I found Chaplain Erica and Joe through a Google search for chaplains experienced in conducting services at Riverside National Cemetery. Chaplain Erica responded within an hour and arranged a telephone consultation the following day. She immediately demonstrated extensive knowledge of the VA cemetery's strict scheduling requirements for its 30-minute services and explained how to make the most of the military honors and benefits available to veterans. The service was flawlessly coordinated, and I felt my father received the dignified, respectful, and heartfelt farewell he deserved. One recommendation I was initially hesitant about was Chaplain Erica's suggestion to use both a local florist and a bagpiper. In hindsight, both were outstanding additions. The florist charged significantly less than many regional florists while providing exceptionally fresh and beautiful arrangements. Just as importantly, they were very familiar with Riverside National Cemetery's procedures and had everything set up well before the service began. The bagpiper, Joel "The Marine Piper," was especially memorable. Dressed in full Marine and Scottish Highland attire, his music--including Taps--created a solemn, reverent atmosphere that made the service even more meaningful. His performance provided a moving and fitting farewell for my father. I highly recommend Chaplain Erica to any family planning a service at Riverside National Cemetery. Her fees were very reasonable, her guidance throughout the process was invaluable, and her experience with the cemetery's procedures helped ensure everything proceeded seamlessly during a difficult time. read more

Erica was amazing from the first phone call thru the entire process. She was professional, respectful and above all truly kind and compassionate. Our family was able to enjoy the ceremony without the additional stress of coordinating the bugler, bagpipes, and military honors. The service they provided gave us the peace of mind that our father and mother's burial ceremony would be perfect. We would highly recommend them to any family. They are by far the best! read more

Definitely would recommend the service had a great experience. They took care of me my family. My dad had a great service. I didn't have to worry about anything. It was all arranged. Don't think twice about using their service because I'm definitely going to recommend them to anyone that needs a service. Thank you once again, Mario. read more

I met Joe Andersen over a decade ago when we worked at RNC together. He was my first call when we had a family tragedy. This was when I first got the opportunity to work with Chaplain Erica Andersen, and she was wonderful. She was thoughtful, kind, understanding through our struggles and our grief. Both Chaplain Joe and Erica assisted us to get the Marine Honor Guard, the bugler, and the honors for the family. She took care of us before, during and after the funeral and has continued to check in more than a month after the service. The extra support really shows that this is not a job just to earn a paycheck, but a passion to help families. Thank you Chaplain Erica for being amazing. read more

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Chaplain Erica was excellent. She took care of every detail of my brother's service at the Riverside National Cemetery during our time of grief. We live far from Riverside & Chaplain Erica even took beautiful photos of my brother's gravesite after the tombstone was placed. Thank you Chaplain Erica. read more

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Amazing service on such short notice for a funeral service we held. Polite, professional and courteous. Also very organized and helped guide us with every step of the process. We would definitely hire again. Thank you Chaplain Joe. read more

I would give 10 stars if I could. Chaplain Joe and Chaplin Erica are absolutely amazing; from my initial request through the day of the service, they were our biggest supporters, and we couldn't have done the memorial without them. I found SoCal Clergy online while doing a search for a chaplain for my dad's service at Miramar National Cemetery, and reached out with a request for help. Chaplain Erica texted me back immediately and scheduled time for a call with Chaplain Joe for the very next day. During that call he described what we would need for the Military Honors, what we should expect for the service, and what he would specifically be doing as chaplain. And a handful of days prior to the service, they sent a very informative email describing exactly what to do and expect when we arrive to Miramar. They also have a bagpiper who can participate during the service, which I HIGHLY recommend. Stephen the Bagpiper was outstanding! He played Amazing Grace, the Navy fight song, and God Bless America. Stephen's bagpipes made the service so special, and it wouldn't have been the same without him. They were also able to request a live bugler for the service from Bugles Across America: Roy the bugler. The military honor bugler doesn't typically play live, so having Roy as a live bugler echoing the Taps song was also awesome and very special. Chaplain Joe himself was terrific as Chaplin for the service. His voice is loud and clear; his service was entertaining, engaging, and respectful; and he read the eulogy that we wrote in exactly the way we intended it to be delivered. Finally, one thing I wasn't expecting but am so happy to now have, is that Chaplain Erica took tons of videos and pictures before and throughout the service. She airdropped them to me immediately after the service, and I can't say enough how grateful I am to have those beautiful memories. For such a sad occasion, SoCal Clergy made the event something my family and I will never forget. read more

