A handful of local veterans are looking to continue their mission of giving back to those that have served the United States at home and abroad.
Kelly Greene, Carter County Military Funerals Honor Guard coordinator, told the Elizabethton Star Friday the group is seeking additional members to help with their mission.
“I am saddened today and honestly a little angry at my fellow citizen veterans,” Greene said. “We serve the veteran who has left us and their families. The sad thing is is a funeral home just called and asked for our services. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough dedicated people to cover all the funerals that we have to do. This is sad for a state that claims to be the ‘Volunteer State’.”
Members of the Honor Guard serve as volunteers at funeral services of veterans that have given their life for the country. Greene added the issue isn’t just in the county, with different groups seeing memberships slowly decrease.
Greene said the government is able to help “some” funerals, but only those for individuals with full military honors that retire from the military.
“The people who just sacrifice a few years may not receive the honor he or she deserves,” he continued. “Sometimes when a retiree’s family request military honors, even at that time, the branch of service the veteran served with may only have enough personnel to send three in uniform to give honors. An Honor Guard is what it says. It is an honor to serve our comrades and their family during their time of need.”
Operating as a nonprofit organization, the county’s Honor Guard continues only on the donations of families. Serving free of charge, Greene did thank the efforts of community members that take time out of their day to show support.
“Businesses bless us with a meal occasionally or just a good cup of coffee or a cold drink,” Greene explained. “On some occasions, the general public will pay for our meal, without a knowledge. A huge ‘thank you’ is needed for those that do that. Funeral homes are also so kind to us.”
But as the days go on, the need continues to grow. Greene said the biggest need for the organization is needing veterans or dedicated citizens to spend an hour or two to help with a ceremony.
“Look at it like this, if you are a veteran, you probably want military honors when the time comes,” he said. “But if we don’t have an Honor Guard anymore, you may not get yours. Regardless of what county you live in, Honor Guard would love to have you. Stand up proud with us. Be strong in your hearts.”
To get involved with the group, call (423) 895-3819.