New Jersey Bill Tackles Unclaimed Remains of Veterans

New Jersey lawmakers have introduced new legislation designed to ensure that every veteran in the state receives dignified, proper interment — even when their cremated remains go unclaimed. The bill, S-3022/A-1131, recently advanced through the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee with bipartisan support. 

Automated notifications signal status

Sponsored by Senator Robert Singer, the measure would require the state’s death-registration system to notify the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs (DMVA) whenever the cremains of a veteran, or of a veteran’s spouse or dependent, are generated. If the remains are still unclaimed after one year, the DMVA would be empowered to work with funeral homes or qualifying veterans’ organizations to arrange respectful burial in one of the state’s veterans’ cemeteries or another appropriate resting place.

“Every veteran deserves the dignity of a proper burial,” said Singer as he introduced the bill. “By modernizing how we identify and track unclaimed ashes, we’re creating a compassionate process to ensure every veteran is laid to rest with honor.”

New solution to an old problem

The bill is a direct response to a growing, but not new nor ignored, issue in deathcare — the accumulation of unclaimed cremains, including those belonging to veterans, which may sit on funeral home shelves for years.

Deathcare professionals have long struggled with the various dilemmas — ethical, legal, financial, and logistical — entangled with the issue of unclaimed cremains. Legal options may or may not be dictated by state or local laws, and disposition efforts are sometimes aided by charitable organizations, especially in the case of veterans. But in many cases, funeral directors are left with no easy answers as to what to do when no one comes forward to claim the remains. A clear pathway like the one New Jersey’s proposal ensures that veterans’ remains are not forgotten while relieving funeral establishments of legal uncertainty. 

Dignity for those who served

For most Americans, the thought of veterans’ cremains sitting on shelves instead of being laid to rest is both troubling and deeply contrary to the commitment owed to those who served. New Jersey’s action also reflects a growing national movement to strengthen burial rights and support for veterans. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs expanded burial benefits under the Dole Act, allowing veterans who die at home under hospice care after discharge from VA medical facilities to qualify for full VA burial allowances. 

In Congress, lawmakers have also renewed focus on veterans’ final arrangements. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey and Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman recently reintroduced the Protecting Our Veterans’ Memories Act, which aims to ease funeral costs and broaden burial rights for veterans’ spouses and dependents in state-run veterans’ cemeteries. Additionally, the Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act (H.R. 647), introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives, seeks to reinforce that choosing cremation — including the use of an urn or commemorative plaque — should not diminish a veteran’s eligibility for burial benefits or interment in national cemeteries.

Deathcare has responsibility, but not liability

Although the New Jersey bill would automate notification of a veteran’s cremation through the existing death registration system, it would still be up to the funeral home to notify the DMVA that the remains are unclaimed after a year. The bill also relies on directors to have made “diligent efforts” to reach the veteran’s next of kin during the preceding year before handing over the cremains to a “qualified veterans organization for disposition. According to the text of the bill, that disposition can be either scattering at sea or interment “in a dignified manner at the state-operated Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, if the individual is eligible for interment at that facility.”

Thankfully, the bill includes language to protect deathcare professionals from liability “for damages in any civil action arising out of the disposal of cremains pursuant to this section unless the damages are the result of gross negligence or willful misconduct.” 

Credit: Associated Press and photographer Sal Veder

This is Thanksgiving weekend — a time to reflect and give thanks for the lives we are living.  Those of you who are old enough will remember back in 1973 a time when our nation gave “Thanks” for our prisoners being returned home, some following years of captivity, from the Vietnam War.

And, there was probably no image of that thankfulness more ingrained on Americans than the thankfulness expressed in the photo “Burst of Joy”.  “Burst of Joy” captured the family of returning U.S. pilot Col. Robert Stirm on the tarmac of Travis Air Force Base in California upon his return.

We also learned last week that Col. Stirm died on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2025, in Farifield, California, at the age of 92 years.

Here’s what was said of this photo in this recent article from Military.com:

“Burst of Joy,” the iconic black-and-white image capturing the Stirm family at Travis Air Force Base in California, was published in newspapers throughout the nation. Taken by Associated Press photographer Sal Veder, it won a Pulitzer Prize and has continued to resonate through the years, a symbol of the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

The same article reported the following about Col. Strim:

“Stirm, a decorated pilot, was serving with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron based in Thailand in 1967. During a bombing mission over North Vietnam that Oct. 27, his F-105 Thunderchief was hit and he was shot three times while parachuting. He was captured immediately upon landing.

