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2024-2025 Officers
2024 Austin Convention Information
We have attached important convention documents, including the preregistration form and complete committee session agendas for both Legionnaires and the Auxiliary, to help you plan and prepare your convention attendance. This information is also available online at the American Legion Department of Texas and American Legion Auxiliary Department of Texas websites, www.txlegion.org, and alatexas.org/department-convention, under the 'Conventions' tab. Please note the cut-off date for room reservations is June 18, 2024.
Convention is being held at the Renaissance Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin TX, 1 512-343-2626. When you call to make your reservations, please be sure to obtain a confirmation number.
Reservation cutoff date: June 18, 2024.
The link to book your room online is www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1694798838720&key=GRP&app=resvlink
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION! NO CHARGE FOR DAY/EVENING CONVENTION GUESTS!
If you are staying overnight at the Renaissance Austin hotel, your vehicle must be registered upon arrival. You can scan the code on any parking lot sign or at the front desk to register for FREE PARKING. Have your license plate number handy! Once you scan the code, you will enter your vehicle plate number, state, cell phone number and how long you will be staying. Then enter VALIDATION CODE, ALSC. Then click 'start parking session.' The parking rate is complimentary with this code!
Chaplain's Corner
Calendar
Scheduled Events
Welcome to our 2024 American Legion Division 2 Convention! Saturday June 15, registration opens at 9am and a light breakfast will be served! The Convention will run from 9am to 4pm, lunch will be provided. The registration fee is $30.00 at the door. There will be a Friday night karaoke party, June 14th starting at 6:00pm, at Sam Houston Post 95! The theme is Urban Cowboy! It will be a Gilley's Friday night, complete with a Dolly Parton look-alike contest! Dust off those old school boots, iron that Pearl Snap shirt, and get your best 'Bud and Sissy' garb on! It's going to be a great time! You can event take a shot at that 8 second buzzer on our inflatable mechanical bull!
Join us on Monday May 27th at 5pm for an incredible Memorial Day program, sponsored by the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum and hosted by the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95. There will be a special guest speaker, a silent auction, music and fellowship! No admission! We would love to have you!
Welcome to the 17th Ever Chigger Hill BBQ Cook-off at Sam Houston Post 95! This is an IBCA event, IBCA rules and by-laws apply (see attachments). Cook off spaces are 40' x 40', first come first served! Electricity and sewer are not available, access to water only. Please review the Post 95 rules, those also apply during your stay with us! The flyer serves as your registration form, pre-registration is encouraged! Payment to be cash or check only, checks made out to SAL, and mailed to 1919 American Legion Drive, Attn: Chigger Hill Staff, 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville TX 77320. To print the flyer and registration, please use the Web Capture feature (click on the three dots located at the top right-hand corner of the screen, select Web Capture, then select Capture Area. When the X cursor appears, click on it and drag it across the flyer to encompass the whole image, then release the mouse, select Copy, and paste the image onto a Word document to print.
This is a memorial ride honoring Gingerly Coleman. We ask that all interested riders join us at our post, American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 in Huntsville TX, KSU at 10am, from our post there will be stops at Vern's and Back Porch and the ride will end at Riverway Bar, with drawings and prizes! Contacts: Kerry 936-661-1213, or Cat 936-662-0073
Hop on over and join us for an Egg-cellent Easter Gathering! Car show, coloring contest, fun games and activities, plus an Easter Egg Hunt at 1pm! Car show winners to be announced at 4pm, come vote for your favorites! Hot dog lunches for sale and there will be a bake sale hosted by our Junior Auxiliary Unit! It will be a fun-filled day for the whole family! The event opens at 11am with a warm Easter blessing by our Post Chaplain, Richard Henriksen. We 'hop' to see you there!
Sunday, Feb. 25 we honor of the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard the sinking United States Army Transport Dorchester. As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic) comforted the wounded, directed others to safety, distributed life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men. As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying. American Legion posts nationwide remember Four Chaplains Day with memorial services that pay tribute to the courageous chaplains and the brave young men who lost their lives on that fateful night.
Sam Houston Post 95 Superbowl Sunday 'Tailgate a Table'! Hosted by our Unit 95 Auxiliary and Auxiliary Junior members! $10 buys you a table at the post, turn it into a tailgate with your best decorations and favorite football foods! Taster's kit for $10 buys you all you can eat, all afternoon, while you enjoy the games and shotgun pots!
Presented by the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 Legionnaires and Auxiliary Unit! Shop with local craft vendors, play games, enter a prize raffle, or join the costume contest! Stay ‘till sundown and take a ride on the Haunted Hayride! Watch a fun Halloween movie at the outdoor theater! There will be beverages for sale with the Tap Truck Outlaw, a hot dog stand, Toasted Ghosts (the build your own s’mores bar) and a bake sale to support our Auxiliary Juniors!
Who's hungry for BBQ? AL Post 95 Sons and Riders Sandwich Sale Friday, September 1st. Call for delivery or pickup!
Dive into the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 95 Go Fishing Raffle! The big catch is the half day guided fishing trip for two and everything you need for a good day fishing!
Wednesday July 5, Sam Houston Post 95 will hold the 2023-2024 Officer Installation and dinner for the Legionnaires, Auxiliary and Sons. We will be joined by our District 7 Legionnaire Commander, Auxiliary Unit President and Sons Squadron Commander.
Please join in supporting our Sam Houston Post 95 Honor Guard, as they host a special flag day ceremony, in honor of National Flag Day!
Tickets are $1 each and the basket is valued at over $400 and includes: *Gift certificates *Wine tasting *'Pamper herself' products for the bath *Candle *A plush blanket and satin robe! *Journal *Jewelry (earrings, necklace, jewelry cleaning cloth and wipes)
Come out and compete in the 16th ever Chigger Hill BBQ Cook-off! IBCA sanctioned! Guaranteed payout for the winners!
Welcome to our first ever Easter Crawfish Boil! Please join us for a fun afternoon of food, music by local DJ Stacy Lawler, games and Easter Basket raffle! Curbside pick-up will also be available! The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 is a nonprofit Veterans organization, proudly serving our Walker County community. All proceeds from this event will benefit our Veterans Services fund and will help us do great things this year for our local Veterans and their families in need!
We are hosting a Texas (no beans!) Chili Cook-Off! It is open to the public! Come out and join us!
American Legion Post 95 Members are invited to come out for Super Bowl Sunday and enter your best Lasagna for a chance to win some cash! First place and taster's choice will be rewarded!
Members only, Valentine's Day Dinner and Dance, in appreciation of our Sam Houston Post 95 Auxiliary and their continuing contributions to the success of our post!
Post 95 held its first ever Halloween Haunted Hayride, it was a great experience, and the Post is looking forward to a bigger better Haunted Hayride in October 2023! Check back for details, planning starts soon!
This was the 15th ever Chigger Hill BBQ Cook-off, an IBCA event, hosted right here at Post 95! Several teams competed and we look forward to adding more! Check back soon for updates, Chigger Hill 2023 planning has begun!
Legionnaires
The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation. In times of crisis, The American Legion steps into the turmoil and fights to provide needed assistance for others. Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, educations, health-care services, friends and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion. Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel have dedicated supporters in The American Legion. A strong and well-resourced national defense is, and has always been, a central purpose of the organization. As former troops, Legionnaires understand the importance of home-front support. Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price. In the American Legion, there is no rank or prejudice, only purpose. And the purpose of veterans in The American Legion is to strengthen the United States of America through programs, services, compassion and actions that have proven vital, timeless and life-changing for over a century.
LEGIONNAIRES ARE VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA!
LEGIONNAIRES ARE VETERANS STRENGTHENING AMERICA!
Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and its ideals.
Our Post 95 Auxiliary Unit is always ready to welcome new members!
Come be a part of something more, we would love to have you!
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and its ideals.
Our Post 95 Auxiliary Unit is always ready to welcome new members!
Come be a part of something more, we would love to have you!
Juniors
Sam Houston Post 95 and Auxiliary Unit 95 could not be prouder of our incredible Junior members. These bright shining stars, the future of our post, are doing big things out and about in our post and our community! Want to learn more? Come visit their next meeting, meet them and ask them what it means to them at our next event! The opportunities for their growth and development are unlimited!
Junior Auxiliary membership is open to girls from infancy through age 17. The Junior Activities program prepares girls to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary.
ALA Junior members volunteer with other girls in their age group in many engaging activities:
Junior Auxiliary membership is open to girls from infancy through age 17. The Junior Activities program prepares girls to become active adult members of the organization by providing positive volunteer experiences that instill the ideals of the Auxiliary.
ALA Junior members volunteer with other girls in their age group in many engaging activities:
- Learning about patriotism and how to show respect for the American flag
- Helping military families in practical ways such as mowing yards and helping military kids become acclimated at a new school
- Distributing poppies and raising awareness, especially on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so our veterans know we care about them
- Practicing leadership by organizing service projects
- Earning service patches while learning about ALA programs
- Demonstrating responsibility for future scholarship, college, or military service applications
Sons
Founded in 1932, the Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion Family, which has a combined membership of nearly 3 million. Nationally, the SAL has raised more than $8 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, volunteered over 500,000 hours at veterans' hospitals and raised over $1,000,000 for VA hospitals and VA homes.
Our Post 95 Sons preserve this heritage, honor this commitment and proudly represent themselves in service to the community!
Our Post 95 Sons preserve this heritage, honor this commitment and proudly represent themselves in service to the community!
Riders
in 1993, an idea was shared to start a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the organization and offer an environment where Legion family members could come together to share a common love for motorcycles. Currently, over 110,000 American Legion Riders meet in over 2,000 chapters in every domestic department and in at least three foreign countries.
True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born.
Our Post 95 Riders proudly serve our community, riding with honor, dignity, and commitment!
True to the Legion's grassroots tradition, each chapter manages its programs at the post level, where the best ideas are born.
Our Post 95 Riders proudly serve our community, riding with honor, dignity, and commitment!
Honor Guard
With the sounds of synchronized steps and a bugler playing Taps, in sorrow, and in celebration, an Honor Guard presentation can stir up deep emotions. The Honor Guard symbolizes our freedoms and the sacrifices from the men and women who defend our country by presenting funerary colors for our nation's veterans.
The Honor Guard also hosts flag retirement ceremonies, participates in events that celebrate our nation’s colors and fulfills the American Legion’s Preamble “to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism.”
Featured here, our Sam Houston Post 95 Honor Guard honored our National Flag Day on June 14 by retiring and replacing our post flag! Then, on August 26, they honored those 13 men and women lost in Kabul Afghanistan. Our Honor Guard regularly presents arms and ceremonial folds flags for local memorial services and supports many other local activities in coordination with the VFW and H.E.A.R.T.S. museum.
On 11/10/23, our Honor Guard posted colors for Congressman Sessions speech at the H.E.A.R.T.S.museum complex storm shelter, tor the USMC birthday luncheon. They were named and thanked personally, one of the many major recognitions our honor guard receives throughout each year.
If you'd like to know more about the American Legion Honor Guards and all the ways they serve, visit this link: https://www.legion.org/honor/honorguards
The Honor Guard also hosts flag retirement ceremonies, participates in events that celebrate our nation’s colors and fulfills the American Legion’s Preamble “to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism.”
Featured here, our Sam Houston Post 95 Honor Guard honored our National Flag Day on June 14 by retiring and replacing our post flag! Then, on August 26, they honored those 13 men and women lost in Kabul Afghanistan. Our Honor Guard regularly presents arms and ceremonial folds flags for local memorial services and supports many other local activities in coordination with the VFW and H.E.A.R.T.S. museum.
On 11/10/23, our Honor Guard posted colors for Congressman Sessions speech at the H.E.A.R.T.S.museum complex storm shelter, tor the USMC birthday luncheon. They were named and thanked personally, one of the many major recognitions our honor guard receives throughout each year.
If you'd like to know more about the American Legion Honor Guards and all the ways they serve, visit this link: https://www.legion.org/honor/honorguards
Out and About
Auxiliary Prison Ministry, Byrd Unit, 4/7/24
Auxiliary Member Cassie Hilton
Auxiliary unit 95 member Cassie Hilton, speaking her truth and spreading inspiration during an Auxiliary Prison Ministry visit at the Byrd Unit in Huntsville Texas.
Auxiliary Prison Ministry, Byrd Unit, 4/7/24
Sandy Phillips
Auxiliary Unit 95 and AL Rider member Sandy Phillips, coaching and testifying during an Auxiliary Prison Ministry visit at the Byrd unit in Huntsville Texas.
Look Who We Found! Event Ambassadors, Easter Gathering 2024
Post 2nd Vice and District 1st Vice Commander and Post and District Chaplain!
We found you! And you look great! Our Post 95 Legionnaire 2nd Vice Commander and District 1st Vice Commander Terry Batson, sporting that rockin' rooster costume, and our Post 95 and District Chaplain Dr. Richard Henriksen, participating in our 2024 Easter Gathering and Car Show! Way to go Event Ambassadors!
Community Blessing, Easter Gathering 2024!
Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr.
Our post 95 and district 7 chaplain, Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr., opening our Easter Gathering with a community blessing!
Hello Huntsville Podcast!
Roxanne Moss with Rob Hipp and the Hello Huntsville Crew!
Hello Huntsville is our local morning show podcast, and Sam Houston Post 95 has been blessed with 3 visits, to spread awareness for our post and showcase our wonderful activities!
Kappa Alpha BBQ Fundraiser
Post 95 2nd Vice and District 7 1st Vice Commander Terry Batson and Crew!
Our Post 95 Auxiliary, Sons and Riders came through in a pinch, sponsoring the meat for an SHSU Kappa Alpha BBQ Fundraiser! Post VIP Terry Batson took this great photo, showcasing our members who cooked and served! Special thanks to all of you, Wanda Batson, Cliff Christianson, Billy Papania and Tina McDonald! The proceeds from the BBQ will help supply wheelchairs to our paraplegic veterans.
The Madisonville Meter
Veteran of the Week
Post 95 Legionnaire Johnny Holland is celebrated in Madisonville TX for his contributions as our post Service Officer and his status as a Viet Nam Vet.
Volunteers, Prison Ministry
Polunsky Unit, Sunday 3/3/24
Auxiliary Unit 95 and AL Rider member Sandy Phillips speaking at Sunday services, TDCJ Polunsky Unit in Livingston Texas
Volunteers, Prison Ministry
Polunsky Unit, Sunday 3/3/24
Post 95 Legionnaire Adjutant and Hub master Roxanne Moss speaking at Sunday services, TDCJ Polunsky Unit in Livingston Texas
Unit 95 Auxiliary and Juniors
In the Community!
Auxiliary Unit 95 and Auxiliary Juniors Unit 95, riding on the 2023 Post 95 Huntsville Christmas Parade float!
Legionnaires Doing Things!
Lasso Your Imagination Fundraiser
Post 95 Legionnaires (Commander John Nixon, members Jerry Enloe and Leslie Alexander and wives) attending dinner for the Lasso Your Imagination fundraiser
We Got Your Water! You Just Worry About Those Fires!
Legionnaires, SAL and AL Riders With Huntsville Fire Dept.
Unit 95 Legionnaires and AL Riders Bravo Placido, John Lee, and SAL Squadron 95 and AL Rider Lloyd Lee, bringing water to our hardworking Huntsville Fire fighters!
Post 95 Riders
Capture the Plaque Challenge
Post 95 Riders capturing the plaque at Post 310, Gun Barrel City
Post 95 Riders
Capture the Plaque Challenge
Post 95 Riders capturing the plaque from Post 402 Livingston!
Here They Go Again! Always Representing!
Group Photo
Another amazing outing with our AL Riders, representing their post and their program! Good luck keeping up with all the miles they ride!
Post 95 Riders
Memorial Ride for Carrie Dailey
Post 95 Riders
Capture the Plaque Challenge
Post 95 Riders capturing the plaque from Johnson-Wiggins Post 22, Corsicana TX
membership
Post 95 Rules and Regulations
The American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 Huntsville, TX Post (Private Club) Rules and Regulations. Adopted September 5, 2023, at the regular meeting of the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 Membership.
Summary: The intent of these Post 95 rules and regulations are that all persons, while on Post 95 property, will always conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the high standard of the post and ensures adherence to the following expected behaviors.
The rules may be amended, changed, or modified at any time by the Post 95 Executive Committee as the need arises. On update of any rule, the header date will reflect the most current modified date; the Post Executive Committee on the date of change is the approval authority.
F.A.Q
What Is the Difference Between the American Legion and the VFW?
The VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and the American Legion are both support organizations for war veterans that were established after the United States Military engaged in foreign wars abroad.
Periods of eligibility and eligibility requirements are the key differences between the American Legion and the VFW.
The VFW accepts memberships from all current and former military veterans who have received a campaign medal for their service overseas. They must have served at least 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, or they must be veterans who have received imminent danger or hostile fire pay at any time.
The American Legion extends eligibility to active-duty personnel or honorably discharged veterans who have served in any of seven eligible war eras, beginning with World War I. Reservists and National Guard members are eligible as well.
Periods of eligibility and eligibility requirements are the key differences between the American Legion and the VFW.
The VFW accepts memberships from all current and former military veterans who have received a campaign medal for their service overseas. They must have served at least 30 consecutive days or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, or they must be veterans who have received imminent danger or hostile fire pay at any time.
The American Legion extends eligibility to active-duty personnel or honorably discharged veterans who have served in any of seven eligible war eras, beginning with World War I. Reservists and National Guard members are eligible as well.
Who Created the Veterans Administration?
The American Legion played a significant role in the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which later evolved into the Veterans Administration (VA). Founded in 1919, the American Legion has been a leading advocate for veterans’ health care and earned benefits for over 90 years.
In 1930, their efforts resulted in the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which served as a precursor to the VA. The American Legion continued to support the VA’s growth, and in 1989, it achieved Cabinet status, becoming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Legion’s commitment to veterans’ well-being remains steadfast, with a nationwide network of accredited service officers and professional staff assisting veterans in obtaining the benefits and care they deserve.
In 1930, their efforts resulted in the establishment of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, which served as a precursor to the VA. The American Legion continued to support the VA’s growth, and in 1989, it achieved Cabinet status, becoming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The Legion’s commitment to veterans’ well-being remains steadfast, with a nationwide network of accredited service officers and professional staff assisting veterans in obtaining the benefits and care they deserve.
What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?
Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) that was signed into law July 30, 2019, the current eligibility period is Dec. 7, 1941, to the present, and includes the current war campaigns.
Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.
Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.
I didn't retire from the military. I was active duty during a qualifying period. Am I eligible?
Yes, you are a veteran. So as long as you have served at least one day of federal active duty during any qualifying period, you are eligible for membership providing you have an honorable/generable under honorable discharge.
Contact Us!
- 1919 American Legion Drive, Huntsville, TX, USA
- +1-19362910129
- POST95@ATT.NET
- Monday - Friday 3pm - 12 am Saturday 2pm - 1 am Sunday 12pm - 12 am
Sam Houston Post 95 is part of the National American Legion Veterans non-profit organization. Our post hosts a family of members who are dedicated to their veterans’ community and serve as Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion, and as American Legion Riders, our national motorcycle assembly.
photo gallery
Four Chaplains Service
The Four Chaplains
Memorial Table
We honor these four WWII chaplains of the U.S. Army and their incredible sacrifice that influenced the birth of the American Legion Chaplaincy. Methodist George Lansing Fox, Roman Catholic Priest John Patick Washington, Dutch Reformed Minister Clark Vandersall Poling, and Rabbi Alexander David Goode.
Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr.
Post 95 Chaplain, District 7 Chaplain
Our chaplain, Dr. Richard Henriksen, Jr. so graciously and beautifully hosted our first ever Four Chaplains ceremony. For all who attended, it was a very special experience! Our chaplain is seen here with the award presented to him by Sam Houston Post 95, to commemorate his efforts and his dedication to us all.
Opening The Ceremony
Honor Guard and Members In Attendance
Our Honor Guard was at the ready to post our colors and lead our opening ceremonies. Captured here, our guards and our members, standing at attention, hands over hearts, pledging our allegiance to our flag.
Breaking Bread In Their Honor
District Commander Steve Storey with members
At the ceremony conclusion, we had the privilege of breaking bread and communing with our District 7 Commander and members in attendance. Thank you, Joy Taylor, Venus Lee, and Curtis and Amy Bunyard for this bountiful table!
VA Burials
VA burial benefits can help service members, Veterans, and their family members plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Family members can also order memorial items to honor the service of a Veteran. For complete information, including forms and guidelines, and information regarding applying for a Veterans burial allowance, VA Survivors Pension, Benefits Financial Counseling and Fiduciary services, please visit this website: www.va.gov/burials-memorials.
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of these requirements.
One of these must be true:
The person qualifying for burial benefits is a Veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge, or The person qualifying for burial benefits is a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training, or The person qualifying for burial benefits is the spouse or surviving spouse of a Veteran (even if they remarried after the Veteran’s death), or The person qualifying for burial benefits is the minor child of a Veteran (even if the Veteran died first) or, in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran.
You can apply to find out in advance if you can be buried in a VA national cemetery. This is called a pre-need determination of eligibility—and it can help make the burial planning process easier for your family members in their time of need. Choose the VA national cemetery you prefer to be buried in. Or, if you’d like to be buried in a state or tribal Veterans cemetery, contact that specific cemetery ahead of time to find out about their pre-need program. Gather the documents you will need. Social Security number Date and place of birth Military status and service history (like service dates, discharge character, and rank—commonly found on the DD214 or other separation documents) Discharge papers (DD214 or other separation documents)
If you’re applying as a spouse, surviving spouse, or unmarried adult child, you’ll also need your personal information, including your Social Security number.
If you’re applying on behalf of someone else, you’ll also need supporting documents showing you have the authority to apply for that person. You’ll need to fill out one of these forms: Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22) Appointment of Individual as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22a).
If you’re applying for an unmarried adult child of a Veteran or service member, you’ll also need to provide supporting documents with information about the child’s disability. The Veteran or guardian of the child should also ask the child’s current doctor to verify the documents. These documents should include all of the following information:
The date of the disability’s onset. and A description of the disability, mental or physical, and A description of how dependent the disabled child is on the Veteran, and The marital status of the child.
You can apply online for Pre-Need Determination at www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/pre-need/form-10007-apply-for-eligibility/introduction. Or you can fill out an Application for Pre-need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery (VA Form 40-10007) and mail it to NCA FP Evidence Intake Center, PO Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547. If you need help with any of these steps, the Pre-Need Determination has a toll-free hotline at 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. Other Helpful Phone Numbers
- National Cemetery Scheduling Office:
800-535-1117 - Headstones and markers:
800-697-6947 - VA benefits hotline:
800-827-1000 - MyVA411 main information line:
800-698-2411 - Telecommunications Relay Services (using TTY)
TTY: 711
PTSD Foundation of america
The PTSD Foundation of America provides programs, outreach services and advocacy efforts designed to help veterans find the tools they need to lead healthy lives after combat.
Mission Statement
Rooted in unwavering faith, our mission is to engage in the relentless pursuit of empowering the veteran community by creating a transformative impact that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Vision Statement
Creating a world where veterans find hope by empowering them to embrace L.I.F.E.
PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War, www.ptsdusa.org
The PTSD Foundation also sponsors Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Our mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens the program was developed from. At Camp HOPE America, we praise campers for the person that they are becoming; seeing their character for who they are and not what they have accomplished. From the beginning, the goal has been to create a year-round program where youth can feel safe, seen, heard, encouraged, and cared for. Camp HOPE America is composed of a week of camp, supported by year-round activities.
Camp HOPE America, www.camphopeamerica.org
Mission Statement
Rooted in unwavering faith, our mission is to engage in the relentless pursuit of empowering the veteran community by creating a transformative impact that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Vision Statement
Creating a world where veterans find hope by empowering them to embrace L.I.F.E.
PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War, www.ptsdusa.org
The PTSD Foundation also sponsors Camp HOPE America, the first evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic violence. Our mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing. What makes Camp HOPE America special is the trauma-informed lens the program was developed from. At Camp HOPE America, we praise campers for the person that they are becoming; seeing their character for who they are and not what they have accomplished. From the beginning, the goal has been to create a year-round program where youth can feel safe, seen, heard, encouraged, and cared for. Camp HOPE America is composed of a week of camp, supported by year-round activities.
Camp HOPE America, www.camphopeamerica.org
Important Links
American Legion National
American Legion Department of Texas
American Legion Division 2 Texas
Texas Veterans Commission
American Legion U.S. Flag Etiquette
Military Veteran Project
22 A Day Suicide Awareness
TexVet
Tango Alpha lima podcast!
SE5-EP214 Tango Alpha Lima: DPAA Director Kelly McKeague
THE INTERVIEW Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague talks about DPAA’s mission to provide the fullest possible accounting of our missing personnel to their families and to the nation. He shares details of the complicated work that can take decades, the dedicated teams who work to recover and identify remains and how they are motivated by the emotional stories of the families of the missing. SCUTTLEBUTT POW-MIA servicemembers from the Cold War; The only Coast Guard Medal of Honor recipient; The story of Taps
