Veterans Stuhrs

When it Comes to a Military Funeral, Fellow Veterans are a Resource

Veterans Stuhrs

Army Sgt. Brian Calhoun

Army Sgt. Brian Calhoun is a photojournalist with the South Carolina National Guard. He’s also the director of information technology and licensed funeral director with Stuhr Funeral Home in Charleston. Both these roles given Calhoun a unique perspective when it comes to helping families plan a military funeral.

“I am very fortunate to work for a company that has embraced my desire to serve my country,” Calhoun says. “They have never hesitated when I have asked for time away to attend training or to answer the call. My duties as a military photographer doesn’t always fall into the lines of the one weekend a month and two weeks a year scenario. The Stuhr family has never once told me ‘no’.”

Having 11 veterans on staff at Stuhr Funeral Homes means veterans are serving veterans through the funeral planning process. They are helping military families and spouses and have a deep understanding and appreciation for military service and sacrifice.

Stuhr Funeral Home has set itself apart as a local expert in veterans’ benefits and military funerals. (click to learn more)

Charles P. “Chuck” Blankin

Charles P. “Chuck” Blankin is a Vietnam veteran and former law enforcement officer. In Vietnam, Blankin served as a U.S. naval officer with the Riverines and as a launch officer aboard the USS Forestall. He serves as commander of American Legion Post #147, life member of VFW Post 445, La Societe 40&8 and is certified by the American Legion as a Veterans Advocate.

As a veterans advocate for Stuhr Funeral Home, Blankin assists families in securing veteran benefits and honors. He can help families navigate the paperwork and options for burial benefits.

Stuhr Funeral Home team of former serviceman stand ready to assist families of veterans and retirees with requesting funeral honors and with obtaining benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such benefits may include a VA burial allowance, burial in a national cemetery, burial in a private cemetery, burial flags and a presidential memorial certificate.

Families have to provide the serviceman or servicewoman’s discharge papers, known as a DD214 form, to confirm eligibility. With that form, the funeral home can step in to do much of the work.

“Give us proof of military eligibility and let us do the heavy lifting to ensure you get every benefit to which a veteran is entitled,” Calhoun says.

Stuhr Funeral Home, a trusted name in funeral service for more than 150 years, is committed to providing quality arrangements.