TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PURPOSE…………………………………………………………………… 1

PERSONNEL……………………………………………………………….. 2

PROBLEMS ADDRESSED ……………………………………………….. 3

AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS…………………………………………….. 4

CEREMONIAL ARMS…………………………………………………….. 5

MILITARY UNIFORMS…………………………………………………… 6

NATIONAL COLORS AND SERVICE FLAGS…………………………. 6

TRANSPORTATION………………………………………………………. 7

TRAINING OF OTHERS……………………………………………………….. 8

STATISTICAL RESEARCH………………………………………………. 9-10

MARKETING AND RECRUITMENT OF PERSONNEL………………. 11

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE……………………………………… 12-13

FINANCIAL…………………………………………………………………. 14

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION………………………………………. 15

FEDERAL EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE……………………………….. 16

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PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to provide an in depth description of the Joint

Service Honors Command (JSHC) and to solicit necessary funding to sustain operations.

JSHC is, and will remain, an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing

honorable service to Veterans, both before and after the time of death.

The majority of Veterans dying each day are not provided military internment

rites so greatly deserved. Active, Reserve, and sufficient numbers of individuals

belonging to the Veteran’s Associations are not available to perform this vital and earned

respect.

Deployment of our armed forces to various combat zones and peacekeeping

assignments, create a void in the domestic arena. The current members of the JSHC are

carrying on a centuries-old tradition as they step forward as volunteers. They gain

nothing other than the pride of knowing true service to the nation.

Current law does not allow public funding by the United States government. The

only means by which the JSHC can secure support is through the private sector.

All costs of operation are borne by the members of the organization. Facilities,

uniforms, colors, service flags, rifles and transportation costs are paid by the members.

We do so willingly, in honor of the great debt of honor we owe to American Veterans.

The JSHC offers a wide variety of positions to individuals within the

organization. The primary mission requires individuals trained in Color and Honor Guard

ceremonies, as well as those fulfilling the duties of pallbearers, salute riflemen and a

bugler.

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PERSONNEL

The primary mission requires highly trained individuals in Color and Honor

Guard ceremonies, as well as those fulfilling the duties of pallbearers, salute riflemen and

a bugler. The flag-folding rite requires learned skill in the correct manner to accomplish

this function and then, there is the requirement to present the folded flag to the next of kin

in the prescribed manner.

Personnel serving in this capacity must present a professional military bearing in

both appearance as well as knowledge of tradition. Unlike any other formal ceremony,

we have only one chance to do it right. There is no alternative. We do not take care of

deceased personnel; we care for survivors. The highly charged emotional aspect of this

service requires absolute perfection.

Our ranks come from those who have served in the military, then have gone on to

other professions such as firefighters, nurses, police officers, heavy equipment operators,

teachers, accountants, attorneys and pastors.

It is the JSHC policy that personnel who plan, schedule, commit, or control the

use of JSHC assets shall fully understand the organization’s mission and ensure that

personnel are trained and educated to support the mission.

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PROBLEMS ADDRESSED

With the military base closures over the past decade, most major U.S. cities no

longer have active military bases nearby. Military personnel assigned to military funerals

must frequently travel great distances to render honors. The result is that most veterans

do not receive military funerals they are entitled to receive.

After September 11, 2001, the world and the military changed drastically. The

regular military forces are totally committed to the war on terrorism. The Reserve Forces

are also committed to that same war. The result has been a depleted pool for rendering

military honors to Veterans.

The Joint Service Honors Command is dedicated to providing military funeral

honors to all Veterans families who request them and at no cost to the families. The

JSHC is an organization dedicated to providing a uniformed service to all. As a Joint

Service Command, we represent all five branches of the military services to include,

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.

The common thread evident in all members is an abundance of patriotism. We

live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. It is a privilege to pay some of the

debt we owe by simply being fortunate to be citizens of the United States of America.

The Department of Defense has designated the California National Guard as the

main provider of funeral honors for California. On average 15 Veterans die each day in

the Central California Region. The National Guard has approximately 20 personnel

assigned to funeral honors for the entire Central California Region. It is not possible for

the California National Guard to provide funeral honors for all Veterans. That is why we

exist.

The usual complement of personnel for a funeral honors detail provided by the

California National Guard is four or less. This means there will be no firing party.