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I was so thankful to find Chaplain Erica when I was trying to plan my dad's memorial service. I had no idea where to start, and Erica and her husband, Joe, were such a blessing during a very difficult time. They answered all of my questions and guided me through the entire process. They connected me with the right people for everything I needed, including the 21-gun salute, bagpiper, bugler, and florist. They thought of details I never would have known about and made the whole process so much less overwhelming. One thing that meant so much to me was that Chaplain Erica took photos and videos during the service so I could always look back on that day. She also took the time to send me pictures when my dad's grave marker was installed. Those thoughtful gestures meant more than I can say and showed how much she truly cares about the families she helps. I can't thank Chaplain Erica and Chaplain Joe enough for their kindness, guidance, and support. If you're looking for someone who is compassionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares, I highly recommend them. read more

We had a beautiful service today with Chaplain Erica at Riverside National Cemetery. Everything went very smoothly as she helped coordinate with the Cemetery Coordinator, Navy Honor Guard, Veteran Rifle Team, Bugler, and Bagpipes. It could not have been any better. Thank you all so much for making a difficult situation easier for the family. read more

Chaplain Erica performed the committal service for our mother's funeral at Riverside National Cemetery. She did an excellent job of organizing and providing us with all the information we needed to make our mother's funeral stress free. Her service at the funeral was professional and outstanding. read more

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5 stars, 10 out of 10. I am so grateful and pleased with the service provided this past weekend for a memorial service! Thank you! It was last minute and they stepped up to make me feel so confident that they could help me pull it together, and provide my friend's family a beautiful, inspiring, experience. They were detail oriented, and were genuinely interested in making it wonderful. They always communicated well, response times were incredible, professional and helpful. They arrived early, helped me set up, were so thorough. The family was so happy with how it turned out. I'm so appreciative of the experience and support from this couple. I would hire them again, and I hope to. read more

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Chaplain Joe and Chaplain Erica are truly amazing . They really guided me on what phone calls had to be made and what paperwork needed to be filled out, right from the first phone call to them. They walked me through all the steps for my dad's service at the Riverside National Cemetery. I would have been really lost without them. They are very helpful ,caring, kind and understanding. They make a very difficult time very easy with the other services they offer like the florist, the bag piper, and helping to request the bugler. Chaplin Erica performed the committal service for my father at Riverside National Cemetery and was fabulous and did a wonderful job. She took pictures and videos of my dad's service and shared them with my family. I truly appreciate the care you gave us. My father received a fabulous military service. You truly made my day stress free and let me mourn my father and for that I THANK YOU! read more

I cannot express enough gratitude to Chaplain Joe and Chaplain Erica who assisted me and my family in coordinating my husband's Celebration of Life Service and his Committal Service at Riverside National Cemetery. During an incredibly difficult time, they provided not only professionalism but true compassion and care. Every detail was handled with such thoughtfulness--from the deeply meaningful military tributes to the seamless flow of the service. They listened to our wishes, honored my husband's memory beautifully, and created an environment of peace, dignity, and love. As a military family, they are experts in the traditions honoring our country's veterans and provided recommendations and resources that were unknown to us but added so much depth and meaning to our final farewell. They are truly dedicated to doing God's work. Their quiet support behind the scenes allowed our family to focus on remembering and celebrating my husband's life, without worry or stress. Many guests commented on how meaningful and well-orchestrated the services were, and that is thanks in large part to Chaplain Joe's and Chaplain Erica's dedication and sensitivity. Chaplain Erica also took pictures and video during the service and committal at Riverside National Cemetery, which was so beautiful and I will remember and cherish forever. The totality of services and support they provide is invaluable and so affordable. I will always be grateful for the warmth and grace they brought to a profoundly important day for our family. Thank you and God bless you Chaplain Joe and Chaplain Erica. read more

