The Clinton Fredwell Memorial Fund, a fund of the Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF), recently awarded a $320 grant to the Hendricks County Honor Guard in honor of the Brownsburg American Legion Post 331 and Clinton Fredwell. The grant was used to support their mission to serve the community by providing military funeral honors for deceased veterans. This grant will help provide uniforms for three new members that joined the group this year and also to maintain the organization’s equipment.
The Hendricks County Honor Guard consists of 21 members who provide funeral services throughout the county, averaging more than five funerals and one civic event per month. Between 1999 and 2023, the Hendricks County Honor Guard has performed 1,169 military funeral honors, an average of five per month. Additionally, the Honor Guard presents the colors for the Indy Honor Flight, performs at the Daughter’s of the American Revolution events and ceremonies, and conducts flag raising and retirements.
Each military funeral consists of 12 personnel: two military members of the deceased veterans branch of service, and ten members of the Hendricks County Honor Guard. The Hendricks County Honor Guard provides a Chaplin, firing team commander, seven firing team members, and a bugler. After the firing of the three volleys and the playing of taps; the military members fold and present the flag to the deceased’s next of kin and the chaplain presents the family the 21 spent rifle cartridges. The Honor Guard is an independent nonprofit that exists on donations from other organizations and veteran families. It provides a vital service to our community by honoring our veterans and offering meaningful experiences for their families.
Hendricks County Honor Guard Commander, Andrew Eldred, said, “We want to thank the Hendricks County Community Foundation for its generous contribution so that we may continue our mission to veterans and the community.” William Rhodehamel, HCCF President and CEO, commented, “The Clinton Fredwell Memorial Fund is a wonderful example of a family honoring a loved one while also supporting causes that are important to them. Clinton, a longtime educator and Brownsburg sports booster, was deeply committed to veterans and the Brownsburg American Legion. His son, Steve, established the fund at the Community Foundation to honor his father’s legacy and ensure that his commitment to veterans would continue.”
