Funeral and Mortuary Planning Information
- Christina DeSantis
- Apr 29
- 10 min read
Updated: Apr 30
This guide provides general information on funeral planning, with specific details about ceremonies at the USAFA Cemetery. It is designed to assist with preliminary arrangements and considerations. For a more structured planning process, we recommend using the fillable funeral planning booklet, which can be downloaded [here].
Special thanks to Colonel James Reed, USAFA Class of 1959 for this resource.
Many of the details can then be entered into the similar pages on the U. S. Air Force Academy website at https://www.usafa.af.mil/Units/10th-Air-Base-Wing/Mortuary-Affairs/, which was the source for the first 10 pages of the downloadable information sheet. Users should consider the possibility of changes which may have occurred after this material was prepared. For possible updates, see the Mortuary Affairs website. The USAFA Class of 1959 would like to thank Janet Edwards of the USAFA Mortuary Affairs office for her assistance in making information available.
CONTACT INFORMATION
USAFA Mortuary Affairs
10 FSS/FSOM
5136 Eagle Drive, Suite 115
USAFA, CO 80840
Phone: (719) 333-3323
DSN: 333-3323
Email: janet.edwards.1@us.af.mil
HQ Mortuary Affairs: 1 (800) 531-5803
Peterson SFB Mortuary Affairs: (719) 556-8970
Schriever AFS Mortuary Affairs: (719) 567-2421
USAFA Casualty Affairs: (719) 333-2129
HQ Casualty Affairs: 1 (800) 433-0048
Schriever AFS Casualty Affairs: (719) 567-5916
Peterson SFB Casualty Affairs: (719) 556-6232/4229
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I am separated or retired from the Air Force, will any or all of my funeral services be paid for by the Air Force?
When a member separates from the Air Force, most burial benefits cease with the exception of eligibility for interment in a government cemetery. If retired, limited transportation costs for the member will be reimbursed if death occurred as a properly admitted patient to a military hospital. The same entitlement is extended to the dependent of a retired member provided they died in a military hospital as an admitted patient.
What costs are involved when arranging a funeral service at USAFA?
There are not normally any costs associated with the services provided by the USAFA staff when funeral services are held at the chapel and/or graveside. The standard costs borne by the next of kin are related to the services provided by the funeral home selected by the family. Such services could be costs associated with a funeral home in your local area (if not residing in Colorado Springs) and a receiving funeral home in Colorado Springs if a casket service is planned. Costs could also include preparation of the remains, casketing, professional services of the funeral director, flowers, obituary notice, donation to clergy, etc.
What is the procedure for arranging a funeral at USAFA?
A phone call is placed to the Mortuary Affairs Office by either the next of kin or funeral home selected by the family. A military chaplain of the requested denomination will be contacted by the Mortuary Affairs Office and provided information such as music and scripture selections, picture and biography (if available) and any other pertinent information. The chaplain will contact the next of kin to begin arranging the funeral service. Funeral services are normally conducted between the hours of 9:00 and 2:00, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
What are the hours of operation for the USAFA Mortuary Affairs Office?
The USAFA Mortuary Affairs Office hours of operation are currently 6:30 to 3:30; subject to change and depending upon security threat.
Can I reserve a gravesite?
We are unable to reserve gravesites before the need arises. However, when a death occurs, the family can request a specific location at the cemetery for interment.
What type of grave markers are provided at the USAFA Cemetery?
What type of grave markers are provided at the USAFA Cemetery?
How do I arrange for Honor Guard?
Upon request by the next of kin, the Mortuary Affairs office will make arrangements with the Base Honor Guard to provide military honors to eligible veterans.
Can I provide my own clergy?
We welcome visiting clergy to officiate funeral services. A U.S. Air Force Academy chaplain is made available to provide any assistance that may be required.
Can I bring flowers to the cemetery?
Flowers are allowed at the Academy cemetery provided they can be positioned into the vase that is placed at the head of the grave upon installation of the permanent grave marker. Flowers will not be removed unless they become unsightly.
Can I arrange for a local florist to deliver flowers to the cemetery for special occasions?
Flowers may be delivered at any time. A directory is provided at the west side of the cemetery so that grave sites can be easily located.
