November 2, 2021 |
Beginning next summer, the families of deceased veterans may have to pay out of pocket for a local color guard to conduct a military tribute at their loved one’s burial service.
Color guard ceremonies are one of the vital roles VFW, American Legion and other service organizations perform throughout the year. Until this past July, the Wyoming Veterans Commission paid a local post $100 each time they deployed an honor guard unit to a burial service. The money covered expenses such uniforms and shells for the ceremonial three-shot volley, as well as general operating costs. On July 1st of this last year, the stipend was reduced by half to $50. Next July, the stipend will be cut altogether.
Some posts can absorb cut better than others because they operate bars or bingos that produce revenue. Other posts, like American Legion Post 122 in Rawlins don’t have enjoy that luxury. Mike Sherr is the Post Commander. Sherr told Bigfoot 99 that the impending cut comes as a blow.
Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
Eight American Legion Posts in the state send an honor guard to the funerals of veterans. Sherr said all of the posts face the same dilemma.
Just last week, Roland Thomas, the oldest Pearl Harbor survivor living in Cheyenne was buried. Thomas died on October 23rd at the age of 99. On December 7, 1941 Thomas was a mess cook aboard the USS Perry when it fell under attack. He went onto spend 23 years with the Navy as a machinist and helped build the Atlas and Minuteman missile systems. He was remembered in a moment of silence on the floor of the state house last week during the special session.
Who will remember the service of veterans in the years to come? Across the country, declining membership in military service organizations and a lack of funding threatens the tradition of the color guard. In some parts of the country, funeral director associations have banded together to help keep the honor guard tradition alive. In past years, the Wyoming Veterans Commission has used some of its state funding to pay local posts $100 when they deploy an honor guard to funeral. Lika all state agencies, the commission is facing budget cuts. Tim Sheppard is the executive director. When asked if the cuts are the legislature’s fault, Sheppard said he would love to blame the legislature, but he said he made the decision.
His honesty and candor are refreshing. Sheppard said the decision was difficult, but he did not want to take money from the other important services the commission provides to veterans.
Long story short, Sheppard said, while he believes in the color guard program, cutting its stipend was a budgetary decision of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. While the money situation looks bleak now, it could improve. Sheppard said he will request more state funding from the legislature during upcoming budget session. If the request is granted, the stipend will be restored. He added that some posts are trying to backfill the lost revenue through financial assistance from their local communities.
In the meantime, Sherr said American Legion Post 122 in Rawlins will continue to honor veterans with a color guard whether they receive the stipend or not.