The JSHC works with the National Guard whenever we are requested. The

National Guard provides a great service, they just need more help.

As a military organization, we require a wide variety of professional skills. Some

of these include commanders, staff officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers,

and various skills within each class.

The restriction to rapid and full growth is the need for personnel (our most

valuable asset) and for funds. All personnel that serve with the JSHC are volunteers.

Funding for all programs comes from organizational dues and contributions of time,

money and equipment.

4

AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS

The Department of Defense recognizes the important contributions made by

Authorized providers to the nation. Accordingly, under the provisions of DOD Directive

1300.15, the Department of Defense has directed the functions under which members of

the JSHC gain the authority to serve. The JSHC is a 501c3 non-profit corporation.

The following are excerpts from DOD Directive 1300.15

Authorized Providers. Individuals or groups recognized by a Secretary of a

Military Department or the Commandant of the Coast Guard, who are not members of

the Military Services or employees of the United States and who augment the uniformed

members of a military funeral honors detail. Authorized providers may include, but are

not limited to, veterans’ service organizations, members of the Reserve Officer Training

Corps, and other appropriate individuals and organizations that support the rendering of

Military funeral honors.

Authorized Providers are considered Government employees for the purposes of

liability and workers compensation when augmenting a military funeral honors detail.

Prior to recognizing an individual as an authorized provider, the Secretary will

provide initial training to ensure a professional, dignified, and coordinated delivery of

military funeral honors in accordance with the ceremony, standards, and procedures

established by the respective Military Service.

The Secretary will provide periodic training for authorized providers,

once qualified, in order to maintain professionalism and proficiency in the rendering of

military funeral honors.

In accordance with a Military Department’s policy, the Secretary of a Military

Department may recognize an individual as an authorized provider of military funeral

honors after providing the training required.

The Secretary of a Military Department will document the recognition of an

individual Authorized Provider. Documentation may take the form of a certificate or

other appropriate record.

The Secretary of a Military Department and the Commandant of the Coast Guard

may assist authorized providers with obtaining the materiel and equipment required for a

professional appearance and delivery of military funeral honors. This may include access

to military clothing sales stores or other sources of uniform items in accordance with

statutory authorities and Military Service policies.

The Secretary of a Military Department and the Commandant of the Coast Guard

may refer authorized providers to the appropriate point of contact within the Army

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Materiel Command for the express purpose of acquiring ceremonial rifles and blank

ammunition to augment a military funeral detail with a firing party.

Key words for acquisition of uniforms and ceremonials are that the government

entity may assist authorized providers with obtaining material and equipment. Funding is

not available, so they do not provide the equipment.

Our volunteers are required to pay all expenses incurred through their

membership dues. That’s right – we pay for the privilege of serving.

The following represents the annual dues paid by each member:

Field Grade Officers: O6 & Above 65.00

Field Grade Officers: O4 – O5 55.00

Company Grade Officers: 45.00

Warrant Officers: 45.00

Non-Commissioned Officers: 35.00

CEREMONIAL ARMS

Honors ceremonies require military rifles. These rites include a “twenty one gun

salute” rendered during the playing of “Taps”. This is normally accomplished by having

seven riflemen fire three volleys of blank ammunition. In addition, the Color Guard has

two riflemen flanking the flag bearers during the ceremony.

Nine rifles are needed by each Operational Team during commitments. Rarely,

would a company have all three Operational Teams conducting internment rites at the

same time; however, it is not uncommon for two.

The most appropriate rifle for funeral honors is the M-1 rifle. This item will soon

become part of our inventory

It should be noted that all members of the JSHC are required to be prepared to

conduct final rites if called upon. This is not a rare situation due to the fact that almost all

of our personnel have jobs that can limit their availability when a mission requirement

surfaces.

M1 Rifle

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MILITARY UNIFORMS

When an individual is recruited into the JSHC they are informed that the

procurement of his or her uniform is the individual’s responsibility. This factor has

resulted in the inability for some to join our ranks. The cost of the clothing articles is not

the only consideration. The availability of sources is cause for concern.

The price of a uniform requires an expenditure of not less than $200.00. A dress

uniform for an officer costs $500.00 or more. A minimum of one dress uniform and one

formal uniform brings the total to nearly a thousand dollars.

