Army: Bodies misidentified at Arlington Cemetery

[LongWire]

Travesty!!!!!!.............................
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http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/...nOG5gD9G8J24G0

Army: Bodies misidentified at Arlington Cemetery

By ANNE FLAHERTY and PAULINE JELINEK (AP) – 17 minutes ago
WASHINGTON — The Army says at least 200 remains in Arlington National Cemetery have been misidentified or misplaced, casting a shadow over what has been called America's "sacred ground."
Defense officials said Thursday that the Army has forced out the cemetery's two civilian leaders and appointed a new chief.
The Army says it plans a more thorough investigation of the questioned grave sites under the new management.
More than 300,000 people are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, including service members from the Civil War as well as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Army Secretary John McHugh told a Pentagon press conference that the investigation found 211 graves where there were problems of misidentification or improper record keeping.




THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.



WASHINGTON (AP) — It's uncertain who is buried in a number of graves at Arlington National Cemetery because of poor management and record keeping, Pentagon officials said Thursday.
Army Secretary John McHugh is set to release on Thursday the results of an investigation of Arlington that officials say found problems with keeping track of some burials. The cemetery is resting place for about 300,000, including veterans, war casualties, American presidents and dignitaries.
Two managers at the cemetery could face punishment, two defense officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak before McHugh. John C. Metzler Jr., the cemetery superintendent for the past 19 years, recently announced his retirement.
Officials said the problems at Arlington have gone on for years, but they declined to say how long and how many burial sites are involved. They said in some cases a grave marker was not placed soon enough after burial or records were not kept updated, resulting in uncertainty later about the identities of the deceased at some grave sites.
McHugh ordered an investigation by the Army inspector general in November after revelations that cemetery workers inadvertently buried cremated remains at a grave site already in use.
The error was discovered in May 2008, and cemetery officials immediately moved the cremated remains to another site and remarked the original grave, the Pentagon said in November. But there also were questions about whether cemetery officials used proper procedures to correct the mistake, including notifying the next of kin.
"This is the place where valor rests, a place of reverence and respect for all Americans," McHugh said when he ordered the probe. "As the final resting place of our nation's heroes, any questions about the integrity or accountability of its operations should be examined in a manner befitting their service and sacrifice."
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

[sf11b_p]

Misidentified incorrect markers, disgraceful, but burials on top of other burials criminal.

In 2008, a master sergeant was buried on top of a staff sergeant already in the grave, but the error wasn't discovered until the widow of the first service member buried there complained to authorities that someone else's headstone had been placed on her husband's grave, NBC News reported.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010...gton-cemetery/

[f50lrrp]

I hope to God that my brother wasn't one of these...

I buried my brother, 1LT Robert T. Soetaert, Pathfinder Platoon Leader !st Cav Division, 1969-1970, at Arlington last year. .

[Snaquebite]

More than a travesty. How many family members will now have doubts as to where there loved ones lay in rest?

[HOLLiS]

Sounds like this a recent development. Shame on those whose negligence caused it.

[crazy jon]

I can't say I'm totally surprised. The lack of professionalism and reverance for ANC by some of the civilians working there is astounding.

[Gypsy]

This makes me want to throw up. And bang some heads together. It's horrible and UNSAT.

[wch84]

How in the hell does something like this happen? Especially burying a soldier on top of another grave???

[Richard]

Ahhhh...now...does anyone know whose body is really buried in JFKs grave? Are you sure?

And so it goes...

Richard's $.02

[FMF DOC]

One word explains it. " Civilian"

[Richard]

Originally Posted by FMF DOC

One word explains it. " Civilian"

I disagree - slovenliness is a better descriptor for such behaviors - civilian or military has little to do with it.

However, YMMV...and so it goes...

Richard's $.02

[Green Light]

Originally Posted by FMF DOC

One word explains it. " Civilian"

Nope. I'm one of those "civilians". I work not that far from ANC, less than three miles. Richard nailed it. Wouldn't have happened if either I or Richard (or just about anyone else on this board) were in charge. The status of the person in charge doesn't matter, just whether or not they give a damn. I think most of us do.

[afchic]

I am just sick reading this.

Grave-Site Chaos At Arlington

100 unmarked; urns dumped; New rules, shakeup follow probe

By Michael E. Ruane

Army investigators at Arlington National Cemetery have found more than 100 unmarked graves, scores of grave sites with headstones that are not recorded on cemetery maps, and at least four burial urns that had been unearthed and dumped in an area where excess grave dirt is kept.

