Air Force changes military funeral honors requirements

News > Air Force changes military funeral honors requirements

Air Force changes military funeral honors requirements

Posted 6/6/2013

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by Capt. Lindsey Hahn
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

6/6/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Due to the impact sequestration has on resources, Air Force Services is adjusting requirements for military funeral honors of retirees.

Air Force policy will revert to requiring a minimum of two personnel for retiree MFH details, consistent with statute and DoD policy.

The Air Force historically went a step further by providing a seven-member detail for all retiree funerals.

"We cherish the service and sacrifice of our retirees," said Brig. Gen. Eden Murrie, Director of Air Force Services. "While we had to adjust the Air Force requirement as a result of sequestration, commanders still have latitude to provide seven-member details if local resources permit."

The two-person team will continue to fold and present the interment flag and play Taps. If a seven-person team is able to support, the detail will also act as pallbearers and the firing party. Additional support for retiree funeral honors remain available from authorized providers such as Veteran Service Organizations or Reserve Officer Training Corps units, as resources permit.

"Unfortunately, this is a necessary decision," said Murrie. "However, we remain dedicated to honoring our current and former Airmen to the greatest extent possible."

MFH details for veterans and active duty members will remain unchanged. Funeral honors for veterans consist of two-person teams while active duty funeral honors are performed by a 20-person detail.

Comments

6/24/2013 4:19:45 PM ET
I'm a chief master sgt who will have 52-years of combined active and retired service on Sunday. My wife has already died as has one of my adopted children and one of my grandchildren. Surely I can't be far behind.My remaining family all from our adopted children are all over the world. I'm happy to say I'm close to having half-a-dozen great grand children I'm sure they'll all become marvelous human beingsOne of the things that has comforted me is that those of our family who can make it to Arlington for our internment would see what our country reserves as a tribute for our soldiers who spent their lives in service.Never in my mind did I consider that such honors would be limited to a battery powered bugle and two well-meaning airmen detailed to fold a flag.I'm sure the family will be able to find casket bearers at a day laborers' shop in Alexandria I'll suggest that they rent a van.Quite simply I'm appalled by the crass insensitivity of this change in poli

Flatus, Columbia SC

6/11/2013 5:25:12 PM ET
This makes me sad. I feel full honors should be given for all veterans. The veterans gave or are giving their FULL.

John, Houston Texas

6/11/2013 10:55:57 AM ET
It's a shame I spent my whole AF Career from the 70's 80's and Retiring in 90. I came back from Viet Nam in 1972 wearing the Uniform I so proudly wore and got spit on at the San fransico Air Port and called a baby killer. I have a son that is wearing that same Air Froce Uniform as I did andd wearing just a proud as I did. What will they do for him after I am gone. With all due respect I love and served my Country and always will. It would be nice to have my Son resepected as well when we make our final ride

gary eyster, Oklahoma

6/10/2013 10:05:24 AM ET
I'm with you Don penny wise and pound foolish. I'm not sure what the bean counters came up with on this but honestly the regionalization of Honor Guard capabilities and the basic premise that many of them do it as a primary duty -or 1a duty- doesn't tell me where the big driving cost is. I have to believe that the BS argument that climbing Everest doing NASCAR doing TIB Bands etc is a great recruiting tool should be examined here. Honestly I think the public's image of us as an honor and tradition driven organization is more important as a recruiting tool than our sponsorship of Monday Night Wrestling. Better yet I'll solve the problem with BS community service and bake sale fundraising on EPRs... your community time is now Honor Guard and everyone who can cut a shillouette in uniform is going to do it. Return focus effort and money to core competencies which include customs and courtesies... I believe this recognition of our dedication is also vital to sorely missing disci

JB, VA

6/10/2013 10:04:14 AM ET
We all need to stop thinking of ourselves Will there be any impact to the funeral honors of the elected officials that have got us in this position in the first place That's what we really need to worry about.

Whatever, SAT

6/10/2013 8:56:08 AM ET
As a former USAF HG member and BHG NCOIC I see why the change was made. Even though I don't like the idea of sending 2 for a retiree some BHGs do not have the manning or resources to continuous send 7 people out on funerals. Also it says if the family request a 7 man funeral and if we can support then it's a 7 man. The WingCC has a lot of pull in this matter. Read AFI 34-242

CBTer, Where the Wild Things Are

6/10/2013 8:25:35 AM ET
I know it doesn't mean a lot but to all of you complaining I hope you DO know that there are those of us who thank you for your service. I am of the younger enlisted generation and was inspired by older members of my family to enlist. Yes this cutback is a slap in the face. But I just wanted to be lifting for a moment and remind y'all that there are those of us who DO care and honor you and your loved ones.

Daniel, Ohio

6/9/2013 7:54:11 PM ET
Retired Air Force do not want a military funeral I am not proud of this country NOW

Charles Richards, San Antonio Tx

6/9/2013 2:35:53 PM ET
How can we convince the politicians that our BENEFITS are not ENTITLEMENTS when the AF does this to us themselvesYou should be ashamed USAF I'm ashamed of you.First tuition assistance and now this Trust in the AF to take care of the troops is wearing thin.

