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The DD-214: One Piece of Paper Every Veteran's Family Should Know About

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:35:16 GMT

There are certain documents most of us know our family may eventually need.

A birth certificate.

A marriage certificate.

A will.

Insurance policies.

Banking information.

But if you or someone you love served in the United States military, there is another document that deserves a place on that list.

The DD-214.

For many veterans, it may be tucked away in a filing cabinet, stored in an old folder, placed in a safe deposit box, or mixed in with military records that haven't been touched in decades.

And the family may have no idea where it is.

Then the veteran dies.

Suddenly, during one of the most difficult days of their lives, the family hears the funeral director ask:

"Do you have a copy of the DD-214?"

Sometimes the answer is immediate.

"Yes. Dad kept it with all his important papers."

Other times, everyone looks at one another.

"His what?"

That's why this is a conversation worth having before the document is needed.

What Is a DD-214?

The DD-214, formally known as the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty , is issued when a service member separates or is released from qualifying active military service.

Think of it as one of the most important summaries of a veteran's military service.

Depending upon the veteran and the version of the document, it can contain information such as:

Branch of service
Dates of active service
Rank or pay grade
Military occupational specialty
Decorations, medals and awards
Military education
Type and character of discharge

For a veteran, it represents much more than information printed on a government form.

Behind those dates may be years spent away from home.

Behind those awards may be acts of courage and service.

Behind the rank may be a young man or woman who once raised a hand and took an oath to serve our country.

And when that veteran dies, the DD-214 can become an important document in helping establish that record of service.

Why Does the Funeral Home Ask for It?

One of the responsibilities we have when caring for the family of a veteran is helping determine eligibility for military funeral honors and other veteran-related memorial benefits.

The DD-214 is often the most useful document for verifying military service.

When military funeral honors are requested, documentation may be needed to establish eligibility.

That is why your funeral director may ask for the veteran's discharge papers very early in the arrangement process.

We aren't asking because we want to create another task for a grieving family.

We're asking because we want to make sure the veteran receives every honor to which he or she is entitled.

What Are Military Funeral Honors?

For an eligible veteran, military funeral honors generally include at least two uniformed members of the Armed Forces, with at least one representing the veteran's branch of service.

The ceremony includes the playing of Taps and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the United States flag to the veteran's family.

Depending upon eligibility and available resources, additional honors may sometimes be provided.

If you've ever witnessed military honors at a funeral, you know that it is difficult to describe the emotion of that moment.

Conversation stops.

People become still.

Taps begins to play.

The flag that has rested over the veteran's casket—or has otherwise been incorporated into the ceremony—is carefully folded.

Then a member of our Armed Forces presents that flag to someone who loved the veteran.

It is a brief ceremony.

But behind those few minutes is an entire story of service.

The DD-214 May Help With More Than the Funeral

Military funeral honors aren't the only reason this document can be important.

A veteran's military records may also be needed when applying for certain benefits or memorial items for which the veteran or family may qualify.

Depending upon eligibility and circumstances, these can include things such as:

A burial flag
A government-furnished headstone, marker or medallion
Burial or inurnment in an eligible veterans cemetery
A Presidential Memorial Certificate
Certain VA burial or transportation benefits

Eligibility requirements differ among programs, and not every veteran or family qualifies for every benefit.

That's another reason having the veteran's military documentation available can make the process much easier.

"We Can't Find Dad's DD-214. What Do We Do?"

First, don't panic.

This happens.

A lot.

Consider how much time may have passed since some veterans left military service.

Someone who served during Vietnam may have separated from the military more than 50 years ago. For a Korean War veteran, it may have been more than 70 years. Some families we serve are caring for veterans whose military service dates back even further.

That's a long time to keep track of a piece of paper.

If the original DD-214 or other separation document cannot be located, military records can often be requested through the appropriate government records process. Veterans and next of kin may be able to request military service records through the National Archives or other appropriate federal resources.

Your funeral director can also help explain what documentation may be needed when military honors are being arranged.

The important thing is to tell us about the veteran's service.

Don't assume that because you cannot immediately locate the paperwork, there is nothing that can be done.

A Word About Older Veterans

There is another important point families should understand.

Not every veteran received a document actually called a DD-214 .