The investigators found that these and other blunders were the result of a "dysfunctional" and chaotic management system at the cemetery, which was poisoned by bitterness among top supervisors and hobbled by antiquated record-keeping.

As a result, John McHugh, secretary of the Army, on Thursday announced a series of sweeping reforms at the nation's most hallowed cemetery; a scathing reprimand for the outgoing superintendent, John C. Metzler Jr.; and the appointment of a new director to oversee cemetery operations and continue the investigation.

In addition, the cemetery's deputy superintendent, Thurman Higginbotham, who apparently feuded with Metzler, was placed on administrative leave pending disciplinary review. Metzler, who has been superintendent for 19 years, announced May 5 that he would retire July 2. His father held the job before him, from 1951 to 1972.

McHugh said he attends every Arlington funeral of a soldier who has perished in Iraq or Afghanistan. He apologized Thursday "to the families of the honored fallen" and called the failings "unacceptable."

There were two cases, later corrected, of mismarked graves in the cemetery's Section 60, which holds mostly Iraq and Afghanistan war dead. But the Army said it was not sure exactly when most of the other mistakes were made. Most other errors were found in sections 59, 65 and 66.

"The other grave sites are older," said Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, the Army's inspector general. "I'm not prepared to say they go back to the Civil War, but they're older grave sites in some sections where there may not be as active -- the number of burials -- as others." Some Arlington burials date to 1864.

The cemetery probe came after complaints from family members and a series of reports at Salon.com detailing many of the stark blunders the Army found.

The investigation guessed that the dumped burial urns had been inadvertently dug up during the opening of an old grave so a new relative could be buried there. The urns were then deposited with the excavated dirt in what is called the spoils area. One urn bore no identification and had to be reburied as "unknown," the investigation found.

The cemetery's records, many still kept on cards, were poor. Cemetery maps showed 117 graves that had no corresponding headstone or burial card. Ninety-four grave sites marked as unoccupied on maps had headstones and burial cards. And the Army said it's not sure if all such mistakes have been found.

A dismayed McHugh reprimanded Metzler in writing for his "failure to properly execute oversight responsibilities for the administration, operation and maintenance of Arlington National Cemetery . . . [and] ensure [the cemetery] conducted its interment operations in accordance with applicable laws and policies."

"Given your decision to retire," McHugh wrote, "I have elected not to initiate more severe disciplinary action or to direct your reassignment." He named Kathryn Condon, a veteran civilian Army executive, to the new post of executive director of the new Army National Cemeteries Program. She will supervise Metzler until he retires.

"I am deeply distressed by the anguish caused recently to family members of our honored heroes buried here," Metzler said in a statement supplied by the cemetery. "During each discrepancy brought to my attention I reacted promptly to ensure the matter was addressed to the family member's satisfaction and I want to ensure everyone at Arlington National Cemetery will remain committed to honoring our nation's veterans during this time of transition."

A cemetery spokeswoman said she did not have a comment from Higginbotham.

The cemetery, which surrounds Arlington House, once the home of Civil War Gen. Robert E. Lee, is across the Potomac River from the District. It averages 27 funerals each workday and about a hundred a week, and it is known for its perfect rows of modest white tombstones. More than 300,000 people are buried there, including two presidents, scores of generals and admirals, and tens of thousands of men and women who served in the U.S. military and their spouses and children.

The investigation portrayed a broken cemetery management system that Metzler and his staff were unable to correct. Some problems cited in the report "are a repeat of the deficiencies detailed in a 1997 inspection report . . . which currently have gone largely unaddressed for the past 12 years," McHugh said in a Thursday afternoon briefing at the Pentagon.

The report says: "Evidence indicated that no incident or mistake committed at [the cemetery] was treated as 'serious' and that no one was ever held accountable for an error. Instead, Mr. Metzler's testimony suggests he thought repeated mistakes were inevitable."

McHugh and Whitcomb said they found nothing intentional or criminal in the miscues. The report noted that although burials at Arlington have skyrocketed in recent years -- 100,000 since 1990 -- staff at the cemetery has dropped from 140 to 97.

Cemetery officials have set up a call center to address concerns about burials: 703-607-8199. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting Friday.

[Richard]

Two bureaucrats replaced and one new mega-bureaucrat position created - 'crats never seem to waste an opportunity to multiply and grow a bureaucracy...

And so it goes...

Richard

Arlington Cemetery Officials Punished For Poor Management
http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/06/11...dearmy-title12

The top two officials in charge of Arlington National Cemetery here were disciplined after an Army investigation found the cemetery's management to be "dysfunctional," Army Secretary John M. McHugh announced today at the Pentagon.

