Ensuring proper military burials

Cremains of seven Montana servicemen will receive proper military burial with full military honors at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Friday, July 13, at 2:30 p.m. It is open to the public.

This is made possible through the Missing in America Project. Two of these veterans served in World War II, one in Korea, two in Vietnam and others were in the service during 1974-75 and 1977.

Marty Malone, Billings, is Montana state coordinator for Missing in Action Project. Members of Patriot Guard Riders and Christian Motorcyclists from throughout Montana are participating and will take cremains. They leave homes Friday morning and will meet in Missoula, Butte, Bozeman and Billings en route to Helena.

Stephen Douglas, Kalispell, is Ride Leader. Rikki Perkins, Columbia Falls, is chaplain for Missing in America Chapter in Montana.

First ceremony of this type held in 2009 had 200 motorcyclists participating. It is anticipated there will be more this year.

Names of the seven veterans to be interred at Fort Harrison July 13, their hometown when in the service, branch of service, and years, follows: Jon William Ball, Kalispell, Army, Vietnam; James M. Brodniak, Kalispell, Army, Vietnam; Orville Clinton Hatch, Billings, Army, World War II; Anthony Mills, Billings, Marines, 1977; Michael Lynn Shannon, Army, 1974-75; Charles Jefferson Shelton, Kalispell, World War II, Navy; Charles Rollin Spears, Kalispell, Army, Korea, 1955-58. The two veterans returned to Montana for interment at Fort Harrison in 2009 were Clayton Sandknop and Plos Knak, both Army veterans.

Purpose of Missing in America Project is to locate, identify and inter unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations, and to provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for those forgotten heroes.

Search of the Internet showed a report stating 2,782 locations visited, 16,100 cremains found with 2,044 identified.

The American Legion, DAV and VFW in Montana all provide financial assistance. Burial vaults are provided by the American Legion while other costs, including setting tombstones, are included in other contributions.

Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.