The DD-214 came into use in the 1950s. Veterans who separated from service before then may have received other discharge or separation documents.

So if Grandpa served during World War II and the family cannot find something labeled "DD-214," that doesn't necessarily mean his military documentation is missing.

He may simply have been issued a different type of separation document.

Again, this is where your funeral director can help determine what information may be useful.

If You Are a Veteran, Do Your Family a Favor

If you're reading this and you served in the military, there is something very simple you can do for the people you love.

Find your discharge paperwork.

Make sure it is stored somewhere safe.

Then—and this part is just as important—

tell somebody where it is.

Your spouse.

Your son or daughter.

The person who would likely be responsible for making your funeral arrangements.

You don't necessarily need to hand the document to everyone in the family. You simply need to make sure someone knows how to access it when the time comes.

You might also consider keeping other important information with it, including your wishes concerning burial or cremation, cemetery information, life insurance information, and any preferences you have regarding your funeral or memorial service.

Planning ahead doesn't have to mean planning every detail of your funeral.

Sometimes it simply means making things a little easier for the people you love.

And Families—Ask the Questions Now

If your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, spouse or another person you love served in the military, ask them about it.

Not only:

"Where is your DD-214?"

Ask about the story behind it.

Where did you serve?

What was your job?

Where were you stationed?

Who were your closest friends?

What do you remember about basic training?

What was the hardest part?

What are you proudest of?

Are there photographs somewhere?

What do your medals mean?

Are there stories you've never told us?

Because someday the paperwork will help us document that they served.

But their stories will help future generations understand who they were.

Service Deserves to Be Remembered

At Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, it is always a privilege when a family entrusts a veteran to our care.

We believe military service deserves to be recognized with dignity, gratitude and respect.

The DD-214 may look like just another government form.

But when the time comes to honor a veteran's life, that piece of paper can help open the door to honors that represent something much greater.

It represents service.

It represents sacrifice.

It represents a commitment made to our country.

So if there is a veteran in your family, don't wait until everyone is gathered around a funeral arrangement table searching through drawers and boxes.

Find the paperwork.

Put it somewhere safe.

Make sure someone knows where it is.

And while you have the opportunity, ask about the stories behind it.

The document preserves the record of their service.

The family preserves the story.

And both are worth keeping.

Rex Allen Bennett, Owner & Licensed Funeral Director

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care

"Friendly Faces. Compassionate Care."

If you have questions about military funeral honors or planning funeral arrangements for a veteran, our family is always honored to help yours understand the options and benefits that may be available.

Why a Healthcare Power of Attorney Is One of the Most Important Documents You Can Have

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 21:28:09 GMT

As a funeral director and owner of Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, I have had many conversations with families who believed their loved one’s wishes were clearly understood — only to discover after death that there was no legal authority in place to carry those wishes out.

These situations are often emotional, stressful, and entirely preventable.

One of the most important legal documents a person can have is a properly drafted Healthcare Power of Attorney. While many people assume a standard power of attorney will protect their wishes, that is often not the case.

In fact, many families are surprised to learn that a standard power of attorney generally becomes ineffective at death.

Understanding the Difference

A traditional financial or general power of attorney is designed to allow someone to handle matters on your behalf while you are alive. Once death occurs, that authority typically ends immediately.

That means the person you trusted most to make decisions for you may suddenly have no legal authority at all.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney is different.

When drafted correctly, it can include provisions that grant someone you trust the legal authority to make decisions regarding the disposition of your remains after death. This may include decisions involving burial, cremation, funeral arrangements, memorial services, and other final wishes.

That authority can make an enormous difference during an already difficult time.

Why This Matters More Than People Realize

Over the years, I have seen situations where a person clearly communicated their wishes to a close friend, longtime partner, or trusted relative — but because there was no legally executed Healthcare Power of Attorney in place, those wishes could not legally be honored by the people closest to them.

Instead, the law determines who has the “right of disposition.”

In some cases, that authority may fall to family members from whom the deceased had been estranged for years. Even if those individuals had little or no relationship with the person, they may still have legal priority to make decisions.

Unfortunately, this can sometimes lead to conflict, confusion, delays, and arrangements that do not reflect the wishes of the deceased.

