I have a question that is haunting me tonight

[ribrepin]

I have a friend who's son was killed in Iraq. I heard a rumor today that he committed suicide while on duty in Iraq. The local paper said his death was ruled non-combat. He is buried at Arlington National cementary.

I am reluctant to believe this and really don't want to ask his mother about this. She seems very stressed and sad right now. Can someone be buried at Arlington if they have committed suicide while on duty in a war zone?

[Captain Hilts]

1. Yes, I believe so as it is not just for those killed in combat. nt

[ribrepin]

2. Thanks Captain Hilts

I wanted this not to be true. He joined before he was 18 and his parents signed the papers. I will continue to be as supportive as possible, which mostly consists of providing an ear.

[Captain Hilts]

5. That's all you can do. I've been to several funerals at Arlington. nt

[jody]

3. Yes "(1) Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty."

See http://www.cem.va.gov/bbene/eligible.asp

My late wife is buried in a VA National Cemetery and I as retired military will join her.

I can't think of any reason VA would deny burial in the cited case.

If they do, please PM me immediately and I can assure you we vets will fight the case for his mother.

[ribrepin]

4. Her son has already been buried @ Arlington

I was hoping to refute what I have taken to be a rumor. I have heard this rumor before, but I heard it from a pretty unimpeachable source yesterday.

Regardless of how he died, I am glad they were able to bury him @ Arlington. The family seems to take comfort that he was laid to rest at Arlington.

[Captain Hilts]

6. If you die as a vet, they put you in the columbarium. nt

[Skittles]

7. yes

[SKKY]

8. Absolutely they can. And my condolenced to your friends family...

...I can't imagine what losing a child must feel like, but in this situation, it must be even more difficult if he did in fact take his own life. :patriot: