Free Burial for Veterans and Spouses - Available to Veterans and their spouses at no cost --- burial plots, columbarium spaces, engraved headstones and columbarium identification at the Tahoma National Cemetery, courtesy of the U.S. Veterans Administration. This offer is extended to all veterans who served on active duty.

To apply, take your Honorable Discharge Certificate (Form DD-214 or equivalent) to the Funeral Home of your choice to make your final arrangements. You can do this in advance or your family can do it at the time of bereavement. Let the Funeral Home know you want internment at the Tahoma National Cemetery and they will make the necessary arrangements. Inform the Funeral Home whether or not you desire Final Military Honors, and those wishes will be coordinated with both the cemetery and the Veterans Service Organizations (American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, etc.)

Volunteers from the Veterans Service Organizations and/or active duty military personnel will provide final Military Honors at no charge. You have a choice of Full Final Honors at the Burial Commitment Ceremony, or any of the individual services such as a Chaplin, Color Bearers, rifle squad, and/or bugler.

Anticipated cutoff date for cemetery space availability is the year 2026. If you can't locate your Form DD-214, contact your local Veterans Service Officer for assistance. In the Puget Sound the number is (206) 768-5359.

For a drive through of the tranquil, serene and well-maintained cemetery, visit it at 18600 SE 240th Street in Kent, WA. To watch a Final Commitment Ceremony, call the cemetery at (425) 413-9614 for a schedule of ceremonies. For more information, contact Abe Goo.

Volunteer Opportunities for BMAGC members -
Volunteerism is one of the hallmarks of your BMA and more so for Gold Card retirees. Many of us have more time available to give something back to our communities. Within this link you will find a wide selection of opportunities to choose from. There will be opportunities for volunteers to participate in one-time events, those lasting a day or two, and ongoing events that are available seasonally, or year round. Hopefully you will find an event that will peak your interest! When there is an event that falls in an area that is of interest to you, we hope that you will make the effort to respond promptly, so that you also will find a way to make an enjoyable and satisfying contribution. The link will be updated as we become aware of new opportunities requesting volunteers. Click here