Mortuary Affairs

Funeral ceremony
The U.S. Air Force Academy Mortuary Affairs Office oversees the Academy Cemetery, which is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When a death occurs, the surviving family member(s) can be very emotional and may have a difficult time, especially if your wishes haven't been discussed prior to your death. Fill out the forms located in the Worksheets tab in the right-side column. Then keep them in a safe place so that your family members will be aware of your funeral and/or memorial wishes.

🞄 list of those eligible to be interred at the Academy Cemetery
🞄 Locator for personnel buried in the Academy Cemetery
🞄 Opt out of Wreaths Across America

Memorial Pavilion

Funeral at the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery.

Academy senior staff, graduates, cadets, members of the AOG Board of Directors, and staff gathered at the Academy Cemetery, May 11, 2007, for the long-anticipated ribbon cutting and dedication of the Academy Memorial Pavilion. The celebration and cutting of the ribbon, by Lt. Gen. John Regni, '73, Chairman of the AOG board Ted Legasey, '67, President and CEO Jim Shaw, '67 and Gen. Ron Yates (Ret.), '60, marks the end of a long process for the building. For many years graduates tried to create a place to honor fallen comrades and their families with dignity and respect. In 1982, the project was identified as a priority by the U.S. Air Force Academy. Nearly 26 years later the project was made possible solely through private funding and donations totaling 4.5 million dollars, facilitated by the AOG. The Memorial Pavilion provides a place of dignity and respect for graveside services that can be held outdoors in a quiet, peaceful mountain setting, or inside, protected from Colorado's unpredictable extreme weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 If I am separated or retired from the Air Force, will any or all of my funeral services be paid for by the Air Force?
When a member separates from the Air Force, most burial benefits cease with the exception of eligibility for interment in a government cemetery. If retired, limited transportation costs for the member will be reimbursed if death occurred as a properly admitted patient to a military hospital. The same entitlement is extended to the dependent of a retired member provided they died in a military hospital as an admitted patient.
 What costs are involved when arranging a funeral service at USAFA? 
There are not normally any costs associated with the services provided by the USAFA staff when funeral services are held at the chapel and/or graveside. The standard costs borne by the next of kin are related to the services provided by the funeral home selected by the family. Such services could be costs associated with a funeral home in your local area (if not residing in Colorado Springs) and a receiving funeral home in Colorado Springs if a casket service is planned. Costs could also include preparation of the remains, casketing, professional services of the funeral director, flowers, obituary notice, donation to clergy, etc.
 What is the procedure for arranging a funeral at USAFA?
A phone call is placed to the Mortuary Affairs Office by either the next of kin or funeral home selected by the family. A military chaplain of the requested denomination will be contacted by the Mortuary Affairs Office and provided information such as music and scripture selections, picture and biography (if available) and any other pertinent information. The chaplain will contact the next of kin to begin arranging the funeral service. Funeral services are normally conducted between the hours of 9:00 and 2:00, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal holidays.
 What are the hours of operation for the USAFA Mortuary Affairs Office?
The USAFA Mortuary Affairs Office hours of operation are currently 6:30 to 3:30; subject to change and depending upon security threat.
 Can I reserve a gravesite? 
We are unable to reserve grave-sites before the need arises. However, when a death occurs, the family can request a specific location at the cemetery for interment.
 What type of grave markers are provided at the USAFA Cemetery?
Flat, bronze markers are provided for each military member and eligible family member by the Veteran's Administration at no cost to the family. The Mortuary Affairs Office places the order, receives the marker and gives to the cemetery caretaker for installation.
 How do I arrange for Honor Guard? 
Upon request by the next of kin, the Mortuary Affairs office will make arrangements with the Base Honor Guard to provide military honors to eligible veterans.
 Can I provide my own clergy? 
We welcome visiting clergy to officiate funeral services. A USAFA chaplain is made available to provide any assistance that may be required.
 Can I bring flowers to the cemetery?
Flowers are allowed at the USAFA cemetery provided they can be positioned into the vase that is placed at the head of the grave upon installation of the permanent grave marker. Flowers will not be removed unless they become unsightly.
 Can I arrange for a local florist to deliver flowers to the cemetery for special occasions? 
Flowers may be delivered at any time. A directory is provided at the west side of the cemetery so that grave sites can be easily located.
 What is provided by the government when interment is at the USAFA Cemetery? 
The Air Force provides at no cost to the family, a plot, vault, temporary and permanent grave marker, vase, opening and closing of the grave and perpetual care of the grave-site.
 Where can I go online for additional resources? 
 Are there visiting hours for the Air Force Academy Cemetery? 
Visiting hours are daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. All guests that do not possess a valid DoD ID card must enter through the North Gate under current security guidelines. For additional information, please call (719) 333-3323.
 What are the options for placement of cremated remains?
Ground burial
- Inside dimensions for outer burial container are
  14 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 14 1/2" x 14 1/2"
Columbarium
- Located on the east side of the Memorial Pavilion (exterior of building)
- Companion niche inside dimensions are
  9 1/2" wide x 7 3/8" high x 12 1/2" deep
    -- Designed for two urns
    -- Single 5"x7" anodized aluminum nameplate will
       be provided at no cost to the NOK
    -- Flowers/flags may not be adhered to nameplate

Contact Us:


USAFA Mortuary Affairs:
Address:
10 FSS/FSOM
5136 Eagle Drive, Suite 115
USAFA, CO 80840
Phone:
(719) 333-3323
DSN: 333-3323
Email:
Mortuary Affairs

HQ Mortuary Affairs:
1 (800) 531-5803
Peterson SFB Mortuary Affairs:
(719) 556-8970
Schriever AFS Mortuary Affairs :
(719) 567-2421

USAFA Casualty Affairs:
(719) 333-2129
HQ Casualty Affairs:
1 (800) 433-0048
Schriever AFS Casualty Affairs:
(719) 567-5916
Peterson SFB Casualty Affairs:
556-6232/4229

Worksheets