Larry is 47 years old and currently on hospice care in Lubbock, Texas. He is a husband, a father, and a United States Navy Veteran who served for over 20 years with distinction as a Fire Control Chief.

His dying wish is simple: to be buried beside his boy. Four years ago, Larry's family suffered a loss that no family should ever have to endure. They lost their son and brother at the age of only 15. He is buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

Unfortunatley, it isn't exactly an easy or cheap process to get Larry from Lubbock to San Diego. First is is the funeral home preparation, then the casket, the permits, and the transport of his remains 1,200 miles from Lubbock to San Diego comes out an estimate of about $10,500. It is an expense that must be paid before the family ever sees any reimbursement from the VA.

On top of that, we must not forget that number does not include plane tickets for his wife and two surviving sons.

"But doesn't the VA cover this?"

The VA provides Larry's family with the following at absolutely no cost: the gravesite at Miramar, the opening and closing of the grave, a concrete grave liner, an engraved headstone, full military funeral honors including a flag and Taps, and perpetual care of the gravesite. That is incredibly helpful and a meaningful honor that this family is truly grateful for.

What the VA does not cover is getting Larry there.

	Cost
Forwarding of remains (Lubbock)	$4,450
Casket	$1,675
Airfare for remains	$850
San Diego receiving funeral home/Graveside services (estimate)	$3,500

and every dollar must be paid upfront.

The VA does offer a partial burial allowance — up to $978 — but only as a reimbursement after the fact.

It does not cover plane tickets or lodging for his wife and two survivng sons. That is what the extra "cushion" is for.

Every dollar raised goes to:

Funeral preparation and transport of Larry's remains from Lubbock to San Diego: ~$10,500
Flights and travel for Larry's wife and two surviving sons to attend the burial: ~$2,000
Any remaining funds go directly to Larry's family

Larry served his country both here and abroad, we are asking our Small Big Town Community of Lubbock, Texas to show up for him when it matters the most.

If you cannot give, please share. One share may reach the person who makes this possible.

This campaign is organized by Dave's Wish, a Lubbock 501c3 dedicated exclusivley to meeting the needs of hospice patients and their families at the end of life right here in our home-town. All funds are disbursed directly to Larry's family. Updates will be posted as arrangements are confirmed. Larry and his loving and supportive family knows this campaign exists and cannot thank you enough for your participation.

Help a local Veteran get to his final resting place

A Young Lubbock Veteran needs our help to be buried with his son in Miramar Nation Cemetary in San Diego.

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