Highland funeral honor guard recognized for service

More than 30 members of the VFW Post 5694 and American Legion Lee Iten Post 439 Honor Guard were recognized for their service on Sunday, Feb. 28 at the Highland VFW. The evening was sponsored by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home of Highland.

The veterans were served a dinner by the funeral home employees and given a medallion with each member’s branch of service inscribed on the front. The dinner was catered by Urban Farmhouse & Pie Co. of Highland.

Funeral directors Cliff Couch and Jay Boulanger both spoke to the group, complimenting them on their professionalism and dedication to serving deceased veterans and their families. Boulanger also spoke about the value of having a local honor guard and how their working relationship is beneficial to the program’s success.

Honor guard members Bill Holcomb and Val Buchmiller presented Boulanger with a certificate and plaque, thanking him and the entire Spengel-Boulanger staff for their continued involvement in the program and for giving them the opportunity to provide a memorable service.

Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home has offered military families the services of the honor guard for many years. Every eligible veteran is entitled to receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes a firing squad, flag folding, flag presentation, and the sounding of Taps at no cost to their family.

For more information about the Highland Funeral Honor Guard, contact Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home at 654-2133 or Val Buchmiller at 654-2556.

This story was originally published March 25, 2016 at 4:00 AM with the headline "Highland funeral honor guard recognized for service."