Honor Guard Background

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Thaddeus H. Caraway

VFW Post 2278 Honor Guard

Hot Springs, Arkansas

The Thaddeus H. Caraway "VFW 2278 Honor Guard" was organized in May, 1990, consisting of fourteen (14) members, when the post members determined there was a need to conduct military honors for all veterans that desired their service. Since that time the honor guard has grown to 31 members.

In 1990 the Honor Guard conducted military honors for seven (7) veterans. As of June 30, 2001 they have conducted 858 military honors for our veterans.

The Honor Guard conducts full military honors, to include Pallbearers and a Chaplain when needed. A three (3) volley salute using M-1 rifles, playing of Taps with a live bugler, and folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin. At the end of the honors, 21 rounds of brass and the following card is presented to the veteran's next of kin.

The service is performed free of charge and is self-funded by donations and monies from members of the VFW. In addition, members of the honor guard have paid their own expenses, such as gas, food, and maintaining their uniforms.

The Honor Guard members consist of veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. These volunteers served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, and Bosnia.

The Honor Guard has traveled the entire state of Arkansas to conduct these funerals, which includes such towns as: Texarkana, Mena, Fort Smith, Mountain Home, Paragould, Conway, Little Rock, Brinkley, West Memphis, Pine Bluff, Crossett, Camden. They have also traveled into Louisiana, when the family of a deceased veteran was unable to obtain a funeral detail from their state.

Besides providing military honors for our deceased veterans, they are involved in numerous community, state, regional, and national functions. Please see the Functions web page for additional details

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