Uniforms can be procured through surplus sales stores and thrift shops in some

cases. The quality of these items is usually poor and inadequate to meet the high

standards expected of our personnel while conducting final rites.

NATIONAL COLORS & SERVICE FLAGS

When an Honors Detail is committed to an internment, National Colors become a

major part of the ceremony. The next of kin is presented with a flag from the casket of

the decedent. This flag is provided by the government of the United States at no charge to

the JSHC. Training flags can be obtained from several sources (i.e., U.S. Postal Service,

recruiting stations, etc.). These are vital tools in the training of their proper handling and

folding.

The Color Guard, however, requires not only a flag, but also the staff and

standard to post the colors during the ceremony. In addition, the deceased service

member’s branch of service flag must be present with the Color Guard. This demands

service flags from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard be on hand at

the Operational Team level.

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TRAINING OF OTHERS

Our goal is to provide full military funeral honors for all veterans. Sometimes

those who provide funeral honors may not be members of the Joint Service Honors

Command. It is our desire to help train and equip members of all providers of funeral

honors. They would include, but not be limited to, current Veterans Service

Organizations (VSO’s) such as Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

If any organization comes to the JSHC with a request for training in any part of

funeral honors services we will provide that training. The Department of Defense does

not have the staffing or consistent funding to provide this service.

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STATISTICAL RESEARCH

2002 Report to Congress by the Department of Defense

The Authorized Provider Partnership Program (AP3), initiated in 2000, continues

to enhance the delivery of funeral honors. The program was designed to facilitate

partnerships between community based Veterans Service Organizations and military

units in their area to provide volunteer augmentation to the Services Military Funeral

Honors details. The AP3 enhances our ability to provide additional elements to the

funeral ceremony.

A. BACKGROUND

1. Importance of Military Funeral Honors

Military Funeral Honors have been part of our Nation’s history for over two

hundred years. We have an obligation to demonstrate our gratitude to those who have

faithfully served and defended our country in times of war and peace. The sacrifices and

contributions of our country’s veterans and their families deserve an appropriate level of

recognition. For many veterans and their families, Military Funeral Honors at a veteran’s

funeral are an extremely important and final lasting tribute for those who have served.

The folding and presentation of the American flag and the sounding of “Taps” often

provides surviving family members that important service of honor, patriotism, and

recognition of their loved ones’ service to our country.

The Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO’s)

have provided Military Funeral Honors as a matter of tradition. This sacred custom and

time-honored tradition will continue to be very important to our veterans and their

families. Military and Veterans Service Organizations’ partnerships will ensure that every

eligible veteran is provided honors upon request.

2. Demographics

According to the VetPop2000 database, the annual number of veterans’ deaths is

Increasing and will continue to increase through 2005. The veteran population over the

age of 65 is almost 9 million and primarily veterans from WW II and the Korean War.

On average approximately 1,865 veterans die each day. The veteran daily death rate was

expected to peak at 1,882 in 2005.

The graph on the following page illustrates the projected veteran deaths through

the year 2015.

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Projected Veterans and Retiree Deaths

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

1989 1993 1996 2001 2003 2005 2010 2015

Year

Nu

mb

er

in T

ho

usan

ds

Source: Department of Veterans Affairs

MILITARY STRENGTH

Estimated military strength through 2020

Active Duty Personnel 520,000

Reserve 460,000

KEY FACTORS

The number of veterans’ deaths exceeds the number active duty military

personnel.

We are now engaged in a war on terror that requires the use of all activity

duty military and the majority of the reserve forces.

The ranks of many Veterans Service Organizations are filled with veterans of

WWII and Korea.

The JSHC is limited only by the lack of funds.

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MARKETING & RECRUITMENT OF PERSONNEL

Marketing of our services is a matter contacting those who conduct funeral

services within the area served. The requirement is time for those who serve to conduct

the business. The majority of our members have jobs that require much of their time.

Our services are provided without cost to the families of deceased veterans. Once

it becomes known that our services are available in an area we have as many military

honors services as we can provide.

