Panetta Orders Investigation Into Virginia Landfill Case

For five years, unclaimed cremated remains of fallen U.S. soldiers were allegedly dumped in a Virginia landfill.

Sources:CNNMSNBCPoliticoNew Jersey Star-Ledger

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/panetta-orders-investigation-into-virginia-landfill-case/

By Victoria Craig

Anchor: Victoria Craig

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Death and Dishonor

An M16-A2 service rifle, a pair of boots and a helmet stand in tribute to a fallen Marine Corps sergeant.

Remains of Fallen Soldiers Were Dumped in Virginia Landfill

According to a November 9 article published in the Washington Post, "The Dover Air Force Base mortuary for years disposed of portions of troops’ remains by cremating them and dumping the ashes in a Virginia landfill, a practice that officials have since abandoned in favor of burial at sea.

The mortuary in Delaware, the main point of entry for the nation’s war dead and the target of federal investigations of alleged mishandling of remains, engaged in the practice from 2003 to 2008, according to Air Force officials. The manner of disposal was not disclosed to relatives of fallen service members."

The full story, which was written by Craig Whitock and Greg Jaffe, can be read via the following link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/remains-of-war-dead-dumped-in-landfill/2011/11/09/gIQAz7dM6M_print.html

Photo source: United States Marine Corp, I.D. 030427-M-4066S-013
Author: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan P. Sotelo.
Permission: Public Domain