Joe and Erica were amazing and did such a beautiful service for my mother. They make the process so easy and are extremely professional and kind. I can't thank you enough Erica for presiding over my mothers service with such grace and dignity. My family and me really appreciate the support you and Joe gave us. God bless you both. Stephen read more

We could not have asked for a better send off for our sister Kim!! thanks to Chaplain Joe and Chaplain Erica, NOTHING was missed. They made a difficult time as easy as possible. We were introduced to options we did not previously consider and were referred to flawless and cost effective vendors to assist in giving Kim a lovely and dignified send off. We all felt that the care and attention given to our service member far exceeded our expectations. Thank you. read more

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Last year we buried my parents and met Chaplain Erica and was beyond grateful for all her and her team did to honor my parents and my dads service in the Navy. This year we lost my father in law, an Air Force veteran and I knew exactly who to call and again her and her team jumped into action and honored him and is service as we buried him and my mother in law. I cannot say enough good things about Erica and her husband Joe and the whole team, the bugler and bagpipes and of course the honor guards and Riverside. National Cemetery. We truly are blessed to have had them and all their support during these difficult times. read more

This team worked together to help me organize a day that needed to be unforgetable. They sent links to everything needed to achieve a beautiful funeral for my late father. I couldn't have done without their help. Thank you so much read more

I would like to thank Rev.Erica and Chaplain Joe they were heaven sent I went through so much while in California.I just didn't what to do with so much pain from loosing my mom and thinking she was not going to be buried at the national cemetery but the lord sent them both to me and they took control and made it happen.I will never be able to thank them enough. It was one of the most beautiful services I had ever experienced I know my mom is looking down from heaven and blessing them for all they did. My dad is 92 and I pray he has more years but atleast I know that when it does happen I will not have to worry because I have Rev.Erica and Chaplan Joe both on my side .God Bless you both Sincerely Wanda Reyes read more

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Chaplain Erica officiated my Mother's service at Riverside National Cemetery. From my first call with Erica and Joe I felt they were extremely kind, compassionate & knowledgeable. They know every aspect/detail of the complicated military service and explained the entire process in detail. They guided me through each step and followed up. They are very responsive returning text or call within 24 hrs. They go the extra mile to ensure the service for your loved one goes just as planned. Erica did an exceptional job honoring my mother with her heartfelt communication style . It is understandable they are highly recommended. Call them, you will be happy that you did. Thank you both. read more

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So Cal Clergy ensured services for my recently departed family member went smoothly, were professional presented, and honored the departed and the family. I spoke with both Chaplain Joe and Chaplain Erica on our initial call; and specifically worked with Chaplain Erica for the service arrangements. There knowledge of how services are performed at Riverside National Cemetery made it a reality to provide an honorable final gathering for all in attendance. Additionally, the vendors they work with are just as proficient, professional, and personable. I'd like to publicly thank Darrell Calvillo, for his renderings of Amazing Grace, Wild Blue Yonder (Air ForceHymn), and God Bless America on bagpipes; Van Buren Florist for effortless delivery of the floral arrangement; and Colonel Larry "Iceman" Icenogel for his beautiful rendering of Taps. Finally, when all prices seem to be soaring, all of this was provided at a truly, truly reasonable price. I and all who were in attendance thank and appreciate everything So Cal Clergy and their partnering team did for us. read more

From start to finish Chaplains Joe and Erica went above and beyond my expectations. During a difficult time, their guidance, organization and ability to keep us on track was truly remarkable. My family expressed, how "beautiful they thought the service and ceremony was". They had short notice and swung right into action. We couldn't have done this without them! Wishing I could clone them and bring them to Florida! read more

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Honestly I don't know what I would have done without the help of Chaplains Erica and Joe. From the very first phone call they were very caring and patient walking me through the process. My mother was interned at Miramar National Cemetery. Chaplain Joe met us there on the day of the service and had everything set up and waiting. The service was beautiful and comforting. I can't recommend this dynamic duo enough. read more

