NOVEMBER 8, 2019
HONORING OUR VETS
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Higgins Chapel: honoring veterans, supporting families AMY SCHRADER
T
he sacrifices armed forces members have made while Anthony C. Rodriguez, Higgins Chapel managing partner, takes extra pride in honoring the lives of veterans and their families.
serving our country are
immeasurable, but one way to honor and recognize their service, courage and contributions is with a military service when they pass. Higgins Chapel in Antioch has been serving the East Bay since 1948. “We have a devoted and compassionate group of individuals that have a passion for service and honoring the lives of loved ones,” said Anthony C. Rodriguez, Higgins Chapel managing partner. “We are knowledgeable in many faiths, rituals and customs.” One of the things Higgins Chapel takes extra pride in is honoring the lives of veterans. ON THE COVER: Higgins Chapel in Antioch has been serving the East Bay since 1948. Managing Partner Anthony C. Rodriguez, along with the staff at Higgins, works hard to ensure each service is personalized and significant. Photo by Tony Kukulich
Photo by Tony Kukulich
Whether families desire a full military service or simply a small family funeral, they are committed to offering burial and memorial services that honor, respect and provide true meaning to those gathered in mourning. “We are truly blessed by the opportunity to honor a veteran and their service and dedication to our country,” said Rodriguez. “We take pride in arranging burial or cremation, and military honors for a veteran, whether
at the cemetery, church or even at the home of the veteran. We make it our responsibility to honor the sacrifice made to continue our freedom, and we make sure a wife, son, daughter or mother receives that folded flag.” Veterans who die on active duty, or with discharges other than dishonorable, are entitled by law to a Veterans Affairs burial and memorial benefits. “With a qualifying discharge, veterans are given a military plot in a
national cemetery and have the right to be recognized with a military honor guard,” said Rodriguez. “We have staff that are willing to assist with gathering that information, if needed.” Rodriguez recommends making preparations in advance, if possible, and gathering necessary paperwork, including the DD214 discharge certificate. see Higgins page 6B