How to Request an Air Force Honor Guard

Requesting an Air Force Honor Guard is a long-time tradition when individuals who have served in the United States Air Force die. The process of getting an Air Force Honor Guard to take part in a funeral is simple and honors the deceased for their distinguished service. Read on to learn how to request an Air Force Honor Guard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Notify the funeral director that the deceased is eligible for burial with military honors. The funeral director notifies the nearest Air Force Honor Guard of the need for a funeral detail.
2. Contact the Veterans Administration (VA). If the funeral director is unfamiliar with the process of making arrangements for an Air Force Honor Guard, the nearest VA office is able to assist in arranging the funeral detail.
3. Arrange for the funeral detail yourself by contacting the Command Post of the nearest Air Force Base. Request to speak with the Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) in charge of the base's Honor Guard. Talk with the NCO and request the funeral detail.

Tips & Warnings

• Air Force Honor Guard details for funerals are provided free of charge
• Requests for an Air Force Honor Guard should be given at least 48 hours in advance of the requested funeral.
• The Veterans Administration provides the flag that is draped over the casket and presented to the family free of charge. A flag may also be requested from your local United States Post Office.
• Only Air Force veterans who died while on active duty, who retired or who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for an Air Force Honor Guard.
• A full Air Force Honor Guard may not be available depending on the guard's previous commitments. A minimum of two Air Force Honor Guard members will be present to fold and present the United States flag to the next of kin.
• A bugler is not always available for a funeral service.