Since the Honor Squad was formed in 2015, it has performed nearly 2,000 funerals, which ensures veterans of all branches of the military are properly memorialized at burial. However, with the low number of volunteers, keeping up with the number of funerals is becoming more challenging.
“We started on Memorial Day two years ago, and we average 1,200 funerals a year,” said Jim Groves, squad commander.
RELATED: Dayton National Cemetery offering full military funerals
Until the group’s inception in 2015, only about 10 percent of the services at the cemetery included the full military honors that the group now performs each day.
“We have been struggling for two years, and we have not missed a service yet,” Groves said. “As much as I hate to say it, we have done a service with two guys. We don’t like to do it with two. The absolute least should be five, with three shooters, the adjutant and the commander.”
Those willing and wanting to volunteer with the Honor Squad need little more than time to join. Anyone wanting to help is welcome.
RELATED: F-35 to make flying debut at Dayton Air Show
“We will take all the help we can get,” Groves said. “We’ve tried different ways to increase our ranks, but we are still struggling. All we ask is that you show up when you say you’re going to, and if you can’t, you get it covered.”
For more information, contact Groves by email at hrlyjm49@aol.com.
CASEY LAUGHTER
About the Author