No family expected for Air Force veteran’s funeral Monday

The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen will conduct an unaccompanied veteran burial for Joseph Walker, an Air Force veteran, at 10 a.m. Monday, and cemetery officials hope people in the area will go.

Cemetery staff have coordinated with the Fort Hood Casualty Office to ensure that Walker will receive full military honors. If no next-of-kin present themselves at the ceremony, the on-site representative of the Veterans Land Board will accept the United States flag on Walker’s behalf, according to the Veterans Land Board, which runs the cemetery.

RELATED

Hundreds rally for funeral of Vietnam veteran who died with few known family members

A Vietnam War veteran with few known family members was buried at Omaha National Cemetery in Nebraska on Tuesday, flanked by hundreds of attendees who had never met him.

By Kyle Rempfer

"We have the distinct honor to provide a full military burial for unaccompanied United States Air Force Veteran Joseph Walker, a posting on the cemetery’s Facebook page says. “If you have the opportunity, please come out and attend. We do NOT leave Veterans behind.”

Joseph Walker served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968, KVUE reported.

A local motorcycle group, Wind Therapy Freedom Riders, is trying to rally its members and other community residents to turn out, the television station reported.

In Other News

Military sexual assault totals down, but trust among women remains low

Less than half of women in the military trust leaders to properly handle reports of sexual assault, according to new Pentagon data.

Air Force taps 6 bases to test new approach to deployments

New command teams are expected to arrive at several installations across the U.S. this summer as the Air Force launches a slate of air task forces.

Academy athletes could jump to pro sports right away under House plan

A proposal from House lawmakers would let academy athletes with professional sports offers serve in the reserves instead of on active duty.

Vets bill would expand caregiver support, boost in-home care options

A sweeping veterans measure introduced by lawmakers on Tuesday would improve benefits for veteran caregivers and individuals facing homelessness.

Air Force instructor pilot dies after ejection seat accident

A member of the 80th Flying Training Wing died Monday after their ejection seat fired while they were sitting in the cockpit on the ground.

Load More