VA National Cemeteries
Burial at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery: A family guide
Anniston, Alabama · national cemetery · closed
Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery is a national cemetery serving veteran families in Alabama. Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be buried at no cost. Below: the cemetery's history (where documented), eligibility specifics, and the procedure Alabama families follow to schedule a burial.
Eligibility for burial at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery
Eligibility for burial at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery follows the federal standard for national cemeteries: any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, with at least 24 months of continuous active service (or discharged for service-connected disability), is eligible. Spouses and dependent children may be buried alongside.
The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.
How to schedule a burial at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery
- The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
- Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
- Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
- Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
- The funeral home transports the deceased to Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.
Where Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery sits in the Alabama cemetery system
Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Alabama. The cemetery is currently closed to new in-ground burials but may accept cremated remains in some cases. Families should verify status before planning.
For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.
Common Questions
Frequently asked
Is burial at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery free for the family?
Yes, for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children. The VA covers plot, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag. The funeral home's transportation and any pre-burial services are the only out-of-pocket costs.
Can I reserve a specific plot at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery in advance?
Generally no. The cemetery assigns plots in order. Pre-need reservation is available in narrow circumstances (Medal of Honor recipients, members buried alongside an already-interred spouse). For plot choice, families typically use a private cemetery with a VA-furnished marker.
What if Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery is full or closed to new burials?
Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery is closed to new in-ground burials. Cremated remains may still be accepted in some cases. The nearest open veteran cemeteries are listed in the cemetery sidebar; the funeral home can coordinate transport to any of them.
Are military funeral honors provided at Fort McClellan EPW Cemetery?
Yes. Military funeral honors — flag fold, presentation, Taps — are provided at no cost by the deceased's branch of service at any VA national, state, or tribal veteran cemetery. The funeral home arranges the honors detail.
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementRelated Reading