Services to veterans

While it was interesting to read the article on the first page of the Business section concerning Morris Funeral Chapel becoming a certified "veterans provider," it seems to lead readers to believe that this site might be the only such organization in Highlands County to provide such services to veterans and their families.

The organization which "provided" this certification (Veterans and Family Memorial Care (VFMC)) is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA.) It appears that this certification was obtained by going to the website for the VFMC, fill out the requested information, submit it and become certified. The DVA does not certify any funeral home over any other. They will work with all funeral homes.

I dare say that all or most funeral homes will determine an individual's veteran eligibility and will explain all the benefits offered by the DVA. We do assist veterans and families in this regard and have done so for many years. One of the greatest secrets is our nation's national cemeteries. Most veterans and spouses are eligible for burial in a national cemetery. We have seven in Florida with five of them still receiving veterans for burial.

As for hospice organizations, we have served families that have had hospice care for their loved ones for many years. Again, Morris is not the only funeral home in Highlands County to be able to provide services for a hospice patient and no hospice organization will recommend one funeral home over another. This is the decision of the family.

In regard to collecting telephones for soldiers, our funeral home offered this service during Operation Desert Storm. This is not a new concept and many organizations and businesses do this.

Tyrone Dowden, LFD
Owner-President Dowden Funeral Home
Sebring