Note: Those interested in attending must first RSVP through Music Funeral Services by calling 229-630-6108. This event has limited seating and will include food. 

VALDOSTA — Family after family walk into Music Funeral Services expecting the military to cover the cost of burial for their deceased veteran relative.

Unfortunately, most of the time that is the furthest thing from the truth, said Casey Music, funeral owner.

“They didn’t understand what benefits there are for veterans through the VA,” Music said. “Most people don’t know that.”

That is when Dan McSwords, a veteran who works for Music, told him they should do something to educate veterans and their families about the benefits they have after death. So, they devised a seminar to do just that.

From 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, the Veteran’s Burial Benefits Seminar will be at Brooks Hall in Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, 4089 Val Tech Road. Music said nothing like this seminar has ever been done in Georgia.

“Since we have announced this, it has really taken off,” Music said.

The seminar is not just for families, he said. It is also to help Music and his funeral learn more about the benefits veterans are eligible for. To answer questions, Music has put together a panel of people who will be speaking at the event.

The panel will include Phil Youngblood with the American Legion, Chief James Ingram with Moody Air Force Base Retiree Activities, Joyce Boyd and Jason Lane, the former and current counselors with the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, respectively, and many more professionals with experience in the field.

McSwords said it is important to break the myth that most veterans seem to believe Uncle Sam is going to take care of them after they die, he said.

“This is a way for us to give back to people who have given so much for us,” McSwords said.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256