Panel approves honor-guard grant program after veterans and volunteers testify

The Transportation Public Safety Subcommittee on Thursday voted 7-0 to report House Bill 108, sponsored by Delegate Ballard, which would require the Department of Veterans Services to establish an honor guard grant program to support veteran service organizations that provide military funeral honors.

Delegate Ballard told the panel the bill was prompted by a constituent who serves in an honor guard and described recruitment and retention challenges. Bruce Russell, commanding officer of the Marine Corps League honor guard in Central Virginia, testified that honor guard members currently receive rifles and ammunition from the U.S. Army but pay out of pocket for transportation, gasoline and uniforms; he said the grant would help defray those costs and serve as an inducement for recruitment. Joe Wedel, a retired Marine colonel, also spoke in support and described the work as “one of the most meaningful things” he has done.

Members including Delegates Krizak, McQuinn, Wyatt and Thomas praised the service and supported the bill. Delegate Thomas moved to report HB 108 and the motion passed on a 7-0 roll call.

Supporters said the program will help ensure veterans receive dignified military funerals and ease the financial burden on volunteer honor guards. The committee did not identify a fiscal estimate attached to the program in the subcommittee discussion; the bill was reported to the next legislative stage for further consideration and any required fiscal review.

The committee thanked the honor guard members for their service as the bill advanced. The reported measure will proceed through subsequent committee and budgetary steps required before becoming law.