What is provided by the government when interment is at the Academy Cemetery?
The Air Force provides at no cost to the family, a plot, vault, temporary and permanent grave marker, vase, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care of the gravesite.
Where can I go online for additional resources?
Are there visiting hours for the Academy Cemetery?
Visiting hours are daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All guests that do not possess a valid DoD ID card must enter through the North Gate under current security guidelines. For additional information, please call (719) 333-3323.
What are the options for placement of cremated remains?
Ground burial
- Inside dimensions for outer burial container are
14 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 14 1/2"
Columbarium
- Located on the east side of the Memorial Pavilion (exterior of building)
- Companion niche inside dimensions are
9 1/2" wide x 7 3/8" high x 12 1/2" deep
-- Designed for two urns
-- Single 5"x7" anodized aluminum nameplate will
be provided at no cost to the NOK
-- Flowers/flags may not be adhered to nameplate
Funeral Service Planning
Place of Service:
____Cadet Chapel
____Community Center Chapel
____Other Chapel
Final Disposition of Remains:
____USAFA Cemetery
____USAFA Columbarium
____Scatter
____Other
NOTE SECURITY ADVISORY: Please refer to our Privacy and Security Statement found at: http://www.privacy.af.mil/main/disclaimer.asp
OBITUARY INFORMATION: VITAL STATISTICS
OBITUARY INFORMATION: VITAL STATISTICS
Additional Information
NOTE SECURITY ADVISORY: Please refer to our Privacy and Security Statement found at: http://www.privacy.af.mil/main/disclaimer.asp
Funeral Pre Planning Worksheet For Burial Interment
Please fill out, print and keep this Worksheet in a safe place so that your family members will be aware of your funeral and/or memorial wishes. To use this Worksheet, fill in the desired information and then use your browser's print option to print out this page for your records.
1: What type of service are you thinking about?
Traditional Service: A service is held at the Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel or Community Center Chapel followed by a graveside service at the USAFA cemetery.
Graveside Service: Since most of our families travel from out of the local area, services are usually conducted in the hometown prior to coming to the Academy. Therefore, a graveside service is conducted at the USAFA Cemetery with no services held at the Cadet or Community Center Chapel.
Memorial Service: When remains are not interred in the USAFA Cemetery, a memorial service may still be conducted at the Cadet or Community Center Chapel.
2: What type of casket would you prefer?
Selecting a casket is a personal choice that can be made with the assistance of your family and a funeral director in your hometown.
___Hardwood
___Steel
___Other
3: What type of clothing will you want to be buried in?
___Military uniform
___Civilian clothing
___Other
4: Will lodging be required for next of kin on base?
Reservations may be made in advance by calling (719)333-4910, extension 0. A credit card number must be provided in order to secure rooms.
___Visiting Officers Quarters (VOQ)
___Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)
5: Will you want a reception set up at one of the following locations?
___Officers' Club
___Doolittle Hall (Association of Graduates)
___Golf Course Tee House Press Box
___Other
6: Will you want Honor Guard to provide military honors? The USAFA Base Honor Guard provides funeral honors for those eligible members in accordance with Air Force regulations.
___Yes
___No
* NOTE SECURITY ADVISARY: Please refer to our Privacy and Security Statement found at:
Funeral Pre Planning Worksheet For Cremation Service
Please fill out, print and keep this Worksheet in a safe place so that your family members will be aware of your funeral and/or memorial wishes. To use this Worksheet, fill in the desired information and then use your browser's print option to print out this page for your records.
1: What choices do I have for the disposition of my cremated remains?
___Inurnment: Cremated remains may be placed in the ground. A cement vault is provided at no cost.
___Scattered: If remains will be scattered at USAFA, the Mortuary Officer can obtain the necessary authorization.
___Columbarium: Place cremated remains in a niche. (The dimensions are as follows: 9 1/2” wide x 7 5/8” high x 12 1/2” deep.)
2: Will you want a viewing to be scheduled prior to cremation?
Selecting a casket is a personal choice that can be made with the assistance of your family and a funeral director in your hometown.
___ Yes
___ No
3: What type of urn would you like your cremated remains to be placed in?
___Hardwood
___Bronze
___Other
4: Will lodging be required for next of kin on base?
