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Military Funeral Honors Program

Military Funeral Honors Program

The WDVA Military Funeral Honors Program (MFHP) provides and coordinates final tributes to honorably discharged U.S. Armed Forces veterans. This solemn ceremony serves as a gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation.

Program Overview

  • Administered by WDVA with support from Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), funeral directors, military branches, and County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs).
  • At No Cost to Families, the program ensures veterans receive dignified and respectful honors.
  • Includes flag folding, flag presentation, and the sounding of Taps.

Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed State holidays.

Honors Coordination Office Phone Number: (877)-944-6667

Honors Fax: (866)-454-0356

Honors Email: honors@dva.wisconsin.gov

Military Funeral Honors Brochure (PDF Download)

Eligibility for Military Funeral Honors

Veterans may be eligible if they: 

  • Died while serving on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
  • Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
  • Completed at least one enlistment period honorably in the Selected Reserve.
  • Were discharged due to a service-connected disability.

Military Funeral Honors will NOT be provided if the veteran was discharged under:

  • Dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
  • Dismissal by court-martial.
  • Resignation under other-than-honorable conditions.

For eligibility review, contact your local County Veteran Service Office [LINK to CVSO/TVSO Page]

What’s Included Military Funeral Honors

  • Two uniformed service representatives (one from the veteran’s branch) to:
    • Sound Taps (live bugler if available, otherwise an electronic bugle)
    • Fold and present the U.S. flag to the next of kin
  • Optional (if requested and available):
    • Rifle detail (three volleys) provided by honor guards, VSOs, or military units
    • Additional military or veteran service representation
    • Bugler assistance through Bugles Across America (BAA)

How to Request Military Funeral Honors

Family members should notify the funeral director of their request and provide:

  1. Veteran’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number
  2. DD-214 form or other proof of service
  3. Veteran’s branch of service and type of service (active, reserve, National Guard, retired)

Funeral Directors or families can submit a request via:

WDVA Form 2800 – Military Funeral Honors Request [LINK FORM]
Fax: (262) 878-5677 | Toll-Free Fax: (866) 454-0356
Email: honors@dva.wisconsin.gov

For assistance, call the Honors Coordination Office: (877)-944-6667

Veteran Service Organization Honors Information

Funeral Honors Training/Certification available for Veteran Service Organizations.

Request at 1-877-944-6667 or email at honors@dva.wisconsin.gov

VSOs providing honors may receive a $50 stipend if they: 

  • Are members of the Council on Veterans Programs or sponsored by a member.
  • Have a completed W-9 form on file with WDVA.
  • Have certified honors training.
  • Do not receive donations or payments for the honors.

WDVA Form 2801 – Stipend Reimbursement Request

Submit within 90 days of the service.

Bugler Assistance

Rifle and Ammunition Assistance