September 19, 2007 04:30 PM
U.S. Military Cemetery Runs Out Of Space For Dead Soldiers
Via Reuters:
A Kansas military cemetery has run out of space after the burial of another casualty of the Iraq war, officials said on Thursday.
"We are full," said Alison Kohler, spokeswoman for the Fort Riley U.S. Army post, home of the 1st Infantry Division.
U.S. Sens. Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts, both Kansas Republicans, on Thursday sent a letter to William Tuerk, the under secretary for memorial affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs, urging for full funding for a new cemetery for Fort Riley.
"While a new cemetery would not be completed in time to alleviate this situation immediately, it is vitally important," Roberts and Brownback, a Republican presidential candidate, said in their letter. Read more...
:(
if we had a sane and not a totally delusional bastard for president, we would not have full
military cementaries. this is degraceful.
You get the burial the army gives you not the burial you might want.
Hey - we have losta space up here in Canukistan!
You want plots? Plots "R" us!
Just let us know how much ground you need and we'll evict the polar bears to meet your demand!
Good thing there's so much undeveloped real estate left in Kansas. The way things are going we'll need it.
a brownback and roberts...
how 'bout just stop voting to get soldiers killed in a pointless, endless war?
that might solve the problem!
There's plenty of room in Crawford TX too.
Who says the Republicans don't have a plan to bring the troops home? The real problem is finding the place to put them once they're back.
Yellow Elephant Safari @ 7:
You beat me to it. We should use GWs front yard at his place in Crawford.
Global H @ 8:
I'm sure there's no shortage of well connected corporations putting together plans to handle future burials as private subcontractors.
Global H @ 8:
That said it all. To them, the solution is more land. That is just shameful.
Maybe KBR could build one for them. When we finish privatizing the mil we can start privatizing the mil cem process.
THEY CAN SHARE A GRAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yellow Elephant Safari @ 7:
I think a better plan would be to reserve the whole state for the burial of Habeas Corpus. No?
bob @ 12:
It's called supply chain control.
I've read that ovens work when you're generating more corpses than you can bury.
Line the backhoes up to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
So fu*king sad and the only thing that crosses the Senators' minds is to get more land so they can bury more in the future. :(
huh? Fort Riley, Kansas running out of space for their cemetary? Isn't that like the southern US running out of born-again Christians? I was stationed at Fort Riley for over six months, and I can tell you that one thing that they appeared to have more then enough of was space. This is just Fort Riley itself here, I'm not even talking about how empty the countryside is.
Anyway, it just seems like poor planning on the military's part, and that the problem would have happened sooner or later even without the Iraq war filling the cemetery up a little sooner then expected.
The soldiers and their families are keeping track of all of this..
Veterans and Citizens are bailing from the Republican Party in Kansas.. and throughout the Country.
The GOP Obstructionists are finished.
Bush, Cheney and its allied media have manipulated intelligence, lied to our Soldiers, lied to the American People, committed crimes & treason..
All while profiteering while destroying what Americans, Soldiers, Veterans have fought so hard and died for.
How many people have to die so Warner can get a CEO position in some crony GOP corporation?
Goodbye to the GOP in 2008.
I agree
Wow, this Gathering of Eagles looks more like a pansy ass flock of chicken-hawk pussies. I say we flood their site an dpu tum out of business.
put them
wrong thread, btw
I really dispise Brownback and Pat Roberts, but in this one instance on this one subject, they have a point as far as pushing for funds for another military cemetary...... At this rate...they're gonna need a lot more than one though.... Given the greedy warmongering nature of this administration, they better just plan on turning the whole state of Kansas into one big fucking military cemetary... That just might be enough real estate for all the dead we'll be burying if these motherfuckers don't stop their insanity................JD
Beyond words!
pissed off patricia @ 18:
This is a sad, complicated issue. But it looks like its not what it seems. Apparently, Ft. Riley has lost 133 to the Iraq War but not all have been buried there. Plus, the shortage of graves is not solely (by any means) based on Iraq War.
This from an NPR story from August 3rd:
"Despite the U.S. military's current deployments, the expansion has not been driven by causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan, where more than 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed in six years of fighting. Last year, older veterans died at a rate of about 1,500 each day."
Again, not all of these older vets are going to be buried in Veteran's cemeteries but that's were most of the spaces go. And the numbers are growing. So look, it doesn't mean that this war is not a horrible, sickening mess. It just means that sometimes things aren't that black and white.
Arlington is about full up too. When I was in DC a few years ago they were saying it would be at its limit within the next ten years.