Reservations may be made in advance by calling (719)333-4910, extension 0. A credit card number must be provided in order to secure rooms.
___Visiting Officers Quarters (VOQ)
___Temporary Lodging Facility (TLF)
5: Will you want a reception set up at one of the following locations?
___Officers' Club
___Doolittle Hall (Association of Graduates)
___Golf Course Tee House Press Box
___Other
6: Will you want Honor Guard to provide military honors?
The USAFA Base Honor Guard provides funeral honors for those eligible members in accordance with Air Force regulations.
___Yes
___No
* NOTE SECURITY ADVISARY: Please refer to our Privacy and Security Statement found at:
LEGAL ASSISTANCE FAQs
(This information was taken from the FAQ section of the Air Force Legal Assistance website located at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil)
What is legal assistance?
Legal assistance enhances the readiness and welfare of eligible clients by providing quality legal services regarding personal civil legal matters and by educating eligible persons regarding their personal legal rights and responsibilities. Legal assistance practitioners accomplish this mission by direct client assistance services and a vigorous preventive law program that educates and informs the military community through a variety of outreach efforts.
What type of services can a legal assistance office provide?
Subject to the availability of legal staff, resources, and expertise, legal assistance practitioners can normally assist in the following topic areas:
(1) Wills and estate planning.
(2) Powers of attorney and notarizations.
(3) Domestic relations, including divorce, legal separation, and custody.
(4) Adoption and name changes.
(5) Immigration and naturalization.
(6) Failure to provide support for a family member.
(7) Landlord-tenant relations, including review of personal leases.
(8) Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) advice and assistance.
(9) Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) advice and assistance.
(10) Education law assistance for family members with special needs.
(11) Limited tax assistance, or referral to tax assistance resources.
(12) Consumer law issues, such as credit disputes or fraud.
(13) Other legal issues of a personal, civil nature.
What services are not available from the legal assistance office?
Legal assistance attorneys are prohibited from assisting clients in the following circumstances:
1. Providing advice on private business ventures.
2. Providing advice on official matters in which the United States Government has an interest, or is involved in the final resolution of issues. For example, legal advice concerning official military matters is outside the scope of the legal assistance program. See also the FAQ below on providing advice on military justice matters.
3. Providing advice over the telephone or via e-mail. Legal assistance is ordinarily conducted in person. However, contact your local legal office for more details, or if there are any unusual or compelling circumstances that prevent you from visiting your local legal office in person.
4. Providing advice to third parties. The privileged attorney-client relationship requires personal and private communication between the attorney and client.
Is legal assistance just for military personnel?
No. Generally, legal assistance is provided to (1) all members of the Armed Forces on active duty (including members of a reserve component), (2) reserve component members under certain circumstances (3) retirees from all branches of the service, and (4) lawful dependents. Federal civilian employees and their dependents are also entitled to legal assistance in certain circumstances, such as when stationed overseas. Legal assistance prioritizes mobilization and deployment-related assistance and is provided based upon available resources and personnel.
Who is eligible for legal assistance?
Generally, legal assistance is available to the following:
(1) Members of the armed forces on active duty (including members of a reserve component on active duty). This includes members of the Air Force, Space Force, and the other sister services.
(2) Following release from active duty orders for 30 days or more, members of reserve components are eligible for legal assistance for a period beginning on the date of release from active duty and continuing for a period equal to twice the length of the period served on those active duty orders.
(3) Retired military personnel.
(4) Dependents (spouses and minor children) of those listed above, who are entitled to a military identification card.
(5) Inactive members of the reserve components, subject to federal mobilization, may receive deployment-related legal assistance.
(6) Civilian employees and contractors deploying to or in a theater of operations may receive wills and powers of attorney.
(7) Civilian employees assigned outside the United States and its territories, including their dependents residing with them.
For more details on legal assistance eligibility, see Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-304, available at https://www.e-publishing.af.mil/Product-Index/
I completed an online legal worksheet. What should I bring with me to the legal office?
Please bring your ticket number with you. Legal office personnel will not be able to access your worksheet without the ticket number.
If you printed your worksheet (questions and answers), the ticket number is displayed on the worksheet.
The FAQ page has additional information.
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