Which entity is authorized to receive unclaimed cremated remains of veterans after 12 months of possession?

• A. Funeral director
• B. Crematory
• C. Authorized veteran's remains organization
• D. County coroner

Answer: (C)

This question tests the rule for handling unclaimed veterans' cremated remains after a holding period. When cremated remains are held and no one claims them for 12 months, the law designates an authorized veteran's remains organization as the recipient to take custody and arrange final disposition. This ensures remains are disposed of respectfully by an entity specifically approved to handle veterans' remains, rather than by a general custodian.

Funeral directors and crematories keep possession while attempts to contact next of kin continue, but they do not become the final recipient for unclaimed veterans’ remains after the 12-month period. The county coroner handles unclaimed remains in general, but the statute specifically requires an authorized veteran's remains organization for veterans’ remains.