Remembering Our Veterans With Jason Guenther

INTERVIEW WITH JASON GUENTHER

Jason Guenther is the director of Washington Crossing National Cemetery. A Philadelphia native, he joined the U.S. Army at age 17 and served as an infantryman from 2004 to 2012. During his military service, he completed two tours in Iraq and later worked as an Army recruiter.

After leaving the Army, Guenther launched a career in federal government and held several positions at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. He started as an office automation clerk, then served as a cemetery caretaker and program support assistant. He eventually became administrative officer, overseeing office operations, budgets, finance, and administrative support for Washington Crossing National Cemetery and its four satellite cemeteries. He later served as assistant director and acting director before being appointed permanent director on April 19. Here, Guenther talks about his work and the surrounding community.

How did you become the director of Washington Crossing National Cemetery?

My desire to serve others began long before I joined the Army. As a child, my mother taught me that we have a responsibility to give back. I also grew up around veterans in my Philadelphia community who taught me what it meant to be a good person and young man. Their guidance stayed with me when I became an infantryman and later deployed to war.

I never imagined a national cemetery would become my career. As a caretaker and later a cemetery representative, I conducted burial services and worked directly with families who often arrived not knowing what to expect. Seeing the relief, gratitude, and peace afterward showed me how much this work mattered. Being around veterans and serving their families also helped me heal from some of the wounds I carried home from war. Being director allows me to protect that mission, support the people doing the work, and continue serving the community that helped raise me.

What are your duties as director?

I am responsible for making sure Washington Crossing National Cemetery and our four satellite cemeteries operate properly every day. That includes overseeing burial services, grounds, employees, safety, contracts, budgets, historic preservation, public affairs, and our relationships with the surrounding communities.

I have done much of the work I now supervise. I have maintained the grounds, conducted burials, coordinated services with families and funeral directors, and managed the administrative side. That experience helps me understand what employees are carrying and keeps me from leading only from behind a desk. I want them to have the training, tools, and support to do the job well, because they are the ones families meet on some of the hardest days.

What is your goal as director?

My first goal is to make sure every veteran receives a proper burial and every family feels supported when they come here. I also want our cemeteries to remain beautiful, welcoming places where people can remember, learn, volunteer, and understand the lives behind the headstones.

Being director also gives me a chance to advocate for veterans beyond the cemetery. When I meet a veteran or volunteer who needs help with another part of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), I can connect them with the right office and help make sure their concerns are heard. That is one of the most meaningful parts of the job for me.

Who is eligible to be buried here, and how does the process work?

Washington Crossing National Cemetery is a 205-acre national shrine. VA purchased the property in 2008, formally dedicated the cemetery in 2009, and conducted the first burials in January 2010.

In general, veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable may be eligible, along with certain spouses, dependent children, and qualifying reserve-component members. Families can request a pre-need eligibility determination through VA.gov. Planning ahead can remove some uncertainty during a difficult time. At the time of need, the family or funeral director contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office and provides the veteran’s discharge documentation.

We conduct committal services where families are able to gather and pay their final respects. Eligible veterans may receive military funeral honors from their branch of service, including the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of taps. The level of honor a person receives depends on eligibility and the family’s wishes.

Why is Upper Makefield Township a good location for a cemetery honoring veterans?

Upper Makefield is beautiful, peaceful, and closely connected to our nation’s history. It is also a deeply patriotic community that consistently supports the cemetery and the many veteran activities held throughout the Washington Crossing area. What stands out most is how the community treats the cemetery as one of its own institutions. Residents, township leaders, and local organizations make our veterans and their families feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

Photograph courtesy of Jason Guenther