USA Repatriation of Military Dead

[Old Salt]

Does anyone know how the USA repatriates their Military Dead?

Everything seems totally different since Korea and Vietnam.

I know there is usually a remembrance ceremony for families and friends at Arlington. But, I've never known who is eligible for burial, or just how they decide when to have a remembrance ceremony.

I'm just an old war horse who wants to empathize with families and friends of fallen sailors and soldiers.

Lord knows, in my lifetime I have seen so much death and destruction, I find it hard to believe that we still just cannot learn how to live and let live

Old Salt

[Clanad]

The war dead are returned via C-17 to Dover, Maryland, which is the armed services mortuary section. The bodies are accompanied by an honor guard who are members of the "Old Guard" brigade... the families can meet the aircraft there and the facilities are geared to serve the grieving relatives. If the family wishes to have the body returned to their hometowns, the graveside services are usually performed by the local American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) units. These are made up of retired or ex-military members.

War dead still have priority in burial sites at Arlington National Cemetery, which is in Virginia adjacent to Washington D.C... There are several other National Cemeteries scattered around the U.S. You may or may not be aware that Arlington National Cemetery was built on a farm that was formerly owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee (actually, his wife's family)...

[Old Salt]

Thanks Clanad

It's something that has bothered me for some time. Especially since I have heard that during the Bush years, they changed how Iraq, and later Afghanistan, war dead are counted. Seems they no longer simple count them as war dead if they died from action in Iraq / Afghanistan, if, they are alive when evacuated from the combat zone.

I am trying to find out if this is true, as in these days of rapid medical evacuation the wounded can be out of the theatre of operations very fast; so fast that they are easily still being treated by medics.

It is with a very heavy heart that I pray that this rumour of further manipulation of this foul, heartless, and falsely justified war be untrue. It is impossible for me to believe the level the USA and the GB governments have sunk to, in order to sway public opinion. It goes against everything we were taught in school about our national heritage and honour.


OS

[Clanad]

Having many friends who are either active or ex-military in several branches I've not found or heard of any miscounting as you suggest. A soldier, sailor, airman or Marine who was wounded (in action) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan who later died of their wounds (even after returning to the U.S.) are still counted as KIA... With the advancements in evacuating and medical services, it's highly unique for a wounded serviceman to die after being airlifted to the U.S.

We probably disagree on the validity of the justification for both actions... but I respect your opinion, nevertheless...

[Old Salt]

Thank you for an extremely polite and very civilised response Clanad

Not sure why or the how of it, but, I know the brute in Iraq had to go and the Afghan regime could not be allowed to remain.

And most assuredly, now that we are 'in it' then I will support our troops to the best of my ability. Perhaps, both sides of the Atlantic require a good clear-out and some fresh faces with new ideas installed.

The one thing that continues to nibble at the back of my mind is, "I'm sure I've been done, but I just cannot see how, for sure"

I spent nearly thirty years in the Navy and then, as a civilian, provided computer engineering support for military digital equipment systems.

I am now fully retired and can only sit on the sidelines remembering when I could make a difference and my opinion was considered.

And I certainly respect your opinion

OS

[Clanad]

You'd be a Chief here in the U.S. Those guys (two are among my favorite ex-military friends) had hash marks on their sleeves 'til there wasn't any sleeve left. Feared by enlisted and rank alike, they knew how to "get 'er done". The only men that garnered as much respect were the Sea Going Marines stationed on board each warship...

Don't think for a moment that your experience and views don't make a difference. Having reached the age of majority myself, I find younger friends and relatives are much more amenable to listening to experience rather than entertainment...

Sleep well, Old Salt, knowing full well that you've contributed valuably to your countries well being... even today, years later. (Try Googling your name for confirmation. You'll, hopefully, be pleasantly surprised at how your legacy endures).

[Old Salt]

The Top-of-the-Morning-to-You, Clanad!

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting today off to a fine start.

I left the USA in 1957, and I only returned for visits and short assignments. This was due to prolonged deployments in US Navy Special Projects and Naval Intelligence. As a result, I seem to have found my way to a sort of Mid-Atlantic Citizenship - or perhaps I've just become an American Englishman; whatever the label, I find myself speaking the Queen's English in the drawl of a southern American.

My compliments to you for being so perceptive. The last ten years in the Navy, I was always COB (Chief of the Boat). I doubt if my name appears in any official news, as I was always a "Backroom" type, and served in ship's on "Detached Duty," usually under extremely arduous operating conditions, and very strict radio silence. At least a month had to elapse before anyone would list us as missing.

Take care, and it is much appreciated that you have found time to remember those of us in our late summers.

Keep the faith, always

Old Salt