Return of the Fallen (Part 3 of 3)

Written by Steve Palmer, AFCCA Board Treasurer, Westcott Funeral Homes for Nomis Publications monthly blog. The dignified transfers are one step in a fallen service member’s long journey home. –Nate Rawling, Time Magazine The family has received the heartbreaking news that their family member has died in active service. If their fallen hero will be transferred to Dover, the family is invited to witness the dignified transfer. The transfer is not a ceremony but a …

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Seeing Through the Haze of Marijuana in the Workplace: 5 Issues that are ‘High’ on the List of Things to Know

This article was written by Poul Lemasters,NCBVA Legal Counsel to make sure you know your options and the risks of doing nothing. The times they are a changing!  What was once banned, illegal, and thought by some as immoral is now legal and becoming one of the largest businesses in the US.  Yes, marijuana is now the in thing.  The problem is that despite the legal status changing in many states, many businesses still have drug-free workplaces.  …

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Return of the Fallen (Part 2 of 3)

Observations By Steve Palmer – Written for Nomis Publications November 2018 I was recently honored to join The Dodge Company’s delegation of its “Wreaths Across America” participants for an operational orientation at Dover Air Force Base. This month we continue the journey of the fallen heroes who arrive and are cared for as they are prepared to return to their hometowns for services and burial “Let the living give thanks to our honored dead who …

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2018 AFCA Fall Mixer – Fiesta Edition Recap

A very sincere thank you to the nearly 200 people that came out on Saturday, November 10th for the annual AFCCA Fall Mixer at Old Town Tortilla Factory. We hope that all that joined us had a wonderful time and met new friends, enjoyed delicious food and maybe a margarita! ? Twenty of the 2018-19 CGCC Mortuary Science Program Students attended and networked…if you haven’t had the chance to go and meet this year’s fabulous …

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2018 Arizona Midterm Election Overview

2018 Arizona ELECTION OVERVIEW Governor – Doug Ducey (R) Ducey 56%   Garcia 41.8% Term Expires: 2022 Attorney General – Marc Brnovich (R) Brnovich 51.8%  Contreras 48.2% Term Expires:2022 State Treasurer –  Kimberly Yee (R) Yee 54.3%  Manoil 45.7% Term expires 2026 Mine Inspector –  Joe Hart (R) Hart 51.8%  Pierce 48.2% Term expires 2022 Secretary of State  – Katie Hobbs (D)  Gaynor 49.6%  Hobbs 50.4% Term expires 2022 Superintendent of Public Instruction – Kathy Hoffman (D) Riggs …

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Return of the Fallen (Part 1 of 3)

Observations By Steve Palmer – Written for Nomis Publications October 2018 “These men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice. I take pride and honor in being able to give them respect and to help the families in any way I can.” –Hospital Corpsman Chief Bill Montague, licensed funeral director/embalmer The aircraft comes to a halt on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, customs officials board, inspect and clear the aircraft. An …

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Problems in the Palmetto State

Written by AFCCA Board Treasurer, Steve Palmer, for Nomis Publications September 2018 Issue “In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.” –Immanuel Kant It took a disgruntled employee from First Funeral Home in South Carolina for Fred Parker, Jr to learn that his wife had not been cremated three years after her death in March 2015, and was …

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“A Memorial is not a Cemetery” – Observations by Steve Palmer

As written by Steve Palmer, AFCCA Board of Directors Treasurer, for Nomis Publications “It’s not a decision that [curators] Laura or Janet or the rangers on the ground should be making. It is a decision – the final resting place of a loved one – that should be made by the families.” –Mike Litterst, National Park Service Barbara Otterson had to decide what to do with her husband, James Gooderum’s, cremated remains. A Vietnam War …

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Department of Veterans Affairs Officially Supports the BRAVE Act Before the U.S. Senate

From the NFDA Website August 01, 2018 Today the United States Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a legislative hearing on pending legislation, during which the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) officially endorsed the BRAVE Act (S. 1596). Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D, Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs testified that the “VA supports S. 1596 provided Congress finds corresponding funding offsets.” He went on to state, “The proposal will allow VA …

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Scam Reminder – Heritage Cremation Provider, LLC & Legacy Funeral Services, LLC

Crossing Fingers - Heritage Cremation Provider

The AFCCA as well as the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers has spoke/written on this topic in the past, but I feel that a reminder is necessary. This group has resurfaced recently and we want to make sure everyone is absolutely clear that it is NOT in your best interest to work with these people. Below is a statement from Judith Stapley, Executive Director of the Arizona State Board of Funeral Directors and …

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