Dr. Barnett-Braddock....PG 8
MITZI KING....PG 9
Vol 26, No. 3 • July 2026
News You Can Use
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Honoring Those Who Served: Veterans & Family Honors Provides a Final Salute of Gratitude By Justice Reid For many veterans, the uniform may come off, but the honor, sacrifice, and commitment to service remain forever. One organization dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the respect they have earned is Veterans & Family Honors (V&FH). Through their participation in military honors ceremonies, these dedicated volunteers provide a final salute to honorably discharged veterans and offer comfort to grieving families. Their work reflects a deep appreciation for those who answered the call to serve our nation. Founded in March 2003 by veteran Bill Huff, Veterans & Family Honors was established after he recognized the need to ensure every veteran received the military honors they had earned through faithful service. What began with one veteran's vision has grown into an organization of dedicated volunteers who continue that mission with dignity, precision, and compassion. The organization's purpose is simple yet profound: to provide final honors for every veteran who served our nation. While every life deserves to be celebrated, members of Veterans & Family
Honors believe those who wore the uniform and stood in defense of America's freedoms deserve a special tribute. Although veterans make up only about three percent of the nation's population, their sacrifices have protected the liberties enjoyed by all Americans. For many volunteers, serving on the honors team is a continuation of the commitment they made while wearing the uniform. One team member, who served 41 years in the military, said joining Veterans & Family Honors gave him the opportunity to continue serving his fellow veterans in one of the most meaningful ways possible. "Our veterans earned the right to be honored," he said. "They put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and providing that final salute is one way we can say thank you." A typical military honors ceremony includes the playing of Taps, the folding of the American flag, and the formal presentation of the flag to the veteran's next of kin. Families may also request additional honors, including a "Walk Through," during which members stand before the casket, offer a prayer for the family, thank God for the veterReturn Address: P.O. Box 1292 Corinth, MS 38835 an's service, and render a hand salute. POSTAL PATRON Another moving tribute is the firing of
a three-volley salute. Following the ceremony, the spent shell casings are presented to the family as a symbol of Duty, Honor, and Country. For many families, the presentation of the American flag becomes one of the most cherished moments of the service. The flag represents both the nation their loved one served and a lasting reminder of that service and sacrifice. It often becomes a treasured family heirloom passed from one generation to the next. Participating in these ceremonies is an emotional experience for every volunteer. Team members describe it as both a privilege and a responsibility to honor fellow veterans. Having personally witnessed the sacrifices made by those who served, they understand the importance of ensur-
ing every ceremony reflects the dignity each veteran deserves. Maintaining that level of excellence requires ongoing training. Every new volunteer receives instruction before participating in ceremonies, and the team conducts quarterly refresher training to ensure military standards and ceremonial precision are consistently upheld. Although some historical records have been lost over the years, the organization has conducted more than 150 funeral honors ceremonies annually since 2021, serving veteran families throughout the region. Among the ceremonies that have left a lasting impression are those honoring veterans of World War II. With few members of the "Greatest Generation" still living, each opportunity to honor one of these
Derrick Usher, Sergeant, US Marine Corps
heroes carries special meaning. One volunteer reflected on his own father, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, making each ceremony for a WWII veteran especially personal. Families frequently express heartfelt gratitude for the professionalism, compassion, and respect shown throughout each ceremony. Those words of appreciation reaffirm the importance of the organization's mission and inspire volunteers to continue serving. Veterans & Family Honors welcomes honorably discharged veterans who are interested in joining the team. Volunteers are asked to proudly represent the military branch in which they served while helping ensure that every veteran receives a respectful farewell. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to attend one of the organization's quarterly meetings or observe a military honors ceremony to learn more about the program. As a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Veterans & Family Honors provides all services at no cost to families. Donations from the community help offset expenses incurred by volunteers and allow the organization to continue fulfilling its mission. Contributions are taxdeductible and may be given to any member of the honors team or See VETERANS pg 4