Military veterans who serve on honor guards for local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts say there is an urgent need to pass the torch to a younger generation.

“We’re always asking for young people, but they don’t have the time. We have seven or eight members who are over 80. Sixty-two is young for us,” said Mike Brandonio of Greensburg, president of the honor guard at VFW Post 33 in Greensburg.

The shortage of personnel is a regional crisis.

Younger veterans — those who served in the 1991 Gulf War or the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan — are often sidelined by the demands of work and raising families.

“Getting people motivated is a very hard problem. A lot of them still work, and a lot of them just don’t know how to get involved,” said Jessica King, commander of VFW Post 8430 of East McKeesport and assistant chief of staff for Pennsylvania State VFW Commander William Roland.

The precision of the service

Despite the dwindling numbers, the veterans who remain maintain a well-practiced routine.

When the Greensburg VFW Post receives a request for services for an honorably discharged veteran, they are typically able to muster about 15 or 16 veterans, according to Brandonio.

George Kleckner, a Vietnam War veteran and leader of the VFW Post 33 color guard, described the precision required.

As the hearse approaches the graveside or mausoleum, the sergeant calls for a salute to the flag while the casket is moved.

The ceremony reaches its crescendo when the color and honor guards are called to attention. Seven members fire a three-rifle volley, followed by the mournful notes of taps.

One veteran holds the American flag while another folds it into the signature triangle before it is presented to the family.

Even in the most difficult conditions — such as a bitter cold service held Dec. 11 at the Twin Valley Memorial Park and Chapel Mausoleum in Delmont — the guard stands fast.

Dennis Coffen of Delmont received the flag that day at Twin Valley Memorial Park and Mausoleum that had laid on his casket of his father, George Coffen, who spent six years in the Navy.

“They presented me with the folded flag and then put the shells (from the three-rifle volley) inside the flag. It was extremely emotional,” and the veteran said.

Impact on the community

The lack of volunteers has already forced some posts to scale back.

At American Legion Post 472 in Manor, members have discontinued graveside services, limiting themselves to prayer services in funeral homes.

“Most of the honor guard are working,” said Mike Dietz, 55, commander of the Manor American Legion. “Back in the day, we had a lot of volunteers. The younger generation, it’s hard to get them to volunteer because of other commitments.”

Similarly, American Legion Post 331 in Trafford can no longer offer graveside services.

“A large contingent used to be World War II veterans,” said First Vice Commander Andrew Capets. Now, the ranks are mostly filled by Korean and Vietnam War-era veterans.

Carl Huszar, president of the Norwin Historical Society and a Vietnam-era veteran, noted their guard had to reach out to the Manor American Legion for help by 2018 as their numbers dwindled.

He continues to see the impact of their work at Memorial Day ceremonies at Penn Lincoln Memorial Park.

“They express such gratitude and thankfulness for the services,” Huszar said. “It’s the least we can do for them to honor their loved one who served their country.”

By the numbers

The statistical outlook remains a challenge. The Veterans Administration counted 360,000 veterans 65 and older in Pennsylvania in 2023, but that number is expected to drop to 279,130 by 2033.

Ross Walker, owner of Ross G. Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington, said that while requests remain steady, there are fewer honor guards available at local VFWs than there were 25 years ago.

“Quite a few have to rely upon the branch of military from where they come from,” Walker said.

However, the dedication of the remaining members is immense. Between 2004 and 2025, the Greensburg VFW Post 33 honor guard provided military services at 2,162 funerals and 450 community events, said John Massari, the post’s secretary-treasurer.

Finding new recruits

A few younger veterans are answering the call.

Retired Army veteran Benjamin Kable, 48, joined the VFW Post 33 Honor Guard to honor his fellow service members.

In North Huntingdon, VFW Post 781 Commander Kory Bullock recently welcomed his son, Noah Bullock, 25, to the guard. The younger Bullock, a Navy veteran, performed two funerals in his first week.

For the veterans who have served for decades, like 86-year-old Navy veteran Rocco D’Astolfo, the mission is personal. D’Astolfo has been part of approximately 4,000 military funerals in nearly 50 years of service.

“The families really appreciate it,” Brandonio said.

“We do it to honor our veterans and keep the tradition alive,” King agreed.

^

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)