It is with sadness that I report a cadet from my unit was killed this week in an MVA. His brother (also a cadet) and two of his friends were on their way to play a game of basketball when they collided with a pickup truck driving perpendicular to their road. The intersection has no stop signs and it is suspected that neither party saw the other until it was too late.
The brother and two friends are in critical condition.
The status of the other party is unknown at this time.
Services are yet to be determined, however the parents have asked,
and I and the Wing Commander have granted, that he be buried in his
Service Dress with a cadet color guard present.
My condolences to you, your unit, and the cadet's family.
My deepest condolences to the cadet's family, the unit, and to you. I think a cadet color guard is a great idea.
Jack
I know this will be a hard time for you and your squadron. But please know that my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your squadron.
Many condolences to the unit and the cadet's family. This is a tragic time for all.
O Lord may perpetual Light shine upon him; may his soul and all souls of the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Quote from: SAR-EMT1 on June 06, 2008, 03:38:51 PM
Do any of you know the procedure to notify NHQ?
(Group and Wing already know)
Second is there a guide or anything for the conduct of CAP funeral observances?
This is only my 4th week as squadron commander.
First, my sincere condolences to you and the cadet's family.
I don't know about notifying NHQ (wouldn't Wing handle that?), but there is guidance on funeral participation:
Question
Where can I find guidelines on participation in funeral services for CAP members?
Answer
Chapter 8 of CAP PAMPHLET 3 (E) GUIDE TO CIVIL AIR PATROL PROTOCOL covers this area.
CHAPTER 8 PARTICIPATION IN FUNERAL CEREMONIES FOR DECEASED CIVIL AIR PATROL MEMBERS
CIVIL AIR PATROL POLICY
Because of our close association as Civil Air Patrol members, we are always deeply saddened when one of our members passes away. Naturally, we deem it an honor and a privilege to be able to pay our last respects to a lost associate. Of course, the wishes of the next of kin regarding the extent of CAP participation is paramount. With the exceptions of paying last respects during visiting hours and attending church and graveside services, Civil Air Patrol personnel will not participate in any services unless specifically requested by the next of kin.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Before examining the different types of funeral ceremonies, consider what should be done upon notification of the death of a unit member.
1. Upon notification, the unit commander or the unit chaplain should contact the immediate next of kin, first to offer condolences and second to determine if the family desires CAP to take part in the funeral services.
2. If the next of kin desires CAP participation, determine the type of services to be conducted and the extent of CAP participation.
3. A Senior Member in the grade of major or above should be assigned to head the CAP contingent as Officer In Charge (OIC). The OIC should then coordinate all CAP participation through the next of kin, a funeral director, or both. Based on this information, the OIC will determine the personnel needed and put a team together, briefing the team, as a group as to what is expected of them.
4. If the deceased is a cadet, then cadets may participate at the discretion of the Commander, but under the guidance of a Senior Member OIC.
5. If the deceased is a veteran, determine from next of kin or the funeral director, if there will be any local veterans organizations or military units participating.
TYPE OF FUNERAL CEREMONIES
FUNERAL WITH CHAPEL SERVICES
This ceremony is provided when all required persons and equipment are available and when desired by the next of kin. In most cases, the funeral director will be knowledgeable about the specific protocol to be followed.
FUNERAL WITHOUT CHAPEL SERVICES
For this service, the procession usually forms at, or near, the entrance to the cemetery. The funeral director supervises the transfer of the casket from the hearse or makes arrangements for the hearse to be a part of the procession. While the casket is being transferred, the escort is brought to present arms and the honorary pallbearers uncover or salute as appropriate. The funeral procession then forms and proceeds as prescribed below.
GRAVE SITE SERVICES
CAP representatives (chaplain, if a part of the unit, and pall-bearers) participating in the service are in position before the arrival of the casket. Again, there are specific steps to be followed which will be supervised by the funeral director.
MEMORIAL SERVICES
Services are held in a chapel without the remains present. This type of ceremony is usually performed when the funeral service is held elsewhere.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
FIRING PARTY
Civil Air Patrol does not bear arms except as a part of the color guard. If the deceased is an honorably discharged veteran and the next of kin desires a firing party as part of the grave site services, local veterans' organizations or military bases may be contacted. This is usually done by the funeral director.
THE FLAG
If the deceased member is an honorably discharged veteran, the flag is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C. and may be procured from the nearest Post Office. Postmasters require proof of an honorable discharge before issuing the flag for use at funeral ceremonies.
Generally, a funeral director will take care of this arrangement for the family of the deceased. The flag is folded immediately after the sounding of "Taps."
The pallbearers hold the flag at the pall over the grave and fold the flag in the accustomed manner. The senior pallbearer hands the flag to the chaplain or officer in charge, who in turn presents it to the next of kin or a representative of the family.
CONCLUSION
A funeral is a sad occasion and it is important that the wishes of the next of kin be honored. Civil Air Patrol personnel may, of course, attend church and grave site funeral services of a fellow CAP member, in or out of uniform. Under no circumstances, will a CAP member participate in the funeral ceremonies unless specifically requested.
Call NHQ DP. If possible ask for Francis (her extension used to be 208). She helped me tremendously when I had to notify NHQ of member deaths.
Keeping the members of the cadet's family and the members of your unit in my thoughts and prayers.