I think some of the replies to this post may be off base a little with this one. NPR had a report on this a month ago. For various reasons Army posts in the US have stopped allocating new land (on post) for use as burial plots. So once the currently designated areas are full, they stop (VA funding is helping states open new cemeteries off post though). See story here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12476736
One rather important quote: "Despite the U.S. military's current deployments, the expansion has not been driven by causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan, where more than 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed in six years of fighting."
It seems to be a case of aging veterans from previous wars as opposed to casualties of the current conflicts.
Yep! That's the answer another cemetery.
joe @ 3:
Yep... soon, the navy isn't going to be the only military branch to do burial at sea.
Sorry. Double posted.
More land needed to bury the soldiers killed in Iraq?
I recommend opening a new cemetery in Crawford, Texas.
Arlington Cemetery was Robert E. Lee's estate before the civil war. So Bush's livestock-less "ranch" should work just fine...
Hmmm... Stop the War or make more cemetaries???? Hmmmm....
Next thing you know they are going to recommend that Iraq War Vets that die by their own hand or in a motorcycle/automobile accident will not be eligible to be buried in a military cemetary..... 'Cause, you know, they need it for the men and women that die in combat.
We know how they feel about Vets.
This should not be happening.
So much easier for Brownback and Roberts to ask for funding to build another cemetery. How about asking for Bush to quit killing American military instead? Just a thought.
Let's come up with names for this new cemetery. "The Brownback Roberts murdered soldiers Cemetery"
What does it mean..."Your comment is awaiting moderation." ??
How many military cemeteries are near where you live versus the number of golf courses.
Outsource the cemetary and burial process to KBR, Halliburton etc.
Then a corporation can make a profit, pay taxes and continue the capitalist cycle.
Dust to dust to dollars.
How about handing over one of the country club golf courses used by all the contractors making a killing on this invasion? If they are too selfish to give up their precious course, then we can bury the dead under flat grave markers, so as not to impede the drive and lie of the ball.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't any veteran entitled to be buried in a military cemetery regardless of whether they were killed in combat? Millions of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Gulf War I veterans die or will die of natural causes and be buried in military cemeteries. Iraq War KIA are barely a drop in the bucket comparatively.
Greg;
A really good idea... Great even... But way too logical, smart and just plain common sense correct.... So of course, it can't possibly happen... Especially if we're expecting someone like Brownback or Roberts to propose it... They'd much rather see more holes dug into the ground obviously... But I agree and commend you for offering it.. As thoughts go... Pretty damned good one....JD
more fruits from this widow factory of a war
superdude @ 39:
Yep. You are correct.
"Despite the U.S. military's current deployments, the expansion has not been driven by causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan, where more than 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed in six years of fighting. Last year, older veterans died at a rate of about 1,500 each day."-from NPR.
I agree that the saner solution is to get out of Iraq, but I see that only one of you is asking the obvious question - How the fuck do you wait until the cemetery is full before you say, "Hmm, I think we have a problem. Maybe I'd better pick up the goddamn phone??"
It's been a while since I posted on anything, but I couldn't resist...
Thank God I didn't vote for EITHER of these assholes. Brownback can't be allowed to become President, and we need someone (one of these vets you speak of, maybe) to run against Roberts - he's a GOTS-to-go situation - in 2008.
The Smiths Go To Washington @ 20:
Love the name, and it's fitting. See my comment above.
Greg @ 34:
Jack, you've made a friend for life.
Jack Damage @ 25:
Sorry, Logan but its older veterans (1,500 die every day) and their families that are filling up the cemeteries, not Iraq War dead.
Ski@45;
Umm gee thanks... but I'm trying to figure out how I managed this... Was it the idea of making the whole state of Kansas a cemetary? (might not actually be enought room really) Or was it my disdain for Brownback and Roberts...(I'm really not alone on that one) Or was it the accurate potrayal of our current government...( it really is accurate now) Or was it just my 'colorful' language...(I obviously cuss like the ex-squid I am) Aaammmm Jus wonderin bro... In any case, thanks again; :-) JD
Johnny2Bad @ 46:
Cemeteries can use mortality tables to plan for growth. It's the damn surges that throw off the accounting. Like at Fort Riley Since the 2003 beginning of the war in Iraq, Fort Riley has lost 133 soldiers and airmen, though not all are buried in the Fort Riley cemetery. Sgt Joel Murray, who died Sept. 4 in Iraq, took the last available plot, said Kohler.
They won't take any steps to end the war in Iraq or make sure our troops have the proper medical care or the proper amount of rest at home before another tour. Oh, but they'll sure jump on getting more space to bury the dead bodies coming back by the the thousands now. Pathetic. The Repbulicans don't support the troops, they support their agenda. Brownback and Roberts should be ashamed of themselves!
No one saw this coming?
Not to worry. The Carnage division of Haliburton has temporary body storage units available for lease by the year, the decade or the century. Call for rates.
Thing Fish @ 48:
Uh...Not really....there is a shortage but apparently, not from any "surges". Sorry, the numbers don't lie.
"At least 35 other states have built veterans' graveyards with V.A. funding in the recent years. And the VA has been building new national cemeteries. The efforts have meant nearly doubling the number of graveyards reserved for veterans, their spouses and dependent children. Despite the U.S. military's current deployments, the expansion has not been driven by causalities in Iraq and Afghanistan, where more than 4,000 U.S. troops have been killed in six years of fighting. Last year, older veterans died at a rate of about 1,500 each day." -NPR
"Most veteran deaths have been from the fading 2.9 million-World War II generation, according to government estimates. A 20-year-old who served in 1945 would be 82 today. State and national officials also are preparing for the influx of 7.3 million Vietnam War veterans near or past retirement age. They represent a "huge potential" for interments, Kemano said." -The Virginian-Pilot
Moderator....Why are my comments being "held for moderation?" or just disappear? I see nothing wrong with them. They don't violate any of your guidelines. Please explain.
Military cemeteries fill all the time. Especially at an old post like Fort Riley. Especially when a lot of WWII veterans are dying about now and getting buried in military cemteries. Don't make too much of this particular one, there are plenty more newsworthy items.
Mike Mid City @ 50:
Amd yes, this was seen coming, NPR did a story on Ft. Riley's cemetry filling a couple of months back. Perhaps Brownback and Roberts a) don't listen to the news, b) aren't in touch with a remote state like Kansas or c) are making political hay.
I live near a military installation that has a cemetery also for the military. They have recently had to clear land to meet the current demand. Must be a coincidence, huh?
Bush may not be able to get rid of those pesky war dissenters but he sure can get rid of those empty burial plots.
The Ft. Riley cemetery isn't that big, and it dates back to the days when Fort Riley was a fort, with walls to keep the Indians out. Not surprising that it is filled up.
Oh well...it's Fort Riley's fault.
Frank @ 9:
Arlington Cemetery is located on the land that was once the home of General Robert E. Lee. It was confiscated for non-payment of taxes. Having a National Cemetery in Bushes front yard would be appropriate.
Give them time, they will be buried vertically instead.
I shed a tear for all the mothers, the fathers and the families of all those young soldiers.
Soldiers who are supposed to be HERE to protect and serve the American PEOPLE and America.
Soldiers who did not die protecting the many, but were killed by a select few
RIP.
- JJ
whizkid @ 62:
Nope. Clinton's.
jtmonty46 @ 63:
What about Cindy Sheehan's old land across from GW's gate in Crawford. It's only 5 acres and would fill fast, but I think that would be beautiful because he could really do nothing about it!
I'll throw a little bit of realism in...
A lot of these burials are due to WW2, Korea, and Vietnam veterans dying also. The article is a little misleading when it says "after another casualty of the Iraq war". However, this does not mean that it's full of Iraq war veterans.
There is still plenty of open space at all those decomissioned military bases that have been shut down in this country. Considering that they're all toxic, I doubt the dead will mind. And what better place to be laid to rest than in a new cemetary converted from an old military base?
U.S. Military Cemetery Runs Out Of Space For Dead Soldiers
A Kansas military cemetery has run out of space after the burial of another casualty of the Iraq war
people event thouugh this is a sad event, not all the facts are know.
What we do know is the cemetary is full, yes tragedy.
What we dont know is how close the cemetary was to being full at the beginning of the war.
to dose this cemitary allow former us military personell to be buried here, or just active members of the military.
and 3 how many of the soildures burried since the begining of the conflicts in Afganastan, and Iraq. those questions must be answered before you judge the situation.
This issue should not be used as a political, situation like some would like to say. Dont blame a president like the person before me, or dont blame a clinton like someone else. Remember the soildures buried there!!
We are losing 100,000 troops a day in Iraq put them on the white house lawn.
Oh no the dead have risen and are voting republican!
Hi
regretfuly, you care about your people only .. what about more than million iraqi dead since 2003 ? its American freedom .. lets work together .. Iraqi and American to stop that damn war
http://www.iraqisoutside.com/
I heard "Puente Hills" is almost full now too... maybe Bush will "kill two birds with one stone" and open a combination land-fill / military cemetery?
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