He was held captive for 1,966 days in five different POW camps in Hanoi and North Vietnam, including the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” known for torturing and starving its captives, primarily American pilots shot down during bombing raids. Its most famous prisoner was the late U.S. Sen. John McCain, who also was shot down in 1967.”

Another article featuring Col. Stirm and announcing his death appeared in Stars & Stripes and you can access that article here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

In what I would term an “Honorable” press release from Death Care consolidator and operator Foundation Partners Group, the company is using this day to not only honor all American military veterans but to illustrate some of the military veterans who continue to “serve” in the realm of Death Care.

According to the press release, “Foundation Partners employs veterans in locations across the country, many of whom continue their mission of service by helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments.”

John D. Smith, CEO of Foundation Partners Group, had this to say in prepared remarks from the press release, “Veterans Day is a perfect time to demonstrate our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by our team members who are military veterans and to recognize the value they bring to our business.  The dedication, discipline and spirit of service fostered during their years of military service continue guide the work they do every day—providing comfort, care and respect to the families who depend on us. . . . . . We celebrate these veterans and hundreds of others who we are proud to call members of our Foundation Partners family, today and every day.”

Here are profiles of four veterans that Foundation Partners Group highlighted:

Cedricjuan (C.J.) Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps veteran C.J. Wilson was born into a family of funeral directors and set his sights on the profession long before joining the military. His 16 years in the Marine Corps included deployments to Africa, Iraq and Australia. His primary role was motor transportation operator, but it was his service as a casualty assistance calls officer that reignited his passion for funeral service. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson joined Foundation Partners in 2024 and now leads the decedent care center at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

“Veterans Day is a day that I reflect on all those who give the United States a blank check that says, ‘I will defend you at all costs,’” Wilson said. “I continue to carry that military spirit and mindset every day.”

Chris Nickelson, U.S. Army

A U.S. Army aviation officer, Chris held distinguished leadership positions both stateside and in combat, which prepared him well for his current role as vice president in Foundation Partners ‘ Acceleration Office. Over nine years of service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. During his last deployment, he assumed his second command as leader of the task force maintenance company where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance program for all helicopters in Eastern Afghanistan and led the downed aircraft recovery team. In addition, he is a qualified pilot in command and air mission commander on the AH-64E Apache Helicopter and flew numerous combat missions.

“After the military and a short stint in the private sector, I found myself looking for a new job,” Nickelson said. “In my search, I wanted to prioritize service to community. Prior to coming across the Foundation Partners job posting, I never thought of a career in funeral service. After my initial conversations with Foundation Partners, however, I knew this was the perfect place to continue service to the community, albeit in a different capacity than that of an Army officer.“ 

Savannah Googins, U.S. Air Force 

A career with meaning, a steady paycheck and the opportunity to see the world led Savannah Googins to the Air Force, where she served four years and rose to senior airman before being honorably discharged in 2011. She attended college with the help of GI Bill education benefits and later took a sales job at a cemetery. Today she serves as general manager at Edwards Memorial Center Funeral Home and Crematory in Lakewood, Washington.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and being able to guide families through placement at a national cemetery and explain their benefits is always a highlight of my day,” Googins said. “I also take great pride in assisting with active-duty funerals. Picking decedents up from the flight line with their families is always a great honor because I can make sure they get the send-off they deserve for serving our country.”

Scott LePage, U.S. Navy

A naval aviator deployed two times to the Gulf, Scott LePage knows a thing or two about leadership. He served 10 years leading technical and operational teams to achieve high levels of readiness for squadron operations during essential missions. The son of a military veteran and proud father of a current Army combat medic, LePage has led teams across multiple industries and currently serves as Foundation Partners’ chief operating officer.

“In the military, I was surrounded by people who put ‘others before self’ and were willing to focus on what they could do to improve the world around them, despite the personal challenges it might create for them. I find that our team at Foundation Partners shares many of those qualities and I am proud to serve alongside team members as we make a difference for the communities and families we serve,” LePage said. “I appreciate that we recognize our veterans throughout the U.S. in many meaningful ways. I like to keep in mind that, when one member of a family serves, the whole family serves. For our friends and neighbors who are in that situation, it can be simple things like an offer to help, a quick check-in or a small expression of appreciation that gets them through the day. Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to recognize all who have served and continue to serve.”