RecentlyRetiredShirt, Texas

6/9/2013 1:54:32 PM ET
They should add reading lessons to the retiree benefits program. Folks granted it strips punctuation but it was a very tongue in cheek nod to the quirks of the retirement community and accompanied by a statement that said you earned it. You can't tell me you can't see the humor in an 80 year old man doing nude pushups in the base sauna. Sorry if dry humor doesn't translate please read that this epically torques me and I stated you all have every right to be upset as we all shoulg. ORFROF... take a moment and read quell your angry retiree rage -insert smile-. This 4 time deployer and 2 time Base and MAJCOM CGOY and FGOY continues to volunteer in the honor guard at 14 years in service for a reason... because your cranky nude pushup doing selves deserve to be honored. And a TIB tap dance isn't getting it done.

JB, VA

6/9/2013 7:02:38 AM ET
My father passed in Dec 2004 he served in WWII and survived 35 sorties and 58 missions over Germany and occupied Europe as a nose and ball turret gunner on a B-24. When making preparations for his funeral I was told no military honor guard of any kind was available. He had no official representation from either active duty guard or reserve. His honor guard was performed by the local chapter of the VFW old veterans like himself. Hard for me to get upset about such a change when we have let combat veterans of WWII be buried without representation for many years. Fact is don't expect anything after you leave the service and you won't be disappointed.

Pete, NH

6/9/2013 6:22:52 AM ET
Really a shame it has come down to this. I am the 3rd of 4 generations of military veterans. These honors are about instilling pride in the minds of the surviving family members the wiveshusbands and children of the deceased. To save money on this honor for giving a majority of one's productive life cheapens the memory and honor of the service. Its too bad that this ceremony has been cheapened or degraded to this point. ---Sad Sad

John E, Oconto Wisconsin

6/8/2013 8:05:03 PM ET
I didn't retire from military service but I was thankful to serve my country 8 yrs active duty in the USArmy. Money should not be cut back on retirees and veterans. They sacrificed for our country a lot more than most Americans often being separated from the ones they love and often alone multiple times going through much pain and heartache. We should not withhold funds and resources to show much respect for those who served the country.

ML, Osan AB

6/8/2013 10:49:17 AM ET
Cutting an honor they earned is wrong. How can the govt justify sponsoring NASCAR with millions of dollars so they can have fun and cut an earned honor of our retired military personel for their service to our country.

Don Harlan , Harrison Arkansas

6/8/2013 10:45:58 AM ET
This is definitely an area that should not be cut. I'm willing to bet the Personal Money Allowance will not be cut. I apologize to all retirees and their families who receive a two man funeral detail.

SSgt, Florida

6/7/2013 10:21:23 PM ET
Heres a thought for fellow retirees. Just dont plan on dying anytime soon. By that time this policy will change back and your kin will likely get the larger detail if thats what you want. In the meantime lets keep the monthly bank deposit going because we earned it and continue to torque off guys like JB who will soon be one of us.

ROF, Saddle Rock CO

6/7/2013 8:51:47 PM ET
This is BS and a slap in the face of those who served. Anything to pinch a penny. What happened in honor and tradition. It all boils down to money. If this is the way its going to be then forget coming to my graveside-save the emberssment we retirees get

SMSgt York Retired, United States

6/7/2013 3:47:13 PM ET
I guess we could go with cheaper flags too. This is disgusting. Want to save money Limit the wear of the flight suit to people who are flying that duty day I hope the guy who approved this sleeps well tonight. Sad

Disgraced Airman, Lackland

6/7/2013 2:42:31 PM ET
I'd like to be at JBs retirement ceremony to welcome him to the retired corps and explain how things really are....though I am betting I'll see his First Sergeant escorting him to the gate to say goodbye long before that. The failure to appreciate service and be bothered by the presence of a former server is the root cause of this degredation of respect and custom.

ORF, Still Serving

6/7/2013 2:26:47 PM ET
And so it continues with the ultimate slap in the face. I for one would be very happy to see all of the political leadership out looking for jobs during their next run for office. The military isn't doing so well either as the wasted money spent at one or two bases during end of FY year close out would easily pay to keep this honor going at full volume.

PD, VA

6/7/2013 1:31:39 PM ET
As a former member of the United States Air Force Honor Guard the purpose of military funeral honors isn't for those of us in uniform. It's for the family. Sometimes this is the only exposure to the United States Air Force that this family will ever have. Sending two Honor Guard members to represent an individual who gave 20-30 years of their lives to serve this great nation is a slap in the face.

I'm here, Right there...

6/7/2013 1:22:45 PM ET
There are much better ways to save money than reducing funeral honors requirements but in the end I think most base Honor Guards will always be able to put together a 7 member team and provide the proper funeral service. I would like to see the actual estimated savings. With units be grounded there should be plenty of Airmen able to perform Honor Guard duties.

Still Serving, CONUS

6/7/2013 12:16:43 PM ET
As with all rules they don't apply to senior officers. Expect full honors for senior officers and the minimum requirement for everyone else. That is the way it was when they were alive why should they expect anything different when they are dead.

Jerry, Oklahoma

6/7/2013 11:18:05 AM ET
Retired2000 I hope this does apply equally to O's and E's. Personally I'm with Economical Airman on this one. We need to make cuts and sadly this is one that Big Blue chose. Personally I'd be willing to forgo funeral honors if it meant someone else could get them or one less of my civilian co-workers got furloughed but it doesn't work that way.

Capt, USAFA

6/7/2013 10:52:44 AM ET
Why did the AF choose to exceed the DoD requirement...Guess we had so many extra Airmen sitting around doing nothing...JD in KC MO...right on...but it's not the GOs and the CMSAF that need to lose their assistants...those are legal billets. The groups wings and command chiefs need to lose their unfunded unauthorized execs...that'll release a few hundred Airmen to do their authorized and funded duties.

Retired Chief, South Dakota

6/7/2013 10:50:49 AM ET
Note to Economical Airman I agree cuts need to be made and can use the annual year end spending as an example but having done many an Honor Guard detail I can tell you how much the families appreciate this one small thing. The cost is minimal as there are usually no TDYs and or per diem but to see the grateful family members puts a lump in your throat. I'd ask you to join the Honor Guard if you have never done it.

Paul, SATX

6/7/2013 9:44:21 AM ET
I could care less about what happens to me after I'm dead but if my retired pay stops coming while I'm alive then we will have a problem

Thankfully Retired, USAFA

6/7/2013 9:43:19 AM ET
Thank you for continuing to have this available. My father who served in Vietnam is 82 and I know that when he is called up to the Lord he will want and deserve this honor.

Rev. Ronald E. Libby TSgt USAF Security Forces Retired, Brewer Maine

6/7/2013 9:31:41 AM ET
This is nothing new just revisited. Back in the mid-90's I was part of the Robins AFB honor guard. We weould conduct 2-person details all the time for retirees. There was no less honor in it. The 21 gun salute was often accomplished by ROTC or other veterans organizations. The flag folding and presentation was done by us. We made it work and so will current HG members.

HG, Va

6/7/2013 9:30:13 AM ET
When I croak they can forego playing taps and instead play the Looney Tunes theme song as it best represents the government's treatment of retirees.

Retired, FL

6/7/2013 9:26:14 AM ET
You know I often view retirees in the context of the slow pokes hauling 10 grandkids around the commisary doing nude pushups in the sauna at the gym or complaining about the service at every stop on base... by and large they drive me nuts they've earned the right to but they drive me nuts. Here's a case I'd say no one is being unreasonable. It started with the CD of Taps at some funerals now we're down to half honors which will likely be adjusted on rank. Yet we continue to release folks to TIB to train for sports and climb mountains. Time to get back to the basics of service.

JB, VA

6/7/2013 9:07:37 AM ET
I agree with each of the previous comments that our veterans do deserve to be honored. They have given of themselves in ways that only other veterans and their families will ever know but that's where the agreement ends. I personally believe these types of painful cuts are a long time coming. The DoD is one of the most wasteful organizations in the world and anything in the budget that is not a requirement to conduct its primary mission should be cut.In this particular case the idea of having a funeral detail has become something people expect as a right. It is not a right it is a benefit given as a thanks for your service. Don't lose sight of the fact that these are tough times and they're only going to get tougher. Getting this type of benefit from an active duty force will probably be ending altogether in the near future. As a current Airman on active duty I am grateful the DoD and USAF are trimming the fat and focusing on the mission. It's about time.

Economical Airman, texas

6/7/2013 5:48:30 AM ET
We cherish the service and sacrifice of our retirees ---BALONEY.

JK, JBLE

6/6/2013 9:18:37 PM ET
I have been conducting military funeral services for veterans organizations for 24 years and I personally find this decision to be completely humiliating. As a Vietnam War veteran and serviceman for 3 decades I state that WE VETERANS do not deserved his insult. It is so sad that we who offered our lives for this country are ONCE AGAIN being spit on.

john, Florida

6/6/2013 6:25:23 PM ET
What a shame.Maybe it's time for general officers and the CMSAF to let go of their enlisted aides.After all the CMSAF did say we are here to serve not be served.

JD, KC MO

6/6/2013 5:12:01 PM ET
I wonder if this policy change applies to both enlisted and officer retirees. We will see.

Retired2000, Retirement

6/6/2013 4:48:32 PM ET
It's a shame what bad budgeting has brought us to at this point. I really hope the same ceremony holds true for ALL retirees regardless of rank. I would hate to see a retired senior officer receive full honors as often happens while the enlisted receives the two in blue plus a tape recorder which usually happens these days.

BigTom, SWOK

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