Posted on 05/30/2015 2:45:40 PM PDT by Kaslin
A soldier from the Louisiana National Guard who died alongside Marines in a training accident deserves to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery, his father said Saturday.
Former Green Beret Stephen Florich told Fox & Friends it is a “travesty” his son has been denied that honor because he was not on active duty at the time of his death.
Most active duty or retired military members of military service are eligible for in-ground interment at Arlington. Members of the reserves or National Guard are not eligible unless they have been on active duty.
“I think my son was very active on that aircraft,” Florich said. “My son was in uniform. My son was serving in the capacity as a crew chief and a door gunner. And in adverse weather conditions, he accepted a mission to train people for combat in the future. And in that, he gave all and lost his life.”
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
If they can bury a subhuman piece of rat filth like Ted Kennedy in Arlington, they can certainly bury him.
I think just the opposite. I would hope that a President Cruz or Walker would honor the tradition and the regulations, something that obama never does.
I’m retired from active duty but know the recent history of the national guard and it’s historic wartime history. In the years of both the Iraq and Afghanistan missions the NG pulled it’s share of missions due to our miniscule force size. They are no longer weekend warriors but are part of force planning.
Whatever the rules are now they should change. If they’re dying they should be kept from no honor or recognition.
When war hits the nation the citizen soldier has stepped up to fight.
Well it seems to be that the ashes of the troop could be placed, per regulations, in the columbarium.
It wouldn’t even need an exception.
Whereas, Obama will do what he can to prevent any gesture of honor.
No. Teddy was drafted by the Army in the 1950's after being kicked out of Harvard for cheating.
Yes, I mixed him up with Bobby. See PLMerite’s post 11 and my post 15
Chaplain, I agree. and I posted the regulations so folks would know what they are, and not to indicate I was in agreement with them.
He died serving his Nation. Why is this even in question?
Yes, Columbarium.
It is a lovely spot and great setting for family visits.
Another set of rules that we want to deny long after they are implemented...emotional, yes!
I agree. Also, I don’t know for sure, but couldn’t he be buried in another national cemetery other than Arlington?. I know I’m in the minority here, but I believe the regulations should be adhered to.
I should have added that there are sections of cemeteries all over the country that are reserved for military families. Many people choose them since they are nearer to their homes and can be visited more often.
I know that some would find this offensive, but at some point in time, the space is going to need to be managed. A cut off date of 1915 would be a cut off prior to WWI.
If you see 5000 grave markers in a National Cemetery there are likely 8000-9000 persons buried there. I'll explain why. VA Cemeteries use a one plot Vet & Spouse policy. IOW they stack Vet & Spouse in the same grave.
The demand for VA plots has about peaked with the passing of WW2 Vets. Many Vets both in war & peace time serving 180 days active duty or more do not realize they qualify for burial in one.
My state and the VA did a joint venture where 50 plus acres were bought about 5 years ago. My dad was among the first 40 buried there. Two months ago my wife was buried in the same cemetery. Family cost was about $700 for the grave opening, closing, vault, and head stone. As well they handed me a deed to the plot itself. My burial minus funeral home cost will be free. Mom will share dads grave and I will share my wife's grave when my time comes.
The local National Cemetery established by General Burnside lasted from The Civil War till early 1980's then a new one opened. It filled up except for spouse burials about 4 years ago. Most were WW2 Vet, Korea, and Nam.
Arlington is an exception in policy because it is considered an Honors Cemetery although any National Cemetery or joint operated VA/State Veterans Cemetery can designate an area solely for Honor and/or KIA's.
Realistically National & Veterans Cemeteries a very small percentage of grave yards. I'd guess and say Veteran Cemeteries in number are likely less than 1% vs private ones owned by corporations, churches, families, etc.
http://mobile.wnd.com/2009/08/108261/
Spent 2 years with SHAPE in Europe.
Only got into Arlington because of a special provision that congress wrote for itself.
So every Guardsman who dies during IADT deserves and exception? There is a rule for reason. Sorry, but there I stand. Once a Guardsman serves on federal active duty, he then apparently is qualified to be buried in a Natnl cemetery. Not all NG ( Army or Air) serve on federal AD. There is a difference in status per federal law, and should be. Let’s live by the laws we institute or let’s do away with thme all.
Condolences to the Warriors family, He died serving his country and state with honor.
“If the story is true, as stated by the father, then there should be an exception.”
Ab-so-freaking-lutely. That brave man earned it.
Teddy got into Arlington because they needed his alcohol-drenched corpse to fuel the eternal flame.
ANC has the strictest requirements for interment (ground burial) of all of the National Cemeteries. The restrictions of inurnment in the Columbarium isn’t as strict as that for ground burial but is still more restrictive than other National Cemeteries because it is ANC.
Yes he can, in fact there are numerous national or state military cemeteries in his home state:
http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/state.asp?STATE=LA
No they do not UNLESS they meet the requirements such as serving in combat and being awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, DSC, was a POW, etc.
Just because he was killed during a SUTA (weekend drill) or AT (2 week annual training) does not mean he is automatically eligible for burial at ANC.
I respect the fathers service, I respect the sons service, and I’m sorry that the son was killed in training, BUT speaking as a military veteran the dad is coming off as a selfish ass who’s out for bragging rights IMO.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.