The United States Volunteers - America, Inc

A non-profit organization that provides Final Military Honors for Veterans.

The USV-A has units throughout the United States

The primary mission of the USV-A is Final Military Honors, member units may be involved in many other community services providing Color Guard services for Veteran ceremonies and public affairs projects.

The USV-A is not an agency of the US Government, but subscribes to public laws, regulations of the Department of Defense and the Department of the Army; however, USV is not an affiliate or in any way part of the United States Army or the Department of Defense. USV is not a militia and does not have or pertain to have constabulatory powers nor does USV consider itself a paramilitary organization.

The USV is a U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Veterans Service Organization (VSO) authorized to provide Final Military Honors, with the VAMC Voluntary Services Program as an Honor Guard, by the Final Honors Director for each State’s National Guard as an AP3 Honor Guard for FMH and works closely with VA National Cemeteries. The USV-A is a non-combat ceremonial organization using a military style structure of organization; members receive no pay for their services, receive no VA benefits and are never deployed as a defense force.

Persons dedicated to the purposes of this organization that are eligible and approved for membership under USV-A regulations and who maintain timely payment of membership dues may join the organization. As a general rule most members have served under honorable conditions with prior military service. However, Patriotic citizens eighteen years or older may also be eligible to apply for auxiliary membership.

Members wear modified U.S. Army uniforms with distinctive insignia, rank and USV historical buttons that do not bear the Great Seal of the Nation; uniforms are in compliance with AR670-1 Chapter 30 in accordance with rules as a military association. Uniforms are worn during the performance of ceremonial duties, during training, for meetings and conferences.

Members train and are certified in accordance with AP3 and TACOM regulations using only ceremonial rifles specially adapted for blank ammunition. Rifleman duties are restricted to persons who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces or who have successfully completed a government approved firearms safety course and have a current certificate verifying the successful completion of such government approved firearms safety course.

Members exercise their membership privileges as approved and authorized by the USV-A Board of Directors. Member units have all rights afforded under state nonprofit public benefit corporation laws. USV has only volunteer members that are non-paid professionals. Members pay dues to belong and pay all their own expenses, including purchasing their own military uniforms and equipment and providing their own transportation to and from services. The USV-A does not charge for services, however, tax-deductible donations may be accepted.

Volunteers are needed to provide Final Military Honors Teams to honor Veterans. The USV-A provides training and proficiency for final honors and color guard teams.

Additionally, members may train in skills related to Homeland Security to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, local, state and federal agencies during times of crisis. However, USV members are not permitted to function as a USV unit or to wear USV uniforms for emergency volunteer work. Those individual USV members that are trained and certified by the aforementioned organizations may serve at the invitation of the emergency organization to participate in such service provided that said organization is an authorized and legally recognized emergency organization so empowered by local, state and Federal government.