Subcommittee backs honor guard grant program and refers measure to appropriations

Delegate Ballard introduced HB 108 to establish a state honor guard grant program that would provide funding to veteran service organizations (VSOs) that provide funeral honor details. The patron said federal law (10 U.S.C.) permits certain veteran organizations to provide military funeral honors and that many VSOs perform those duties without funding for equipment and uniforms, which can cost more than $1,400 per member.

Emil Moldovan, representing the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery honor guard, told the subcommittee his detail performed 167 funerals last year at one cemetery and said a uniform can cost $1,415. Bruce Russell, who commands a Marine Corps League honor guard in Central Virginia, said his unit conducts about 70 to 80 funerals a year and described a moving December burial of 10 unclaimed veterans. Joe Wedel, a Marine Corps veteran, urged support, saying grant funding would help recruit and retain honor guard volunteers.

Committee members asked about eligibility standards for VSOs and whether federal guidance already codified those eligibility rules. The patron said eligibility questions may be addressed by the cited U.S. code and that counsel or the witnesses might provide more specifics.

Because the bill carries a budget implication, the subcommittee voted to report HB 108 and refer it to the Appropriations Committee by a vote of 9 to 0.