Unclaimed Cremated Remains of Ten Veterans Interred at the Santa Fe National Cemetery

(SANTA FE, NM)—The cremated remains of nine deceased veterans whose bodies were unclaimed by family members at death were laid to rest with full military honors at a Forgotten Heroes Funeral on November 1st at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Governor Susana Martinez delivered the Eulogy/Keynote Address at the service, praising the service and sacrifice of the nine, and saying she was honored to be in their presence as they were finally being delivered to their final resting place.

“This is a somber occasion-- but one that offers closure for the nine Armed Forces veterans who sacrificed their all … and yet no one is here to receive them,” said Governor Martinez during the service. “Today, they receive the honor they deserve. We are here to make sure that no man or woman who wore the uniform of the United States Armed Forces will ever be alone at the end.”

The funeral was the latest result of the ongoing combined efforts of the Missing in America Project, the Santa Fe National Cemetery, the Albuquerque Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the new Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services as part of the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program—launched last year to provide for the full military burial of the cremated remains of deceased military veterans who were not claimed by family members upon death. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services becomes the family of record.

A multi-branch Honor Guard performed the Flag Fold ceremony…presenting the folded flag used during the service to Governor Martinez. A Rifle Volley and a rendition of Taps by a U.S. Army Bugler were also a part of the service, with Deacon Juan Martinez of the St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe presiding.

The following ten veterans were laid to rest at the funeral:

Branch/Rank/Name/Birthplace/When Served

Army Pvt. John L. Craft (Bonne Terree, MO)
WWI (World War One)

Navy MOMM2 (Motor Machinist Mate 2nd Class) Milton Vincin Burroughs (Jeffersonville, IN)
WWII

Navy CCM (Chief Carpenter’s Mate) Donald Claire Smith (Roswell, NM)
WWII

U.S. Navy Lt. Edward Grimms Lucius (Chicago, IL)
WWII

Army Tec3 (Technician 3rd Class) Gerald Edwin Huber (Los Alamos, NM)
WWII

Army Pvt. Henry D. Nichols (Pleasantville, NY)
WWII

Air Force A1C (Airman 1st Class) Charles Thomas Stewart (New Boston, OH)
Korea

Army Col. Jackson Evert Shirley (Williams, AZ)
WWII, Korea
            **Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Silver Star

Army Col. John Garnett Coughlin (Bisbee, AZ)
WWII, Korea

The unclaimed cremated remains of ten deceased veterans were laid to rest with full military honors on November 1st at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Governor Susana Martinez delivering the Eulogy during the cemetery service.

A multi-branch Military Honor Guard Team performing the Flag-Fold ceremony.

Adjutant General Kenny C. Montoya presents the folded flag used during the service to Governor Susana Martinez.