No Veteran Is Left Behind
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In Texas, a program called the Unaccompanied Veterans Program was introduced in January 2015 to ensure that no Veteran is ever laid to rest alone.
Over the years, several designated Texas cemeteries have held 250 Unaccompanied Veterans Burial (UVB) services.
What is the Unaccompanied Veterans Program?
These ceremonies were established to provide eligible Veterans, who either have no known next-of-kin or have next-of-kin unable to attend, with standard interment procedures and military honors at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.
The image shows a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) used by the Veterans Land Board.
Before the program was implemented, Veterans were laid to rest in the cemetery through “direct no witness” burials. This practice involved burying or interring their remains without any honors or acknowledgment of their military service.
Treating someone who has served their country in this manner is unacceptable.
The image shows the Veterans Land Board logo.
Factors That May Lead to an Unaccompanied Veterans Burial
The program’s primary objective is to ensure that Veterans, regardless of their life circumstances, are laid to rest with utmost respect and dignity.
The Veterans Land Board is a program that provides support and resources to veterans. The program aims to help veterans secure land and housing opportunities, allowing them to establish a stable and secure future. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the Veterans Land Board assists veterans in accessing affordable financing options, obtaining land and home loans, and receiving comprehensive support throughout the process. By offering these services, the Veterans Land Board recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of veterans and strives to make a positive impact on their lives.
Over the past decade, there have been 250 unclaimed veteran burials (UVB), and in many cases, various factors contribute to the absence of a next of kin for these fallen heroes.
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- The Veteran’s next of kin may have died and survivors cannot be located.
- The Veteran may have separated themselves from next-of-kin due to family discord.
- The Veteran may suffer from mental illness or other health issues leading to societal isolation.
Numerous People, Organizations, and Businesses Help This Program
Texas State Veterans Cemeteries have a standardized process in place to arrange burial services for Unaccompanied Veterans. They actively foster connections with various community stakeholders, such as funeral homes, county services, local judges, and Patriot Guard Riders. This collaborative effort ensures that all eligible Veterans receive the respect and dignity they deserve during their burial services at each cemetery.
The Veterans Land Board is committed to providing support and assistance to veterans. They understand the unique challenges that veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and they aim to help them overcome these challenges. With a strong focus on housing and land opportunities, the Veterans Land Board helps veterans find affordable homes and secure land for various purposes. By offering low-interest loans and other financial assistance programs, they make it easier for veterans to achieve their housing and land ownership goals. The Veterans Land Board is dedicated to serving those who have served our country and ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to thrive in their post-military lives.
The Unaccompanied Veterans Program has received tremendous support from local communities, who have shown overwhelming attendance at services dedicated to honoring the Veteran during their final journey. This strong community support serves as a testament to the deep respect and appreciation these communities have for the military family.
The Next Unaccompanied Veterans Burial
The upcoming UVB is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. It will honor the memory of Kellie Charlynne Angel Mason, who served as a Private in the U.S. Army.
Mason, born on October 5, 1966, served as a Private from October 2001 to April 2009. Throughout her dedicated service to our nation, she was honored with the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Nearly 15 years ago, her husband, who was also a US Veteran, passed away.
The Veterans Land Board is dedicated to providing support and assistance to veterans. They offer a variety of programs and services to help veterans and their families. One of their initiatives is the Texas Veterans Land Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans for land purchases. This program aims to help veterans achieve their dream of owning land and build a home. The Veterans Land Board also offers the Texas Veterans Housing Assistance Program, which provides low-interest home loans to veterans. These programs are designed to help veterans and their families transition into civilian life and achieve stability. The Veterans Land Board is committed to serving those who have served our country and providing them with the support they deserve.
Over the past 9 years, the Unaccompanied Veterans Program has been instrumental in providing deserving Veterans with the dignity and sense of family they truly deserve. We owe a debt of gratitude to all those involved in this remarkable program.
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