 69336Fax: (308) 635-1642

Email: bridgman@bridgmanfh.com

1-308-623-1133Jones Mortuary

1532 14th Street PO Box 235Mitchell, NE 69357Fax: (308) 623-1461

Email: jonesmortuary@hotmail.com