General Officers Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Listed below are answers to the General Officer's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Who has directed General Officer (GO) representation at the funerals of Soldiers killed in support of Contingency Operations?
GEN Shinseki, as CSA, implemented the policy in 2003 and has been continued VOCO since.
Who pays for the GO's travel and related expenses to and from the funeral location?
TDY travel is funded from the GO's organizational operating fund. GO funeral missions are designated as Priority 3, unless compelling conditions exist for Priority 2, for Mil Air support.
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Who receives the Interment Flag and Flag Case during funeral honors? (AR 638-2, 2009 National Defense Authorization Act)
The following personnel are entitled to receive the Interment Flag and Flag Case:
1. The person designated to direct disposition of the remains (PADD).
2. The parents or parent of the Soldier. (Note: the term “parent” includes a natural parent, a stepparent, a parent by adoption, or a person who for a period of not less than one year before the death of the Soldier stood in loco parentis to the Soldier. Preference shall be given to the persons who exercised a parental relationship at the time of, or most nearly before, the death of the decedent).
3. The surviving spouse of the Soldier, (including a surviving spouse who remarries after the Soldier’s death)*.
4. Each child of the Soldier, without regard to age or marital status, or whether the PADD is a child of the Soldier. (Note: The term “child” includes: legitimate children, adopted children, stepchildren who were a part of the Soldier's household at the time of his or her death, illegitimate children who have been acknowledged in writing signed by the Soldier).
* This pertains to prior conflicts cases where a Soldier’s remains are recovered at a later date.
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Who receives the deceased Soldier's posthumous awards set(s)?
1. The surviving spouse of the Soldier.
2. The person designated to direct disposition of the remains (PADD).
3. The parents or parent of the Soldier, (Note: the term “parent” includes a natural parent, a stepparent, a parent by adoption, or a person who for a period of not less than one year before the death of the Soldier stood in loco parentis to the Soldier. Preference shall be given to the persons who exercised a parental relationship at the time of, or most nearly before, the death of the decedent).
The escort will hand carry the posthumous awards to the funeral location.
When are the Soldier's posthumous awards presented? (AR 600-8-1 dated 30 April 2007, Appendix J)
This is at the discretion of the Family. The posthumous awards can be presented during the funeral service, at the interment, or if the Family wishes, during a private ceremony at some other time.
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Who receives the Gold Star Lapel Button? (AR 600-8-1, I-1d)
One Gold Star Lapel Button will be furnished without cost to the widow or widower, to each of the parents, each child, stepchild, child through adoption, brother, half–brother, sister, and half–sister of a member of the armed forces who lost his or her life while in the active military service during the periods indicated in AR 600-8-1, I-1d. The term “widow or widower” includes those who have since married, and the term “parents” includes mother, father, stepmother, stepfather, mother through adoption, father through adoption, and foster parents who stood in loco parentis. The escort will hand carry 10 sets of Gold Star Lapel Button and provide to the CAO for presentation to eligible NOK.
Is a General Officer required to attend both the funeral and interment if they are at different locations and on different dates?
Yes, if the Family wants GO representation at both locations. In some cases, it is more practical for the General Officer Management Office (GOMO) to assign two different General Officers. A good example would be when the Family wants the funeral service held in their home town in Waterloo, Iowa, and interment at ANC at a later date.
Will I be able to rehearse for the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery?
Yes, the Military District of Washington (MDW) provides a representative who can walk the GO through the specific ANC ceremony details and assist with a rehearsal.
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General Officer AAR Comments