Forgotten Heroes

[X Ring]

Today, I went to a Forgotten Heroes Service at the Biloxi National Cemetary.  The Forgotten Heroes Services are for veterans who  have passed away and don't have a family.  I don't know if they do them at the other National Cemetaries but it would definitely be nice if they did.  Today we buried Sgt Aubrey Vallia Jr, who served seven years in the Air Force. Over 20 members of the Patriot Guard joined U.S. Air Force personnel from Keesler AFB and representatives from the V.A. in honoring Sgt Vallia's service to this country.  Before instituting the program, only V.A. personnel would attend.  It's sad to think how many vets passed away and have been buried without friends or family to say goodbye.    

Marty       

[SlowRoad]

  I have participated in a couple similar burials where the PGR stood in as family for the Veteran. On the last one, at the last minute a family member was contacted and we ended up with about 10 car loads of family in Alabama from as far away as Maryland. It was an awesome experience.
  Good on you for being a part of this.

Tim

[Moonshot_1]

Missing in America Project
MIAP
Their Mission Statement
Mission Statement:
The purpose of the MIA Project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.

http://www.miap.us/index.htm

Back in April we had 7 buried with Honors at the New Iowa Veteran's Cemetery in Van Meter Iowa. (Near Des Moines)
I was planning on being there but got laid up in a Motorcycle accident the week prior.

Anyway, these Veterans were found through the Missing in America Project.

 

[X Ring]

One of the Mobile TV Stations sent a cameraman to the service. Here is a link to the video an accompanying article.  http://www.wkrg.com/alabama/article/local-homeless-veteran-receives-military-funeral/464119/Oct-20-2009_5-42-pm/  There is a movement in Mobile and across the country to take care of and honor our less fortunate vets