Veteran Benefits & Services

If you're planning, or preplanning, a funeral for a veteran, we want to make sure you know exactly what benefits you're entitled to through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility requirements can be confusing, so we'll walk you through what applies to your situation, plainly and honestly.


Beyond helping you understand VA benefits, we also offer unique service elements built specifically for veterans and service members, so their military service is honored the way it deserves to be.

We're honored to serve those who have dedicated their lives to our country. If you're planning, or preplanning, a funeral for a veteran, we want to make sure you know exactly what benefits you're entitled to through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligibility requirements can be confusing, so we'll walk you through what applies to your situation, plainly and honestly.


Beyond helping you understand VA benefits, we also offer unique service elements and funding options built specifically for veterans and service members, so their military service is honored the way it deserves to be.


Veteran Funeral Benefits We Help You Navigate


  • Eligibility for VA burial benefits, including burial allowances and grave markers
  • Burial in a VA national cemetery or a state veterans cemetery
  • Eligibility for Presidential Memorial Certificates
  • Reimbursement options for funeral and burial costs, where applicable
  • Guidance on eligibility for surviving spouses and dependents



Military Honors & Personalization:


  • Coordinating military honors, including flag presentation and folding
  • Arranging honor guards through local veterans' organizations
  • Taps and rifle salute coordination, where available
  • Personalized touches that reflect their branch, rank, or years of service
  • Working with local VFW, American Legion, and veterans' groups to ensure every detail is handled with respect


County Veterans Service Officers:


Each county maintains its own Veterans Service Office to help with VA claims, benefits, and burial entitlements at no cost. Reach out to the office in your county directly:


  • Martin County
    2423 Albion Ave, Suite 11, Fairmont, MN 56031
    507-238-3220
  • Jackson County
    402 White Street, Jackson, MN 56143
    507-847-4774
  • Cottonwood County
    41385 US Hwy 71, Windom, MN 56101
    507-831-5522
  • Watonwan County
    108 8th Street S, Suite 3, St. James, MN 56081
    507-375-1254


Our Commitment to Veterans and Their Families:


Ean Sinn, owner and funeral director, works to make sure every veteran's service and sacrifice are properly acknowledged. Our goal is simple: give your family peace of mind, knowing their loved one's military service is honored with dignity and care.


We're proud to offer veteran funeral and military honors services to families throughout Trimont, Sherburn, and Welcome, and across Martin, Jackson, Cottonwood, Watonwan, Faribault, and Brown Counties.

If you're ready to talk through veteran benefits or military honors, or just have questions, call us anytime at 507-639-5711.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will the Department of Veterans Affairs pay for a veteran's funeral in full?

    No, the VA will not pay for a veteran’s funeral in full. This applies to both cremation services and traditional funerals. However, the VA does provide a specified amount, called a burial allowance, to help offset the cost of either burial or cremation.

  • Are there cases when the VA pays nothing toward a veteran's funeral?

    Yes. A veteran is not eligible for standard burial benefits if they:


    - received a dishonorable discharge

    - died during active military service (where different regulations apply)

    - were a member of Congress and died while holding office, or 

    - were a federal prisoner.

  • What does the VA provide for veterans buried in a national cemetery?

    Burial in any open VA national cemetery is available to eligible veterans. This includes, at no cost to the family:


    - Opening/closing of the grave

    - Grave liner

    - Perpetual care of the gravesite

    - Headstone or marker

    - Burial flag

    - Presidential Memorial Certificate

    - Military honors (such as playing of “Taps,” folding and presentation of flag, etc.)


    For those buried in a private cemetery, the VA provides burial and plot allowances, government-issued headstone, burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military honors.

  • What are the most common military honors provided at a funeral?

    The Department of Defense, through a program called “Honoring Those Who Served,” is responsible for providing military funeral honors. In most cases, the military personnel who participate do so on a volunteer basis. Keep in mind, military honors must be requested, and they will vary, depending on status, rank, and place of burial. 


    The most common military honors are:


    - Honor Guard

    - Flag-draped casket/urn

    - Folding and presentation of the flag

    - Playing of “Taps”


    In some cases, it may be possible to request additional honors, such as:


    - Three-volley salute

    - Color Guard

    - Pallbearers

    - Horse-drawn caisson

    - Military flyover


    To learn what your veteran is eligible to receive, contact the VA directly.

  • What is the VA's contact information?

    You can visit the Veterans Affairs' website at www.va.gov, or you can call at any of the numbers below.


    National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117


    Headstones and markers: 800-697-6947


    VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000


    MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411


    If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.