The Army inspector general completed a months-long report on June 8 that identified 76 separate deficiencies as well as 101 recommendations to improve operations at Arlington National Cemetery. Most significantly, the report found poor recordkeeping allowed occupied gravesites to be improperly marked or often not marked at all.

The Army stripped Superintendent John Metzler of all authority, but he will remain on staff until his retirement July 2. His deputy, Thurman Higgenbotham, was placed on administrative leave pending additional personnel actions. Both are career federal civil servants.

"A majority of these findings are deeply troubling and unacceptable," McHugh told reporters today at a Pentagon news conference. "The [inspector general] found Arlington's mission hampered by dysfunctional management, by a lack of established policies and procedures and an overall unhealthy organizational environment.

The report determined the improper internment of remains, including the loss of accountability for remains, names and graves listed as empty, he said. McHugh also cited improper maintenance and cleaning of graves.

"That all ends today," he said firmly, later adding that "there's simply no excuse" for the negative findings in the report.

McHugh established a new position to oversee the Army National Cemeteries Program. Katherine Condon was appointed executive director of the cemeteries program and she "has total supervisory powers pertaining to all business and operational activities associated with Army cemeteries," the secretary said.

Condon served as the senior civilian for the Army Material Command before accepting the position.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki also agreed to lend his department's expertise in cemetery operations. Patrick K. Hallinan, director of the Office of Field Programs for the VA, will be temporarily reassigned as Arlington's superintendent. Hallinan currently oversees 130 national cemeteries.

Also, McHugh established an Army National Cemetery Advisory Commission. Former Sens. Bob Dole and Max Cleland are charged with leading the group. Both former legislators have the experience for the job. Dole co-chaired a commission that investigated deficiencies at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2007, and Cleland is a former VA secretary.

McHugh said he's "deeply grateful" for the help he's enlisted. But more noticeably, the former New York congressman said he was battered with guilt and expressed his apologies to the families of the fallen buried in Arlington.

"On behalf of the United States Army and on behalf of myself, I deeply apologize to the families of the honored fallen resting in that hallowed ground who may now question the care afforded to their loved ones," he said.

The Army and Arlington National Cemetery will bounce back, McHugh said.

"The Army owes better," he said. "I'm unable to explain the past, but I can promise this about the future. The United States Army will take every step necessary to fully ensure that every challenge, every need at Arlington is clearly understood and effectively addressed.

"We owe no less to our departed heroes, no less to the loved ones of this nation who, when the call was sounded, stepped forward to serve," McHugh continued. "The better tomorrows for Arlington National Cemetery begin today."

[Richard]

Update.

CAUTION: May cause frustration, anger, injury to self and others, damaged or broken property.

Richard


Arlington's Grave Mix-Ups: Will the Army Ever Fix the Problem?
Time, 30 Mar 2011
Part 1 of 2

On a recent, unusually warm late-winter day, a young woman sat quietly at the foot of a white headstone at Arlington National Cemetery, among a cluster of graves of troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The woman, maybe 25 years old, sat in the grass, hugging the headstone.

The question is not why she was doing that (that's easy to understand); the question is whether the headstone she was hugging was the right one. Last summer, an Army inspector general's investigation confirmed that the Army had effectively lost control of its sacred ground, the national resting place of John F. Kennedy, Audie Murphy and 330,000 others who faithfully served their country. The Army probe played down reports of misplaced or lost remains, but the revelations prompted congressional hearings and howls of disgust from veterans' organizations. In an unusual departure from the Army's normal reflexes, Army Secretary John McHugh pushed out the superintendent of Arlington and his deputy and installed a new boss to make things right on its hallowed site.

But it appears likely that the problems at Arlington are far worse than the Army has acknowledged, and the new chief, Kathryn Condon, admits the service may never be able to identify all the missing remains on the immaculate 624-acre (250 hectare) site. The Army now plans to make only educated guesses about the identity of remains rather than digging in the dirt to be sure. That means that the true location of some remains may be a mystery forever.

Mistaken Identities

The Army has known for months that it may have a massive case of mistaken identity on its hands — but has been reluctant either to admit it or to learn exactly how widespread the burial errors are. Through the Freedom of Information Act, TIME obtained the raw transcripts of interviews that cemetery workers gave in 2009 and 2010 to the inspector general. In contrast to the tepid report the IG released last June, the transcripts show how workers repeatedly found unidentified remains while digging in what were supposed to be empty graves. "We went into a grave site, which we assumed was empty," one worker recalls. "Dig down ...and, uh ... whoops! Another coffin." Another worker guessed that "one time out of 10," a headstone at Arlington sits above the wrong grave.

