AMVETS SADDENED; UPSET BY MISMANAGEMENT AT ARLINGTON

Inspector General report finds more than 200 accountability issues, other deficiencies
Update: Army Commissions Hotline for Families

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2010—This afternoon, Army Secretary John McHugh and Army Inspector General, Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, announced findings from a recent investigation, citing more than 200 “issues of accountability” on gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery, including two mismarked grave sites in Section 60, where heroes from the Global War on Terrorism are interned.

AMVETS leaders were saddened and upset by the reports and called on the Department of the Army to immediately remedy the shortcomings.

“Arlington National Cemetery is sacred ground for our nation’s veterans and these kinds of mistakes are inexcusable,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin. “The Department of the Army needs to do a better job of tracking the heroes interned at Arlington and we hope that Secretary McHugh and Gen. Whitcomb are serious about the next steps in fixing these unconscionable errors.”

During the press conference, McHugh clarified that Department of the Army will work closer with the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve its tracking and that Arlington’s record-keeping system must be updated, taking advantage of 21st Century technology.

In the wake of the investigation, both the superintendent and deputy superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery have been removed and McHugh has left the option open for further punitive action, pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

“These sorts of careless and avoidable errors dishonor the sacrifices of those laid to rest at Arlington, and they’re deeply hurtful to the families left to mourn,” Miskulin went on to say. “To surviving veterans, these kinds of oversights are offensive, which is why we must work to ensure that all such errors are uncovered and similar mistakes are never made again.”

Each year, AMVETS offers insight and recommendations for VA’s National Cemetery Administration as a partner on the Independent Budget for VA alongside Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.