Chaplain Joe led a beautiful and heartfelt burial service for my father. His words were not only sincere but also deeply meaningful, offering comfort and reflection to all in attendance. The inclusion of military honors was especially powerful. Chaplain Joe ensured that every detail was handled with reverence and precision, paying tribute to my father's service in a way that was inspiring. His service was a beautiful tribute and brought peace to our family during a difficult moment. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a meaningful and respectful ceremony. Chaplain Erica also helped "document" the service and provided photos and videos of the service shortly after the service ended. What an awesome team! read more

Our family is so very grateful to Chaplain Joe and Reverend Erika for the beautifully orchestrated and executed interment service for my father and mother at Riverside National Cemetery. Their experience and devotion to honoring our loved ones, the men and women who served our country through military service, was so inspired and genuine. They were so supportive and expert in bringing together all of the elements necessary for the respectful and dignified service due our departed. Heartfelt thanks to Chaplain Joe and Reverend Erika for making this difficult time the wonderful and beautiful experience it was for family and friends. You made the daunting and overwhelming day of service in honoring our parent's interment, the best day ever imaginable. May peace be with you always. read more

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When my father unexpectedly passed away, I had no idea what to do or how to arrange for his services. Reverend Erica and Chaplain Joe were suggested to me and they reached out to me quickly after I requested them. Honestly, with everything I had to deal with apart from funeral services, choosing them was the best decision I made. They gave me all the resources I needed to give my father such an amazing military service from who to contact for floral arrangements, gun salutes, a live bugler, and more. Reverend Erica was so caring and professional-- she even went to his graveside to take a picture of his newly placed headstone since I live so far away. I highly recommend her. I couldn't have done it all without her support. read more

Everything was amazing. I was getting worried because I was trying to figure everything out about the VA services and I made one call to Chaplin Joe and his wife Chaplin Erica and that was all I needed. They lead the way to a perfect service and made it so easy and had answers for all my questions. Please give them a call and you'll be amazed how every question is answered and they offered so much useful recommendations and provided a top service for my father. I was truly Blessed to find them at a difficult time. read more

Chaplain Joe and Reverend Erica were there for me and my family at a really difficult time. after losing my dad unexpectedly, I didn't know where to turn. The mortuary recommended Miramar, and I knew that would be a wonderful final resting place for my Navy father. My mother who had passed much earlier was interred beside him. The Reverend and the Chaplain were there for me at every stage of this difficult process. From planning the double interrment, developing the eulogy to, coordinating bagpipers and a naval echo taps (also intimate and special). Even photos after the headstone was marked and service was over. I will never be able to say enough here....just so many thanks. read more

I have to say, in a time when I didn't know what to do or where to turn, So Cal Clergy was there to help me through providing a quality service and eulogy my mother deserved. They even have a way of getting people to speak about your loved one, even if people are apprehensive about sharing a memory. They are amazing! I should also add that they make sure everything is in order before the service starts. I didn't have to focus on anything else. Truly grateful! read more

Reverend Erica and her Husband Chaplin Joe did and amazing job at Father's wake and funeral service. They make every step as easy as possible during our hard time, answered any questions and provided such personal and beautiful ceremony, at both. I highly recommend them in your hardest time. read more

When my uncle passed away I needed help with service preparations at Miramar National Cemetery. I found chaplain Joe and reverend Erica and couldn't have more pleased with their service at a difficult time. They were helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Chaplain Joe performed the service and did a wonderful job! I would definitely recommend them! read more

Reverend Erica performed the committal service for my fathers funeral at Riverside National Cemetery. She accepted the request on extremely short notice, and could not have done it any more beautiful than she did. Her presence and guidance made the entire ceremony, not only in my opinion, but everyone else in attendance had nothing but wonderful praise for her at the celebration of life lunch afterwards. Her knowledge of the processes at RNC, as well as her attention to the family made all the difference. She took many pictures and video, as well as performed the service with much love, grace, and dignity. She read a beautiful poem that fit the service perfectly, and it still has all of us talking about how beautiful and special it was. I highly recommend their services for anyone needing it. Thank you so much again Reverend Erica! read more

