Why the need for a Funeral Director's FAQ?
A recent change to policy expands eligibility for funeral honors to members of the Commissioned Officer Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). PHS and NOAA members are authorized to receive funeral honors as members of the Uniformed Services. The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are provided for your information:

What can the family of an eligible member of PHS and NOAA expect?
Funeral honors include the folding and presentation of a flag and the playing of Taps, but not the firing of three volleys, as they were members of the Uniformed Services, not members of the Armed Forces.

What is the difference between funeral honors performed for members of the Uniformed Services and Military Funeral Honors performed for members of the Armed Forces?
Honors performed for Uniformed Service members include the folding and presentation of a flag and the playing of Taps.

Military Funeral Honors for PHS and NOAA members who previously served in the Armed Forces may also include the firing of three volleys, if resources are available.

Who do I contact if I receive a request for funeral honors for members of PHS or NOAA?
If you receive a request for funeral honors, contact the point of contact (POC) at PHS or NOAA to arrange for the funeral honors detail. For PHS, contact the Retired Pay Section at 1-800-638-8744. To reach the POC at NOAA, contact the Director, Commissioned Personnel Center at (301) 713-3444, ext 115.

What if a member of PHS or NOAA was also a veteran of the Armed Forces?
Depending on the family’s wishes, you may contact either PHS or NOAA or the parent military Service of the deceased.

Note: The FAQs and Eligibility tabs on the public portion of this website have been updated to reflect this new policy.