More news from Foundation Partners Group —  Here is a couple of recent press releases from Foundation Partners Group

Related — Here is the Journey to Serve website.  Journey to Serve is a unique Death Care campaign to get military veterans to look for careers in Death Care upon discharge.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Foundation Partners Group Honors Military Heroes on Veterans Day

Team Members Reflect on Continued Service

WINTER PARK, Fla. (November 4, 2025) –This Veterans Day, Foundation Partners Group proudly honors the courage, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces — including the many veterans who are part of the Foundation Partners team.

“Veterans Day is a perfect time to demonstrate our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by our team members who are military veterans and to recognize the value they bring to our business,” said John D. Smith, Foundation Partners CEO. “The dedication, discipline and spirit of service fostered during their years of military service continue guide the work they do every day—providing comfort, care and respect to the families who depend on us.”

Foundation Partners employs veterans in locations across the country, many of whom continue their mission of service by helping families navigate some of life’s most difficult moments. Their leadership, teamwork and commitment to others exemplify the company’s core values and elevate the level of care provided in every community Foundation Partners

Four of those veteran team members shared their thoughts on Veterans Day and how they continue to serve as funeral industry professionals.

Cedricjuan (C.J.) Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps veteran C.J. Wilson was born into a family of funeral directors and set his sights on the profession long before joining the military. His 16 years in the Marine Corps included deployments to Africa, Iraq and Australia. His primary role was motor transportation operator, but it was his service as a casualty assistance calls officer that reignited his passion for funeral service. A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Wilson joined Foundation Partners in 2024 and now leads the decedent care center at Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

“Veterans Day is a day that I reflect on all those who give the United States a blank check that says, ‘I will defend you at all costs,’” Wilson said. “I continue to carry that military spirit and mindset every day.”

Chris Nickelson, U.S. Army (pictured above, left)

A U.S. Army aviation officer, Chris held distinguished leadership positions both stateside and in combat, which prepared him well for his current role as vice president in Foundation Partners ‘ Acceleration Office. Over nine years of service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan, once as a platoon leader and once as a company commander. During his last deployment, he assumed his second command as leader of the task force maintenance company where he was responsible for overseeing the maintenance program for all helicopters in Eastern Afghanistan and led the downed aircraft recovery team. In addition, he is a qualified pilot in command and air mission commander on the AH-64E Apache Helicopter and flew numerous combat missions. 

“After the military and a short stint in the private sector, I found myself looking for a new job,” Nickelson said. “In my search, I wanted to prioritize service to community. Prior to coming across the Foundation Partners job posting, I never thought of a career in funeral service. After my initial conversations with Foundation Partners, however, I knew this was the perfect place to continue service to the community, albeit in a different capacity than that of an Army officer.“ 

Savannah Googins, U.S. Air Force 

A career with meaning, a steady paycheck and the opportunity to see the world led Savannah Googins to the Air Force, where she served four years and rose to senior airman before being honorably discharged in 2011. She attended college with the help of GI Bill education benefits and later took a sales job at a cemetery. Today she serves as general manager at Edwards Memorial Center Funeral Home and Crematory in Lakewood, Washington.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the military, and being able to guide families through placement at a national cemetery and explain their benefits is always a highlight of my day,” Googins said. “I also take great pride in assisting with active-duty funerals. Picking decedents up from the flight line with their families is always a great honor because I can make sure they get the send-off they deserve for serving our country.”

Scott LePage, U.S. Navy (pictured above, right)

A naval aviator deployed two times to the Gulf, Scott LePage knows a thing or two about leadership. He served 10 years leading technical and operational teams to achieve high levels of readiness for squadron operations during essential missions. The son of a military veteran and proud father of a current Army combat medic, LePage has led teams across multiple industries and currently serves as Foundation Partners’ chief operating officer.

“In the military, I was surrounded by people who put ‘others before self’ and were willing to focus on what they could do to improve the world around them, despite the personal challenges it might create for them. I find that our team at Foundation Partners shares many of those qualities and I am proud to serve alongside team members as we make a difference for the communities and families we serve,” LePage said. “I appreciate that we recognize our veterans throughout the U.S. in many meaningful ways. I like to keep in mind that, when one member of a family serves, the whole family serves. For our friends and neighbors who are in that situation, it can be simple things like an offer to help, a quick check-in or a small expression of appreciation that gets them through the day. Veterans Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a moment to recognize all who have served and continue to serve.”

Smith added, “We celebrate these veterans and hundreds of others who we are proud to call members of our Foundation Partners family, today and every day.”

