Eight Unclaimed Veterans and Two MIAP Members Interred at Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.- MARANA, Ariz.- This year’s Missing In America Project ceremony was more emotional than usual as two members of the non-profit were laid to rest along with eight previously unclaimed Veterans at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Camp Navajo last week.
The Veterans were interred at a special ceremony at the cemetery on April 18 hosted by the Missing In America Project, a national organization dedicated to locating, identifying and interring unclaimed Veterans. The Veterans were given full military honors surrounded by family, friends and a grateful community.
“We are standing here today in honor of those who have passed to commemorate their service and make sure they are not forgotten,” said MIAP AZ Chaplain Cary Cartter, tearfully. “Without all of you, that promise would be broken. Each and every one of these Veterans is a hero for putting their lives on the line for freedom.
Among the Veterans being honored were long-time MIAP members Lance Corporal John Epstein and Sergeant Tony Hampton.
“These two men were loyal to their country, to us and their families,” said Cyndy Williams Palcich, Past Reagent Coconino Chapter of DAR. “They leave behind worthwhile legacies of friendships and dedication.”
The Daughters of the Revolution-Coconino Chapter read off the names of the 10 Veterans being laid to rest, to ensure that every service member is remembered and honored for their sacrifices and services.
“You’ve heard the names and the bell has tolled, and I encourage you all to look at the beautiful white marble (of the gravestones) and know that not all gold glitters,” said Cyndy. “These are markers of duty, of sacrifice, of honorable oath for those who are the enemy of the world and the envy of history.”
The ten Veterans interred by MIAP were:
- Airman Roark F. Anderson
- Airman 2nd Class Michael G. Christian
- Private William A. Jacobs
- Specialist 4 William A. McCoy
- Sergeant Danny McKnight
- Private 1st Class James J. Ponegalek
- Private 1st Class Gene Wilkes
- Private George E. Wilmot Jr.
- Specialist 4 Gene W. Wood
- Airman 1st Class Robert J. Friesen
- Lance Corporal John F. Epstein
- Sergeant Tony K. Hampton