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), County and Tribal Veterans Service Officers (CTVSOs), military branches, and funeral homes.
- Military Funeral Honors are free of charge for eligible veterans.
- Includes sounding of Taps, folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin.
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 Email: honors@dva.wisconsin.gov
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.
Standard Military Funeral Honors Includes
- Uniformed service personnel
- Sounding of Taps
- Folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin
- Firing of three rifle volleys
How to Request Military Funeral Honors
Family members should notify the funeral director of their request and provide:
- Veteran’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number
- DD-214 form or other proof of service
- 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
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 $100 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
- Military buglers available through Bugles Across America (BAA)
- Volunteers welcomed to sound Taps—contact MFHP or BAA
Rifle and Ammunition Assistance
U.S. Army Ceremonial Ammunition Program
U.S. Army Ceremonial Rifle Program
Honors Coin
To order an Honors Coin please contact Gregory Lawson, Store Manager at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum.
Student “Taps” Tuition / Fee Voucher
Students in grade 6-12 or attending a Wisconsin institution of higher education who sound “Taps” on a bugle, trumpet, or cornet during a military honors funeral held in the state of Wisconsin for a deceased veteran are eligible for a $25 tuition voucher.
WDVA Form 2802 – Taps Voucher
Benefits, Programs, & Services Inquiries
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