About Foundation Partners Group  

Winter Park, Florida-based Foundation Partners Group is one of the industry’s most innovative providers of funeral services and the second-largest funeral home group in the country based on the number of families served. Foundation Partners owns and operates a network of over 250 funeral homes, cremation centers and cemeteries across 21 states. Our deep understanding of technology and customer experience-centered approach allows us to deliver truly innovative and compassionate care to the families we serve. Visit www.foundationpartners.com to learn more.  

NFDA Applauds Senate Passage of Legislation Ensuring Dignified Burials for Veterans

Brookfield, Wis. – Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed “The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act” (S. 141), a comprehensive omnibus package of veterans legislation. Among its significant provisions, the bill includes a crucial update to veterans’ burial benefits that extends the allowance to veterans who die from a non-service-connected disability at home while receiving hospice care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Following the House of Representatives’ passage of this legislation last month (H.R. 8371), the bill now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature. The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is a steadfast advocate for enhancing veterans’ funeral and burial benefits, with a full-time lobbyist in Washington, D.C., who played a pivotal role in supporting this legislation through expert advice and testimony. 

“On behalf of NFDA’s 20,000 members, I want to express our deep gratitude to Congress for passing this essential legislation,” said NFDA President Christopher P. Robinson, CFSP, CCO. “We especially appreciate the dedication of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans Affairs for their tireless work to ensure our nation’s veterans are honored with a dignified funeral and burial, regardless of where they take their final breath.” 

The provision to extend burial benefits to veterans who die at home while under hospice care is outlined in Section 301 of S. 141 and is rooted in the earlier House bill known as “Gerald’s Law.” Named in honor of veteran Gerald “Jerry” Elliott, this measure closes a gap in current policy that denies terminally ill veterans their VA burial allowance if they pass away outside a VA facility while under VA-furnished hospice care. 

On November 13, NFDA Lobbyist Lesley Witter, MPA, CAE, provided testimony before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of “Gerald’s Law” and nearly 20 other provisions in “The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.” 

During her testimony, Witter stated: “NFDA supports the ‘Veterans’ Burial Improvement Act of 2024,’ particularly its provisions making certain burial benefits permanent for spouses and children of armed forces members who die while on active duty. We also endorse the provision enabling the Secretary to cover additional costs for transporting a veteran from the place of death to a designated cemetery, exceeding the standard transportation allowance. These legislative initiatives are crucial steps toward ensuring that our veterans and their families receive the utmost respect and recognition for their sacrifices to our nation. NFDA is proud to support these efforts and remains committed to advocating for the dignified treatment of our nation’s heroes.” 

Following her testimony before the House, Witter noted, “It was an honor to testify before Congress on behalf of this vital legislation. This bill represents a significant step toward ensuring that all veterans, no matter where they die, receive the respect, recognition and benefits they have earned through their service.” 

NFDA has a long-standing tradition of advocating for policies that honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans. As the world’s largest and most trusted funeral service association, NFDA’s commitment to veterans and their families is founded on deep respect for their service and a belief that every veteran deserves dignified recognition in death. 

Throughout its history, NFDA has supported key legislation to ensure equitable funeral and burial benefits for all veterans, regardless of circumstances. This includes the “Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020,” which established equal burial benefits for all non-service-connected deaths. 

NFDA’s advocacy success is built on strong relationships with lawmakers, the VA, and veterans’ organizations. Through congressional testimony, direct outreach to policymakers and mobilizing funeral directors across the country, NFDA ensures that the voices of funeral directors, veterans and their families are heard. 

About NFDA

NFDA is the world’s leading and largest funeral service association, serving 20,000 individual members who represent nearly 11,000 funeral homes in the United States and 49 countries around the world. NFDA is the trusted leader, beacon for ethics and the strongest advocate for the profession. NFDA is the association of choice because it offers funeral professionals comprehensive educational resources, tools to manage successful businesses, guidance to become pillars in their communities and the expertise to foster future generations of funeral professionals. NFDA is headquartered in Brookfield, Wis., and has an office in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit NFDA.org. 

It’s probable to say that the fad of Green Burials has turned into a trend and may have become an accepted norm to human disposition.  Evidence of this is given by the decision of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs announcing in this press release that it is instituting a “pilot program” for interment options that minimize environmental impact.

The release, made public in late November, names three National Memorial Cemeteries that will allow the practice at this time.  Those cemeteries include the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix; Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

According to the press release the pilot initiative will allow the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) . . .”to gather critical information to inform customer expectations and communications and define operational procedures for implementing green burial sections at additional cemeteries”.  

