Mission Statement.
Veterans Last Call is dedicated to honoring the lives and sacrifices of homeless and indigent veterans who die unclaimed, ensuring they receive the dignified military honors they deserve and preserving their legacy for future generations.
Statistics
Determining the exact number of homeless veterans who die on the streets of Florida is challenging due to variations in reporting and data collection methods. However, nationally, it is estimated that around 15 homeless veterans die on the streets each day. (Florida DCF) Applying this to Florida, where homelessness among veterans remains a significant issue, it suggests that the state likely sees a substantial number of such tragic deaths annually.
Average Number of Suicides Per Day11 In 2022, there were, on average, 131.2 suicides per day among U.S. adults, including 17.6 per day among Veterans and 113.7 per day among non-Veteran adults. • Among all U.S. adults, including Veterans, the average number of suicides per day rose from 81.0 per day in 2001 to 131.2 in 2022. The average number per day among U.S. adults was highest in 2022 (131.2 per day). • The average number of Veteran suicides per day rose from 16.5 in 2001 to 17.6 in 2022. The average number of suicides per day was highest in 2018 for Veterans (18.4 per day). Of the onaverage 17.6 Veteran suicides per day in 2022, approximately 40.1% (7.0 per day) were among Recent Veteran VHA Users12 and 59.9% (10.5 per day) were among Other Veterans
Military Honors.
Honorably discharged veterans will be entitled to several military honors upon their passing. These honors recognize their service and sacrifice and are typically provided during their funeral or memorial service. The primary honors include:
- Burial Flag
An American flag is provided at no cost to drape over the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. The flag is usually presented to the next of kin as a keepsake after the funeral service.
- Military Funeral Honors
This service is mandated by law and consists of at least two members of the Armed Forces, or Honor Guard Team substitute with at least one being a member of the veteran’s branch of service. The honors include:
Playing of Taps: A bugler or a recording of Taps is played.
Folding and Presentation of the Flag: The American flag is folded and presented to the next of kin.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate (PMC)
A PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the current President to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased veterans.
- Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
Through the Department of Veterans Affairs, we will secure headstones, markers, and medallions for eligible veterans buried in any cemetery in the State of Florida. These markers signify their service and include pertinent information such as name, rank, and branch of service.
- Burial in a National Cemetery
Eligible veterans can be buried in a VA national cemetery, which includes a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
- Honor Guard Services
Local veterans’ organizations often assist and participate in the honors ceremony, providing additional services such as rifle volleys, color guards, and other ceremonial elements.