A speaker addressing a gathering with the Honor Guard behind him

Press Coverage

In the News

Local reporting on the Honor Guard and its mission. All articles belong to their original publishers.

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KBAK/KBFX Eyewitness News

Kern County Honor Guard shortage threatens full military funeral honors for veterans

By Michelle Roldan · February 25, 2026

Eyewitness News reports that the Kern County Veterans Honor Guard is facing a serious membership shortage, raising concerns about whether full military funeral honors can continue at veterans' final resting places across the county.

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Source: Michelle Roldan, "Kern County Honor Guard shortage threatens full military funeral honors for veterans," KBAK/KBFX Eyewitness News, February 25, 2026. Available at bakersfieldnow.com. Summary written by the Associated Veterans of Bakersfield; all rights belong to the publisher.

The Bakersfield Californian

What happens when an honor guard doesn't make the funeral? Lots of questions

By Steven Mayer · October 23, 2025

The Californian tells the story of Eldon Baker, an Army veteran of Vietnam who asked for nothing at his service except an honor guard. A scheduling mix-up left his family without one, and the report follows Kern County Veterans Service as it explains how requests reach the volunteers and promises to improve the process so it does not happen again.

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Source: Steven Mayer, "What happens when an honor guard doesn't make the funeral? Lots of questions," The Bakersfield Californian, October 23, 2025. Available at bakersfield.com. Summary written by the Associated Veterans of Bakersfield; all rights belong to the publisher.

23ABC News (KERO)

Associated Veterans of Bakersfield in need of Honor Guard volunteers

By Mike Hart and Charr Davenport · February 9, 2023

In its A Veteran's Voice series, 23ABC shares that the Honor Guard's ranks have been dwindling, with about 10 volunteers left performing last rites five days a week. The group is looking for veterans who can give one or two days a week.

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Source: Mike Hart and Charr Davenport, "Associated Veterans of Bakersfield in need of Honor Guard volunteers," 23ABC News (KERO), February 9, 2023. Available at turnto23.com. Summary written by the Associated Veterans of Bakersfield; all rights belong to the publisher.

Honor Guard volunteers standing together in formation

Volunteers Needed

Are you a veteran with a day to give?

The Honor Guard needs fellow veterans who can serve one or two weekdays to make sure no veteran is laid to rest without honors.

Become a Volunteer

An Honor Guard member presenting a folded flag to a family

Request Military Honors

There is no charge for this service. Complete the Kern County Honor Guard Request form to schedule honors for your loved one.

Open the Request Form