Air Force dumped the incinerated partial remains of at least 274 American troops in a Virginia landfill.

2015-10-23T09:32:21-04:00

I read this in the news yesterday and it really disgusted me and disappointed me. Have we NOT made it perfectly clear as a NATION that we love, revere, respect and wish to honor and cherish our Nation's veterans who have paid the ultimate sacrifice?? I understand the remains were composed of service members who were unknown and indistinguishable. Could we not have created a burial spot at Arlington? Something small but respectful?

IS THIS COMMONPLACE?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Oct 23 at 2015 9:37 AM

2015-10-23T09:37:46-04:00

I'm with you Cpl Anthony Pearson ... this is totally outrageous!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 9:47 AM

2015-10-23T09:47:43-04:00

To some, we are out of sight and out of mind. But on a more serious note, these vets (even unidentified) deserved better with their remains. I hear there are some groups of people that claim the unclaimed and pay out of pocket for burial.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 9:52 AM

2015-10-23T09:52:11-04:00

This is absolutely disgusting. I am literally appalled at the blatant disrespect for our nations heros. I don't normally feel the need to make my voice heard but I think it's time to write my congressmen....

If there is no way we can remedy the atrocitys done here I want to be heard in making sure we as a nation won't accept this ever again.

Thank you for bringing this to light Cpl Anthony Pearson

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Oct 23 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-10-23T10:00:57-04:00

We DESERVE better, and the AIR FORCE (or ANY branch) should KNOW BETTER and FEEL IT IN THEIR HEARTS AND SOULS to ALWAYS respect and honor our remains. It is NOT a "common sense" thing. It should be like breathing, blinking, or your heart pumping blood. Automatic. Subconscious.

Whoever put this process into practice should pay for their actions and horrible leadership.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 10:08 AM

2015-10-23T10:08:03-04:00

Where did this come from, Cpl Anthony Pearson ?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-10-23T10:09:46-04:00

To help clarify this, if this story is the same one I am familiar with, the remains they are referring to are articles of clothing and other objects that have the Solder's DNA on it, not something like an arm or a body. When service members' remains are repatriated, there are three boxes under the flag-draped cover. One contains the body of the Soldier. A second contains personal effects that were on his person at the time of death - items like a watch or wallet. The third contains items like seat belts, clothing, and such that as I said, contain DNA. This third box is the remains that are referred to in the story. Mortuary Affairs says normal routine was to incinerate the contents of this third box, once any forensics or identification process is complete.
Not that it makes it better. Stories like this are a gut punch to Soldiers and their Families. This feels wrong, so it is wrong. My understanding is that changes have already been made to correct this.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-10-23T10:23:42-04:00

I believe we are in need of a round of GCM for the decision makers in this fiasco. This is outrageous and unbelievable. This must not be swept under the rug and those involved at every level should be subject to a GCM.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-10-23T11:14:45-04:00

!!! .... .... I need to take a deep breath with this ..... ...

now what can we do to help?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-10-23T11:16:45-04:00

The news is from 2011. It is still happening right now?

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Oct 23 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-10-23T11:24:26-04:00

It appears this was uncovered in 2011. I must have not realized that when I saw people passing this along on social media sites recently. Either way, this was news to me and I don't recall hearing about it back when it broke.

Response by PO3 David Harden made Nov 6 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-11-06T08:54:02-05:00

What? Stop, my stomach is coming out my mouth

Response by SGT Jaime Alaniz made Nov 17 at 2015 9:48 AM

2015-11-17T09:48:09-05:00

Find the civilian contractor and cane them for this BLATANT DISHONORABLE ACT OF DISGRACE.

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Feb 28 at 2019 5:55 AM

2019-02-28T05:55:41-05:00

People in mass need to be fired, dishonorably discharged, and jail time for the contractor who did the dumping. Totally disgusting. Breathe, breathe.