Veterans’ Certificate
By Capt. Bud Schneeweis, USCG-Ret., Director; Lt. Col. William A. Pierce, USA-Ret.; Cmdr. Katherine O’Neill Tracy, USNR-Ret.; and Phil Dyer, CFP Benefits Information

What is the Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC), and who is eligible to receive this distinction?

The PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current president that recognizes the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans. Eligible recipients include veterans and veterans’ next of kin. More than one certificate may be provided to the recipient.

How do you apply for the PMC?

Eligible recipients, or someone acting on their behalf, may apply in person at any VA regional office, by fax, or by U.S. mail. Requests can’t be sent via e-mail, and there is not a specific form for requesting a PMC. Please enclose a copy of the veteran’s discharge papers and death certificate with a request and submit copies only, as the VA will not return original documents.

If you have any questions about a certificate you have received, a request, or the program, please e-mail the VA at pmc@mail.va.gov or call (202) 565-4964. If you would like to request a PMC, fax your request, a copy of the discharge papers, and a death certificate to (202) 565-8054, or mail these documents to:

Presidential Memorial Certificates Veterans Affairs (41A1C)
810 Vermont Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20420

Grave Site Locator

How can I locate a veteran buried in a national cemetery?

The VA ’s Web site provides locations for veterans buried in most national cemeteries. Go to www.cem.va.gov and search for a veteran with the Nationwide Gravesite Locator link. If you can’t locate someone, write to the VA and provide the following:

• full name, with alternate spellings;
• date and place of birth;
• date and place of death;
• state in which the individual entered active duty service; and
• military service branch.

Most requests take about four weeks to process. Include your return mailing address, phone number, or e-mail address and mail to:

National Cemetery Administration
Burial Location Request (41C1)
810 Vermont Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20420

Funeral Honors

Will a national cemetery provide military honors for veterans?

DoD is responsible for providing military funeral honors. Every eligible veteran, upon the family’s request, receives a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes a folding and presentation of the U.S. burial flag, the playing of “Taps,” and two or more uniformed military persons present, at least one being a member of the veteran’s parent service.

DoD expects funeral home directors to request honors on behalf of the veterans’ family, but the National Cemetery Administration and veterans’ organizations can assist with arranging military funeral honors. Visit the DoD-sponsored Web site www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil for more information.

TRICARE Eligibility

My son, who is enrolled in college full-time, is approaching his 21st birthday. What do I need to do to keep his TRICARE eligibility current and renew his uniformed services ID card?

To continue receiving TRICARE benefits past his 21st birthday, your son must provide evidence of his full-time student status in an accredited college by submitting copies of school registration papers to the nearest uniformed services id card facility. Also, he must renew his id card to reflect his continuing eligibility until his 23rd birthday or until he no longer is a full-time student, whichever comes first. You can call the Defense Manpower Data Center Support Office at (800) 538-9552 for more information.