Operation Dignity honors unclaimed veterans at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies

The number of U.S. military veterans who cremated remains are unclaimed runs into the tens of thousands, and probably a whole lot more.

Fifteen were given a proper sendoff during July 15 ceremonies in Westmoreland and Washington counties, culminating with their being laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Cecil Township.

“Today, as you all observe and take part in this service, take comfort in knowing that our veterans were not honored and interred without family in attendance, for you, today, are their family,” Sean Verma said at the cemetery, as part of what was called Operation Dignity.

He is regional coordinator for the nonprofit Missing In America Project, a group of volunteers who contact coroners’ offices, funeral homes and other entities about unclaimed remains. About 10% turn out to be veterans, according to Verma.

“We attempt to contact the next of kin,” he said. “If we could locate or identify family and reunite them with their family members, that would be our No. 1 goal. Other than that, we want to make sure we have closure, like what we’re about to have here today.”

The remains of the veterans being honored had been stored at the Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office, two since the 1990s. Coroner Tim Carson arranged a memorial service at Hempfield Park, after which a vehicle procession took the urns to the National Cemetery.

Verma said he often is asked why remains are left behind, and he counters with:

“They weren’t so much left behind for so long. They were securely kept in those offices, so that way we could offer this dignity in time.”

The Missing In America Project started in 2007 and so far has identified more than 6,000 veterans. Based on the number of funeral homes nationally, the total “on the low end” could be between 50,000 and 75,000, or possibly into the hundreds of thousands, Verma said.

Also participating in Operation Dignity were numerous members of law enforcement, veterans’ organizations and patriotic motorcycle groups, including the Patriot Guard Riders, volunteers who ensure dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military heroes, first responders and honorably discharged veterans.

Marcella Sorensen of the Patriot Guard Riders read the names of the 15 men who were honored:

• Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulic Airman Craig Beedle of North Huntingdon, died Dec. 13, 2020
• Air Force Airman Michael Bidzila of Greensburg, died March 5, 2021
• Navy Storekeeper Matthew Bowman of Lower Burrell, died May 14, 2019
• Air Force Sgt. Eugene P. Constantino of New Kensington, died Oct. 5, 2009
• Marine Corps Pvt. Otis L. Davenport of Jeannette, died May 21, 2019
• Army Spc. Larry B. Frye of Trafford, died Dec. 23, 2016
• Army Pvt. Bruce S. Herer of Hempfield, died Jan. 8, 2019
• Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roger J. Hudak of Salisburgy, died Aug. 18, 2020
• Navy Seaman Recruit Lawrence M. Jenkins of Latrobe, died March 23, 2020
• Marine Corps Reserve Pvt. William M. Kenton of North Huntingdon, died Dec. 14, 2008
• Army Staff Sgt. Clayton F. Moyer, no address available, died Jan. 29, 1993
• Army Staff Sgt. William J. Moyer, no address available, died July 7, 1995
• Air Force 2nd Class Airman Robert A. Ottaviani of Hempfield, died Dec. 25, 2020
• Army Pvt. Donald E. Rush of Jeannette, died Aug. 11, 2017
• Marine Corps Pvt. David Sage of North Huntingdon, died Oct. 14, 2019

For more information about the Missing In America Project, visit www.miap.us.

Related:

• More than 250 attend service in Hempfield for unclaimed cremains of 15 veterans

• Bridgeville American Legion memorial dedicated at Cemetery of Alleghenies

• ‘Every day is Memorial Day’ at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies