The customs surrounding military funerals started during the Napoleonic Wars (1796 – 1815) when the dead were covered with their country’s flag and removed from the battlefield.

Today, the U.S. military carries on the tradition of military funerals for all those who have been honorably discharged. Upon the family’s request, federal law requires every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony. And the vast majority of the funeral honors are conducted my reserve members from all branches of the military.

“It is a way of honoring those who have gone before me and rendering the last honors that service members deserve,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Adrian Campbell, a member of Navy
Reserve Center Albuquerque’s funeral honors detail.

There are currently 17 qualified Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors supporting the funeral honors detail at NRC Albuquerque which conducts between 280 to 320 funerals a hear covering the majority of New Mexico, southern Colorado and eastern Arizona. In all, these 17 Sailors cover around 100,000 square miles.

At first, most Sailors are attracted to funeral details for the added pay and retirement points. Each Sailor receives one drill period of pay and a retirement point for conducting the funeral honors. But after doing a few funerals, the sentiment changes for most.

“I learned quickly after my first couple services that it was much more then that,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Shaun Tarter, when referring to drill pay and retirement points. “It was about honor and commitment. It became the forefront of why I do services. Feeling the pride the family has in their loved ones is beyond remarkable.”

More often than not, Sailors don’t have a connection with the veteran. This year though, the team performed funeral honors for two of their own. In March, Petty Officer 1st Class Dallas Orndorff, 52, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico passed away. He was a well-liked Sailor who had been affiliated with NRC Albuquerque since 2001.

“I have worked with IT1 Orndorff for years,” said Petty Officer 2 nd Class Shaun Tarter. “It hits differently when it is someone you know. I wanted to be able to honor him for his service,
represent the Navy, and show that we too are mourning his loss.” And then in October, Petty Officer 2nd Class Morgan Jacquez, 27, of Cuba, New Mexico passed away. Once again, the volunteers who make up the funeral details were called upon to pay their final respects to a fellow Sailor. While difficult, it’s also a way to heal.

“I was never able to truly process the emotions involved in seeing so much tragedy,” said Cmdr. Brenda Kenderdine, as she thinks back on her deployment as a trauma intensive care unit nurse in the Navy. “I realized that I am able to "feel"  the things that I forced myself to push away when I started volunteering for Funeral Honors. By remembering those who have served and focusing on others, that has helped me to feel compassion and empathy again.”

The process for families to request military funeral honors is pretty easy. Most funeral homes understand the process and will reach out and arrange to have funeral honors on behalf of the veteran. Family members may also visit the Military Funeral Honors Directory on Military OneSource - Military Funeral Honors Directory | Military OneSource. This link will provide the contact information for each branch of service.

Funeral honors will vary in terms of what is presented, but all veterans will have a flag detail that will fold the flag and present it to a family member. The burial flag will be provided for free to the family. The playing of Taps will also be done. Based on available personnel, a rifle volley may also be conducted. It’s important for veterans to plan ahead and let their families know what they would like at their funeral.

“Being in the military is always a huge part of a veteran’s life and I am sure the family has heard countless stories from their loved one,” said Tarter. “It allows the family to send their loved one off with a truly honoring ceremony. I strongly feel it helps with the healing process and remembrance of their loss.”