Recruitment of Personnel

How personnel are recruited:

Majority of members by word of mouth

Brochures placed at Veterans Hospitals

Advertising in Veterans Magazines

Speaking at organizational meetings, for example: ROTC, Kiwanis and Lions

Clubs, Rotary International, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars

Barriers to recruitment:

Cost of uniforms

Cost of travel

Time required

Solutions to barriers:

Greater funding

Recruitment based on 120% of operational needs to decrease the amount of time

required by each individual.

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Joint Service Honors Command is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation governed

by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has seven members. The Directors are

voted to two year terms by the members of the Joint Service Command. Members of the

Board receive no compensation.

The JSHC currently operates only in California. It is our wish to expand

operations to every state in the union. The critical shortage of personnel and funding is

nationwide.

The JSHC is a military society with a Commanding Officer to control operations.

Subordinate Commanders are responsible for command of smaller units.

National Command

1. The National Headquarters has controls the Operations of the Joint Service

Honors Command. The Commanding Officer is appointed by and serves at

the pleasure of the Board of Directors of the JSHC.

2. The Joint Service Honors Command, is normally commanded by a Lieutenant

General (three star).

3. The Chief of Staff is normally a Major General (two star)

4. The Command Sergeant Major is the senior non-commissioned officer.

Region

1. Regional headquarters control the tactical operations in each of four regions

in the United States.

2. A region is normally commanded by a Major General (two star).

3. The Command Sergeant Major is the senior non-commissioned officer.

Brigade

1. Brigade headquarters control the tactical operations of two to four groups

2. A brigade is normally commanded by a Brigadier General (one star).

3. The Command Sergeant Major is the senior non-commissioned officer.

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Groups

1. Typically, two to four battalions form a group.

2. A group is normally commanded by a Colonel.

3. Groups administer, support and train their sub-elements.

4. Groups make up brigades.

Battalions

1. A battalion is composed of two to four companies.

2. A battalion is normally commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel.

3. The Command Sergeant Major is the battalion commander’s principal non-

commissioned assistant.

4. The commander has a staff to assist him in supervising and planning the

battalion’s operations, training, administration and logistics functions.

5. A battalion is tactically and administratively self-sufficient.

6. A battalion is capable of independent operations of limited duration and

scope.

7. In performance of particular missions, battalions are capable of accepting the

attachment of companies from other units to form battalion-size task forces.

8. Battalions make up groups.

Company

1. Typically, two to six operational teams form a company.

2. A company is normally commanded by a Major.

3. A First Sergeant is the company commander’s principal non-commissioned

officer.

4. A company is a cohesive component that can perform a function of its own.

5. The company is the basic tactical element of the battalion.

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Operational Team

1. The operational team is the basic unit of the JSHC.

2. Operational teams contain three officers the commanding officer is a Captain.

3. A First Lieutenant or Warrant Officer is second in command.

4. A Sergeant (E7) is the Operational Team leader’s principal non-commissioned

officer.

5. Two to six operational teams make up companies.

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FINANCIAL

The Joint Service Honors Command is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Funding

for all projects is derived from member’s dues and donations.

The JSHC retains a minimal amount of assets. The assets include the following:

a small amount of funds in a checking account, rifles, and a limited of uniforms.

The majority of the assets are decentralized. Many of the rifles and almost all of

the uniforms are purchased by and owned by the individuals in the organization. This is

one of the major factors that have limited the growth of JSHC. With funding, the

uniforms, flags and rifles will be immediately available to new members.

JSHC owns no property. Meetings are held at the California National Guard

facilities in Fresno and the Veterans Center in Clovis. These facilities are not available at

all times. Arrangements must be made at the convenience of the management of the

facilities.

The oversight of the Joint Service Honors Command as a non-profit corporation is

provided by a Board of Directors that is responsible for the financial concerns of the

organization. Expansion of the organization must be orderly and controlled. The

expansion will be defined by the Board of Directors and the Officers in Command with

the following concerns receiving priority:

Control of expenditures

Needs of the organization as a whole

Inventory: uniforms, flags, and rifles

Recruitment of dedicated, qualified personnel

Transportation for honors program participants

Facilities for operations

Internal control of funds of funds is essential. Large expenditures will be made

only after approval of the Board of Directors. The organization will be subject to an

annual audit by an external, unbiased source.

Funding of the organization will result in the honors given to Veterans who now

receive none.

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