The NCA will “. . . accept both cremated and intact remains for interment in green burial sections. The law provides that remains interred in a green burial section must be prepared for burial in a manner that does not involve chemicals or embalming fluids and must be buried in a biodegradable casket or urn, or are otherwise interred in a natural manner, such as securely wrapped in a biodegradable shroud”.

Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Ronald Waters had this prepared statement, among others,  in the press release, “This pilot reflects our commitment to understand and address the emerging burial preferences of Veterans and their loved ones.”

Human Disposition Related News —  Alkaline hydrolysis faces issues in Texas.  This article and news video from NBC News tells of the University of North Texas Health Science Center that has been using alkaline hydrolysis as the form of disposition for human remains, even though the state of Texas has not yet legalized alkaline hydrolysis as a form of human disposition according to the state’s Funeral Commission.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

As the calendar turned to Nov. 11

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today, almost every adult American realized it was a special day of remembering. It’s the day we honor the men and women who have served our country whether in wartime or in peace. History reminds us that the setting aside this day, once known as Armistice Day, occurred in a document

at 11:11 am on Nov. 11, the 11

th

day of the 11

th

month.

Callaway-Jones continues to thank our community citizens who have served our country valiantly in their lifetimes. We also honor our newest recruits and enlistees. From boot camp to retirement, those who offer themselves to serve our country deserve our highest and best praise and appreciation.

If you’d like to take part in today’s community observance of Veteran’s Day ceremony, it will begin at 5:30pm at the Louis L. Adam Memorial Plaza of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, 3101 Harvey Rd., in College Station. The address is 3101 Harvey Road. The Corps of Cadets will offer a rifle salute and playing of “Taps.” Beloved former basketball coach Gary Blair, a Marine by service branch, is guest speaker. Although the latest marble engravings of the newest names added to the Wall of Honor could not be completed by today’s service, their names will be read aloud.

To add the name of your loved one to honor their military service to the Wall, or for more information, visit the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial

. To all Veterans, we salute you!

Cody D. Jones ‘02

Look deep into the eyes of a Veteran today. It’s not hard to find one across the Brazos Valley. For those over 60 years old, chances are good that they are wearing a ball cap with their service insignia on the bill. Maybe they are wearing an old service jacket to stay warm in our newly cold air outside.

Maybe there’s a look on their face of solitude and solemnity this day that has them quieter than usual…reflecting on a time where they all committed the same first step. They had a desire to make a difference in the world around them. The

was established at the end of World War I and is celebrated every November 11

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.

Military service during wartime is not a choice, but a necessity. Yet, in the past there was never a problem getting people to volunteer to enlist. In fact, many young men lied about their ages to actually gain entry into service rather than seek to find some convenient reason they could not serve their country. Many times those who might have a physical impediment that kept them from active military duty still found a way in other branches to be of service from the ground or behind a desk, all because they shared that same desire to serve.

In some families, military service is generational and it’s a natural expectation that sons and daughters will follow in their parents’ footsteps and enlist in a particular branch of service. For others who are the first in their families to enlist, the military is one of the best prospects to learn an important, relevant trade and to earn funds to continue education after military service is concluded. For other young people, service is the first choice for what to do after high school graduation. The prospect of leaving home for lands and towns unknown presents an attractive and exciting challenge on its own.

Military service means a keen sense of discipline is needed and expected. This new kind of lifestyle where one has little free choice and must follow the orders of those ranking above them is a great way to understand how business works, as many contemporary business organizations follow a top-down management and leadership style, where seniority and longevity mean ultimate promotion unless unusual circumstances enter.

The

into military service is simple, but profound:

This same simple oath is taken by all patriots who enter our armed forces. This oath is sincere and offered with no reservations and those who agree to it are expected to live up to it…defending our country against all enemies, being loyal to the United States above all other countries, and to support our country. In that oath, each service person is uniquely alike in their mission.

Especially as we are in a day and time where our friends and neighbors and allies are in the midst of war, some of which we are supporting with our personnel and funds, we remember the sacrifices that are being made in the name of military service to the United States of America. It is who we are and what we do as Americans and patriots.

This Veterans Day means something special to all who have served, and to their families, who with the service person support their choice for entering the service to our country. They are due our greatest thanks, our admiration, and our salutes when we remember their gifts to us in serving. When you see someone in a ball cap as a retired service person, or if you see someone in active duty uniform today, please take a moment to stop them and say, “Thank you for your service.” Without them, we would not be the great nation we are today. God bless all of you on this Veterans Day.