Chaplain Erica did a beautiful burial service for my mother at Riverside National Cemetery. From the very beginning of my interactions with her, she demonstrated deep knowledge of Riverside National Cemetery and its practices. She gave us detailed instructions to follow on the day of the service that made the day much easier. She even met us at the Administration Building and showed us where to go to get in the cortège lane. She recommended bagpiper, Darrell Forbes, who was very professional and an excellent addition to the service. She also recommended a great florist who did a beautiful arrangement for the service. During the service itself, she spoke clearly and had a beautiful and comforting message for the family. She provided a blessing with holy water at the end of the service that was deeply meaningful to me. She demonstrated kindness and compassion to me and my family at a difficult time. I highly recommend her excellent service! read more

Chaplain Joe Anderson and his wife Erica took charge of my sister-in-law's interment service at Miramar VA cemetery and moved the ceremony from ordinary (if we had tried to do it by ourselves) to great. We reviewed their website and hired them and a bagpiper (Darrel Calvillo) who combined to create a moving and fulfilling service where we would have struggled to achieve mediocre on our own. Chaplain Joe met us at the Admin building and made sure we and our guests knew what to expect. Reverend Erica took photos and a few short videos of the service that we were able to send to friends and family unable to attend in person. They took the stress out of a stressful situation and created great memories. read more

When my father died this year I was at a loss as how to arrange for my father's funeral. Rev. Joe and his wife Rev. Erica were so amazing with guiding me through the whole process- helping with applying for military honors, designing a eulogy, referrals for florists and bag piper etc. They took the stress out of the whole process and was a huge support during my time of loss. In the end my father had a beautiful funeral with military honors and I'm so very appreciative. read more

5 stars all the way around. We requested a Celebration of Life service for my brother who passed suddenly. Chaplain Joe with the help of his wife Erica, called and spoke on the phone with me for about 45 minutes to explain his process and how he would guide this ceremony for me. He gave me time to get a eulogy, songs, speakers and not once did I feel he didn't care or understand. At the service , he greeted family members with me, got to know us on a personal level and even was there to comfort my mom and dad on this hard day. He stood by me while I made my speech as well as my nephew speaking on my moms behalf and my brothers best friend. His words as he blessed my brothers remains, said prayers over our family and everyone in attendance rang in my heart as well as everyone in attendance. This man knows what he's doing, he understands how you feel , and he handled us all with grace and kindness. I truly recommend him if you are looking for a chaplain for your services. Thank you again Chaplain Joe and Reverend Erica for giving my brother a beautiful send off. read more

Erica was very compassionate and helpful as we tried to coordinate everything for our father's service at Riverside National Cemetery. Especially considering we "found" her fonly ive days prior to the date. I feel she went above and beyond what I expected. read more

our son passed away unexpectedly so I had to plan a funeral in 1 week. Rev. Joe and his wife Rev. Erica were fantastic. They helped me so much. Their website had tons of resources, they walked me through how to structure the services and when he performed the services he was perfect. He was engaging with the audience and got them to open up and share stories. We couldn't have asked for a better person to be there for us read more

Chaplain Joseph put on a wonderful service for my father. I really appreciated the attention to the details. It was the best service I have ever been to. read more

My brother, my wife and I are indebted to Chaplain Joe Andersen and bagpiper Ben Johnston for their respectful, patriotic and heartfelt send-off to my father on June 16, 2023 at the Miramar National Cemetery. We were really sweating the committal ceremony as we had everything done on our end but hadn't been able to recruit a chaplain or minister to preside over the ceremony only 16 days away. My wife saw testimonials for Chaplain Joe on-line and hired him to preside over the service; his fee was very affordable, and extremely fair for the service he rendered. He immediately put our minds and hearts at ease, asking us only to forward him a eulogy and indicating that he had everything else covered. He assured us that he had lots of experience with committal ceremonies at both the Miramar and Riverside National Cemeteries. He showed up early for our ceremony and started setting up things as soon as the prior party departed from the committal shelter. He was very respectful throughout, providing both religious and military tones to honor my dad. As an added bonus, he also took fabulous photos & videos of the sailor playing "Taps," the honor guard's flag-folding, and the bagpiper playing his three songs. Along with my daughter's video recording of the event (which he encouraged), his photos provided anyone unable to attend the event in-person a chance to really feel like they were there. I highly recommend Chaplain Joe; my dad was very proud of his naval service and would have approved of his respectful and patriotic sendoff. read more

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