Errors at Arlington affected 211 graves

[unhappycamper]

Army Secretary John McHugh launched the Inspector General inquiry in November after an internal Army finding that cemetery workers in 2003 discovered a casket without a headstone and confirmed a news report that cremated remains contained in an urn were buried two years ago over an unmarked but occupied grave site. Above, a bugler plays Taps during the funeral of Army Spc. Stephen Mace on Oct. 19.


Errors at Arlington affected 211 graves
By William H. McMichael - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Jun 10, 2010 16:50:48 EDT

At least 211 graves at Arlington National Cemetery — including two in the section where fallen troops from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are buried — were mismarked, missing headstones or burial cards, or were not recorded at all, according to a new internal investigation.

The investigation of operations at the nation’s most hallowed military burial ground found no criminal misconduct, but much evidence of “improper internment, trans-internment of remains — including the loss of accountability of remains — remains in graves listed as empty, unmarked gravesites, improperly marked graves and improper handling of cremains,” Army Secretary John McHugh told reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday.

The Army Inspector General also concluded in its seven-month investigation that “mistakes continue to be made.”

The IG also found that rank-and-file employees, who handle an average of 27 funerals daily, were burdened in their day-to-day work by “dysfunctional management, lack of established policy and procedures, and an overall unhealthy organizational climate.”

“That all ends today,” McHugh said, offering an apology to those whose loved ones are resting at Arlington.



And in other Arlington Cemetery related news:


Arlington Cemetery superintendent retiring
The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jun 9, 2010 7:54:49 EDT

WASHINGTON — The superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery for the past 19 years is retiring.

John C. Metzler Jr. has worked for the government for 42 years and says his last day will be July 2.

The 62-year-old’s father was also superintendent at the cemetery outside the nation’s capital.

He said the high point of his career was expanding the cemetery for veterans and their families so it could continue to take new burials until 2060.

In November, Secretary of the Army John McHugh ordered an investigation into allegations of lost accountability of some graves, poor record keeping and other issues at Arlington.

[NoPasaran]

1. Kick

[cbayer]

2. K & R

:pals:

[rasputin1952]

3. We owe it to the fallen to do all we can to make things as right as

they can be, Arlington is not the only one w/this problem, but it is the most conspicuous.

[pinboy3niner]

5. + 1000

I've got some old friends buried there, including one Medal of Honor recipient. McHugh had better be right. This better end today.

:patriot:

[NYC_SKP]

4. Recommended.

They paid the ultimate price, we owe them the ultimate respect, and more.

:patriot: