Casualty & Mortuary Affairs Articles

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Casualty & Mortuary Affairs: Articles

Articles provide deeper information on a specific MilLife topic and connect you to other relevant content, benefits and support. Military service members, their immediate families, military service providers and leaders can browse Casualty & Mortuary Affairs-related articles below.
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mother and children reading together
Tools and Tips for Navigating the Holidays as a Survivor
Dec. 20, 2024, 9:00 a.m. 5 minute read
The holidays can be an especially difficult time for survivors, but there are things you can do and resources available to help you manage your grief and rediscover your joy for the season.
Korean memorial wall
Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance
Dec. 10, 2024, 6:30 a.m. 6 minute read
Learn more about the Defense Department’s eligibility requirements for requesting and validating a service member for inclusion on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance.
burial at sea
Military Funeral Honors: Burial at Sea Program
Oct. 17, 2024, 7:00 a.m. 4 minute read
This article outlines the Navy’s Burial at Sea Program, including criteria for eligibility, how to initiate honors and a general timeline for honors to be carried out.
woman on computer at home
Defense Department Survivor Symposium Series
Sept. 30, 2024, 12:45 p.m. 2 minute read
The Survivor Symposium series underscores the Defense Department’s commitment to providing support for survivors of active-duty deaths. Learn more about past and upcoming events.
Gold Star on blue shirt
Honoring Gold Star Families
July 30, 2024, 1:00 a.m. 6 minute read
Gold star families whose loved one died in service to our nation are a vital part of the nation’s military community and history.
two women talking at table
Tips and Tools for Navigating Relationships as You Grieve
April 12, 2024, 4:25 p.m. 5 minute read
Relationships can change when you’re grieving. This article provides tips and tools for navigating those relationships.
child writes message on balloon
Bereavement Camps: A Place to Grieve and Heal
March 7, 2024, 11:30 a.m. 4 minute read
Bereavement camps, seminars and retreats offer opportunities for survivors to connect with people who understand how to help you with your journey.
casualty assistance officer talking to survivor
Understanding the Role of the Casualty Assistance Officer
Jan. 30, 2024, 9:30 a.m. 3 minute read
Learn more about the casualty assistance officer that is assigned to advise and assist military families in their time of need.
service member hands on a worship book
The Unit Chaplain: Roles and Responsibilities
Nov. 9, 2023, 7:35 a.m. 2 minute read
Military chaplains are responsible for tending to the spiritual and moral well-being of service members and their families.
thumbnails of service members from tribute
Online Military Memorial Pays Tribute to Service Members
June 15, 2023, 12:05 p.m. 2 minute read
The Defense Department’s Military In Lasting Tribute memorial honors and remembers service members who died while serving honorably on active duty from 1985 to the present.
gloved hands holding flag
Families Who Accept Urn or Plaque to Honor Veteran Forfeit VA Headstone
Jan. 27, 2023, 1:48 p.m. 2 minute read
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers urns and commemorative plaques to families who choose not to bury their veteran, but it means that they forfeit their government-issued headstone.
woman in office talking to coworker
Employment Resources for Family Members of Deceased Service Members
Jan. 6, 2023, 9:00 a.m. 4 minute read
Joining the workforce after the death or disability of a loved one can ease financial strain. Military family members seeking employment may be eligible for special preference programs.
honor guard fold American flag
What to Expect During Military Funeral Honors
Jan. 5, 2023, 10:20 a.m. 6 minute read
From the folding of the flag to the sounding of Taps, here is a guide to what you can expect during military funeral honors.
woman in home with computer
Survivor Contacts for Questions and Requests
Jan. 3, 2023, 11:36 a.m. 5 minute read
This article gives survivors information about how to access needed resources from the Defense Department and ways to offer feedback on their experiences with the Casualty Assistance program.
air force honor guard
Military Funeral Honors Eligibility
Jan. 3, 2023, 10:30 a.m. 3 minute read
The DOD provides military funeral honors to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of our nation’s veterans. Learn who is eligible to receive military funeral honors.
hands on keyboard
Accessing Your Online Survivor Benefits Reports
Nov. 29, 2022, 8:30 a.m. 2 minute read
Survivors can access their interactive Online Survivor Benefits Report through an updated process using a linked email address.
service member receives retirement pin from wife
What Is the Survivor Benefit Plan?
Oct. 18, 2022, 6:05 a.m. 5 minute read
The Survivor Benefit Plan allows retiring service members to allocate a portion of their retirement pay to a spouse or other eligible beneficiaries upon their death.
mother and daughter embracing rearview
Tools for Parenting After Suicide
Sept. 1, 2022, 12:48 p.m. 8 minute read
Resources are available for those whose loved one died by suicide. This article provides important steps to take, as well as resources for support and connection with others who have been down this difficult path.
woman typing on computer at home
3 Steps for Hassle-Free TRICARE Survivor Benefits Reimbursement
Aug. 18, 2022, 6:20 p.m. 2 minute read
Surviving spouses can take steps to receive reimbursement from their TRICARE provider for any out-of-pocket costs in a timely, hassle-free manner.
Mother and son looking at horizon
Death Gratuity Benefit Explained
May 18, 2022, 10:47 a.m. 7 minute read
Military families face no greater challenge than dealing with the loss of a loved one who died while serving their country.
Woman holding rose looking at memorial
Gold Star and Surviving Family Member Representatives
Sept. 28, 2021, 12:11 p.m. 2 minute read
The National Defense Authorization Act 2014, Section 633, requires each secretary of a military department to designate a specific member to assist spouses and other dependents of service members, including Reserve Components, who die on active duty.
service member holding candle
Helping You and Your Family Survive a Death by Suicide
Sept. 7, 2021, 12:56 p.m. 6 minute read
Surviving the suicide of a loved one is different than a natural death and can be especially traumatic. It is common for survivors to feel that they didn’t do enough to save their loved one, creating feelings of what is called survivor guilt.
Gold Star on blue shirt
Stepsiblings Now Included in Gold Star Lapel Button Program
July 7, 2021, 9:24 a.m. 5 minute read
The Gold Star Lapel Button Program has expanded to include stepsiblings among survivors eligible for the honor of receiving and wearing a pin recognizing the loss of their service member.
Young woman relaxing on sofa with laptop
Survivor Casualty Assistance Form Offers Personalized, Timely Support
April 26, 2021, 11:30 a.m. 2 minute read
A new form gives survivors a place to submit their questions and concerns if they aren’t sure where to go for information regarding the benefits and support available to them.
service members prepare vehicle for transport
Tax Forgiveness
March 11, 2021, 10:36 a.m. 4 minute read
After the death of a loved one, the last thing you want to think about is taxes. However, the government may entitle your loved one to tax forgiveness. Learn more about tax forgiveness.
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