GIBSON CO., IN (WFIE) -
VFW Post 1147 in Princeton has disbanded its funeral detail.
It happened after a disagreement with members of the funeral detail over group funds. Now, several VFW members are joining forces with the American Legion in Owensville to continue performing these final salutes.
A monument in Owensville lists the names of local soldiers killed in action, and all those we talked with Thursday say they want continue to honor those men and women who have done so much for our country.
"If the people of Princeton would like to have their funeral detail back, go talk to your funeral detail. They quit," said VFW Post 1147 Commander Butch Andres.
Andres learned in 2011 that funeral detail was controlling their own bank account, something that Andres says is against the group's bylaws.
"They didn't want to comply with section 709, Control of Units, manual procedure," Andres said.
After discussions with District and State Commanders, Andres wrote a letter, disbanding the funeral detail.
The letter also warns the funeral detail members if they continue to operate under post 1147, they could be fined.
"They want that money to go into their account because they are operating on a shoestring up there," said burial detail member Kenneth Dillon.
"$3,092 here sitting in that account. It ain't being used for the club,"Andres said. "It's sitting in that account."
Many life-long VFW members say they've joined forces with the American Legion post in Owensville for funeral detail.
"Each one personally buys these caps," Dillion said. "We're going to wear these caps, we're going to wear these clothes. We're going to honor that veteran."
With differences aside, both parties say they want the tradition of the military funeral to continue.
"We need to get this settled because we have one heck of a funeral detail," said Andres. "I'm proud of it."
The VFW says local groups like American Legion members from surrounding towns are joining together to offer funeral detail services.
They say, no matter what, they want to make sure those killed in battle are honored.
