Six Feet Under: Who Gets a Spot in Houston National Cemetery?
So, you're thinking about your final resting place, huh? Well, let's talk about Houston National Cemetery. It's not just a plot of land, it's a destination. But before you start planning your eternal slumber party, let's clear up who gets to crash there.
The Elite Club: Who Qualifies?
First things first, this ain't no open house. You can't just waltz in and pick out a plot like you're choosing a new couch. To be buried at Houston National Cemetery, you need to be a member of a very exclusive club: the Armed Forces. Yep, that's right, you gotta have served your country to earn a spot.
But wait, there's more! It's not enough to just have worn a uniform. You gotta have earned a "good conduct" discharge. So, if you spent your military career in the brig, you might want to start looking elsewhere.
Family Matters: Bringing the Crew Along
Don't worry, you're not going to be all alone down there. If you qualify for burial, your spouse, widow(er), and minor dependent children can join you. And guess what? Even if they beat you to the grave, they still qualify! It's like a family reunion, but with way less awkward small talk.
There's also a provision for unmarried adult children with disabilities. So, if you've got a kid who needs a little extra care, they can rest easy knowing they'll be taken care of, even after you're gone.
Reserve Status: Does it Count?
You might be wondering about those folks in the reserves. Can they get in on the action? Well, it depends. If you died while on active duty or training duty, or if you were eligible for retired pay, you're good to go. But if you were just hanging out in the reserves, collecting a paycheck, and never saw any real action, you might be out of luck.
How to... Your Cemetery FAQs
Now that you've got the lowdown on who can and can't join the Houston National Cemetery crowd, let's tackle some burning questions.
- How to find out if you qualify for burial? Contact the National Cemetery Administration. They'll be able to verify your eligibility based on your military records.
- How to schedule a burial? Once you've determined your eligibility, you can contact the Houston National Cemetery directly to schedule a burial.
- How to locate a loved one's grave? The cemetery website often has a search function to help you locate graves. You can also contact the cemetery directly for assistance.
- How to volunteer at the cemetery? Many national cemeteries rely on volunteers to help maintain the grounds. Check with the cemetery for volunteer opportunities.
- How to plan a memorial service? The cemetery likely has guidelines for memorial services. You can contact them for more information and to reserve space.
So there you have it. The inside scoop on Houston National Cemetery. Remember, it's a place of honor and respect. So if you're lucky enough to earn a spot, consider it a privilege.