As funeral professionals, we are legally required to follow the law regarding authorization and disposition. No matter how heartfelt someone’s wishes may be, without the proper documentation in place, our ability to follow those wishes can become limited.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney Protects Your Voice

One of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones is clarity.

A Healthcare Power of Attorney allows you to:

Appoint someone you trust to make important healthcare decisions
Ensure your final wishes are clearly documented
Grant authority for funeral and disposition decisions
Reduce family conflict and uncertainty
Help prevent legal disputes or delays
Most importantly, it helps ensure your voice is still heard when you can no longer speak for yourself.

Planning Ahead Is an Act of Love

Many people avoid conversations about end-of-life planning because they are uncomfortable. I understand that completely. But after serving families for many years, I can tell you that planning ahead is one of the most caring and responsible things a person can do for the people they love.

Proper planning removes uncertainty during a time of grief and allows families to focus on healing instead of legal complications.

I always encourage families to speak with a qualified attorney about preparing a Healthcare Power of Attorney that reflects their wishes and complies with state law. Every situation is unique, and having the correct language included in the document is critically important.

Final Thoughts

At Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, our goal is always to honor the wishes of the individuals and families we serve with dignity, compassion, and respect.

But the reality is this:

Without the proper legal documents in place, your wishes may not always be carried out by the person you intended.

A properly drafted Healthcare Power of Attorney can provide peace of mind, protect your voice, and ensure the people you trust most are empowered to make decisions on your behalf when it matters most.

If this is something you have not yet considered, I encourage you to start the conversation today.

Rex Bennett

Owner & Licensed Funeral Director

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care

Why Choosing a Locally Owned Funeral Home Matters

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:08:55 GMT

When families walk through our doors at Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, they are often facing one of the hardest moments of their lives. In those moments, choosing a funeral home is not simply about arrangements or paperwork — it is about trust, compassion, and knowing the people caring for your family genuinely have your best interests at heart.

As the owner of Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, I believe there is a meaningful difference in choosing a locally owned funeral home.

You Are Never “Just Another Family”

One of the greatest concerns I hear from families is the fear of feeling rushed, pressured, or treated like a transaction. That is never how we operate here.

Because we are locally owned, we answer to the families we serve — not to shareholders or corporate offices. Every family matters deeply to us because these are our neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. We take the time to listen, guide, and support you in a way that is personal and compassionate.

When you call us, you are speaking with people who truly care.

Our Commitment Is to Families, Not Corporate Quotas

Many people are surprised to learn that a growing number of funeral homes across the country are owned by large corporations. While there is nothing inherently wrong with that, locally owned funeral homes often have more freedom to focus entirely on what families need rather than meeting corporate sales goals or standardized service packages.

At Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care, our priority is helping families make the choices that feel right for them emotionally, spiritually, and financially. We believe every family deserves honest guidance without pressure.

We Live in the Community We Serve

This community is home to my family as well. We attend the same churches, support the same local organizations, and care deeply about the people who live here.

That connection matters.

When a funeral home is locally owned, its reputation is built one family at a time over many years. We understand the traditions, values, and unique needs of the families we serve because we are part of the same community.

For us, this work is personal.

Flexibility to Create Meaningful Tributes

No two lives are the same, and no service should feel generic. One advantage of a locally owned funeral home is the ability to offer flexibility and personalization that larger organizations sometimes cannot.

Whether a family wants a traditional funeral, a celebration of life, cremation services, military honors, or something completely unique, we work closely with them to create a service that truly reflects their loved one’s life and legacy.

Those meaningful details matter.

Compassion Beyond the Service

Our responsibility to families does not end after the funeral. Grief continues long after the service is over, and we believe ongoing support is an important part of what we do.

As a local funeral home owner, I understand that caring for families means being available before, during, and after the funeral process. That level of personal commitment is something I believe families can feel when they work with us.

A Personal Promise

Owning Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is more than a profession to me — it is a calling and a responsibility I take seriously every single day.

My promise to every family is simple:
You will be treated with dignity, compassion, honesty, and respect from the moment you contact us.

During life’s most difficult moments, families deserve more than a service provider. They deserve caring people they can trust.

And that is exactly what we strive to be for every family we serve.

— Rex Bennett, Owner & Licensed Funeral Director

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care