Local Veterans complete Military Funeral Honors Program
Four local veterans, Rick Buckley, Darryll Lee, Jon Faill, and Jared McKnight have completed the TNARNG Military Funeral Honors Program for Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3 Certification.)
left to right: SPC Carrier, Rick Buckley, Darryll Lee, Jon Faill. Not pictured- Jared McKnight
Federal and state governments reduced funding and personnel for funeral honors over the past few years and local Veterans have done their best to fill in the gap during that time. They realized that training was necessary and have been working toward getting training here for quite a while.
The training course took place on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9.
It was taught by SPC Colin Carrier, a state trainer. The group of Veterans are extremely grateful to Judge Lee Bussart for the use of the Bussart Law Office conference room where the training was held.
The course focused on full military honors for funeral services, from the proper method to greet the hearse, to the firing party (Drill & Ceremony/ D&C), playing of Taps, and how to properly fold a flag for presentation to the family. There were also classes on the training SOP (Standard Operating Procedures), published by the military at Arlington, VA (the home of the Unknown Soldier). At the end, there was a practical exam where the participants demonstrated the skills taught by SPC Carrier and outlined by the military.
This core group have started the “Marshall County Veteran’s Honor Guard.”
Their next steps are developing their own SOP and training program with input from the Veteran’s Outreach, American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They will have a needs list for items like uniforms, weapons for the firing party, a bugle, and other necessary items and supplies.
This certification will allow the Marshall County Veteran’s Honor Guard to help the military render final honors to Veterans and their families.