The idea of workers' unexpectedly coming across remains where none were supposed to be is troubling, but at least those remains can be identified. Many caskets buried at Arlington carry exterior identification tags. And for those that do not, rapid advances in DNA identification technology provide hope that almost any mystery can be solved.

The transcripts, however, show that an unknown number of cremated remains were placed in urns that are lost forever. The problem stems from Arlington's policy of burying spouses on top of each other. When a veteran or his loved one died and the remains were cremated, the urns were interred just 3 ft. (1 m) below ground. When Arlington workers returned later to prepare the grave site for a coffin burial of a spouse, they generally removed 7 ft. (2 m) of fill. Workers complained in the transcripts that they were sometimes not alerted that an urn was already in a grave before they dug there a second time. Urns were sometimes scooped up by backhoes and dumped into a landfill, where workers would occasionally come across them later by chance. "That happens a lot," one worker said. "Nobody knows until somebody happens to see it in the landfill and says, 'Oh, my God, man. We just screwed up.'"

And then there is Arlington's Civil War–era style of record keeping. Years after other massive cemeteries computerized all their burial records, Arlington still tries to track about 30 burials a day with bits of paper recording the names and locations of remains. (This antiquated system has persisted years longer than it should have because the previous Arlington leaders paid millions aimed at computerizing Arlington to a group of friendly contractors who did almost nothing in return.)

Graves at Arlington are generally numbered sequentially and grouped into sections that often consist of several thousand burial sites each. TIME has reviewed records and inspected headstones for more than a dozen of these sections, from brand-new burials to graves that date from the late 1800s. It is clear that burial errors are spread throughout the hundreds of thousands of graves at Arlington. In section 64, for example, the headstone for Army Specialist Chin Sun Pak Wells, who died at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, sits above grave No. 4642. But according to internal cemetery documents obtained by TIME, her grave card — one of two pieces of paper that show where her headstone should be — says she is in grave 4672. Similarly, the records for section 64 put the remains of Navy Commander Russell K. Wood Jr., Army Sergeant First Class Ernest F. Freeman and Air Force Lieut. Colonel Arthur Rolph in two separate graves each.

Mistaken identity at the cemetery takes still other forms. Arlington's paperwork, for example, says that in 2005, in that same section, Army Sergeant First Class Irving Havenner Jr. and Air Force Colonel George Drury were both buried in the same grave, No. 2605.

Kathryn Condon, the new Arlington boss and a career Army executive, won't acknowledge the scope of the problem but doesn't really deny it either: "I can't tell you if the problem is massive yet until we see where we have our discrepancies." Since taking over nearly a year ago, she says, she has implemented strict, six-step chain-of-custody standards for keeping track of remains buried today. Thanks to those steps, she says, the headstones erected since her arrival stand over the right graves.

As for past errors, Condon described an ambitious, years-long project to probe for potential mistakes. Hundreds of thousands of burial records will be digitized and compared with overhead images of the headstones in each section. Workers will then load into that database photographs of the front and back of each numbered headstone. Potential problems should pop up once all that data is compared. "That will tell us where we might have potential discrepancies," Condon explains, "or not."

But Condon also revealed a critical incongruity in her plans to "fix Arlington." She admits that the burial paperwork is an unreliable mess, yet at the same time she insists there is enough correct information in the documents to figure out the likely location of remains with some degree of accuracy — and without digging to make sure. Condon calls this the "presumption of regularity" in the paperwork. What she means is that when documents show one person buried in two places, for example, the cemetery could use ground-penetrating radar to figure out whether a particular grave contains remains or not. "When the headstone matches the records and we probe [with radar] and it all matches, you have to have a presumption of regularity that that is a correct grave site," she says.

The problem with this is that radar will tell the Army only if there is a casket in the ground, not who is in it. Condon admits that such judgments about who is buried where may turn out to be wrong. "The only way you are ever truly going to find out is to physically excavate," she acknowledges. Where cemetery records suggest that there are remains in two places, the Army could decide that the grave with the headstone that matches the name on the paperwork is probably the correct one. "We can validate through the records process," Condon explains.

Condon's strategy is to rely on the records and noninvasive tools to figure out the most likely identity and location of remains. She says she has already used this method to identify the remains in three mystery graves during her 10-month tenure. She cannot dig to confirm those judgments, she says, unless next of kin absolutely insist.

(cont'd)