WASHINGTON – Senator Chuck Grassley today asked the Inspector General at the Department of the Army to get involved in ongoing and mounting investigations of alleged misconduct at Arlington National Cemetery.
“With allegations of misconduct seeming to appear on a regular basis, the IG needs to take control,” Grassley said. “Our veterans deserve better from those tasked with taking care of their final wishes. Those who are responsible for caring for the remains that are entrusted to this holy place must treat their charges with unfailing honor and respect. Anything short of that is unacceptable.”
A copy of the text of Grassley’s letter to Inspector General at the Department of the Army, LTG R. Steven Whitcomb, outlining his concerns is below.
December 15, 2009
LTG R. Steven Whitcomb Department of the Army Inspector General 1700 Army Pentagon Washington, DC 20310-1700
Dear General Whitcomb:
I am writing to request that you coordinate and oversee all the ongoing investigations pertaining to alleged misconduct and mistreatment of remains at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC).
I have been informed by a very reliable source that there are at least seven separate investigations either ongoing or nearing completion involving allegations of misconduct at ANC. These run the full gamut from alleged false official statements, contract fraud, whistlebower reprisal, discrimination, to improperly marked graves to name a few.
In October 2008, the Defense Department (DOD) Inspector General (IG) assumed direct responsibility for one small portion of the ANC allegations – the investigation of the Title 5 [civilian] whistleblower reprisal case. I understand that its report of investigation is complete and is now in review for “legal sufficiency.” Those results should be available in the near future.
Other new allegations appear to be surfacing on a daily basis.
I understand that a number of employees continue to step forward to the various investigative offices - and the press - with new allegations. For example, an item that appeared on Salon.com on December 11, 2009 was brought to my attention yesterday. It is entitled “Cremated Remain dumped in Arlington Landfill; More Burial Mix-ups Unearthed at the Troubled National Cemetery.” This report alleges that cremated remains were accidently dumped in a dirt landfill; the existence of numerous unmarked graves throughout ANC; and sloppy record-keeping. These are very troublesome issues, indeed. If they are not already under review, I ask that these and any other new allegations be assigned to the appropriate office for investigation.
I respectfully request that you ensure that all the ANC allegations are thoroughly and independently examined; that whistleblower allegations are handled according to applicable laws and regulations; and that if allegations of misconduct are substantiated, I ask that those involved be held accountable. As these investigative and accountability issues are addressed and resolved, I ask to be fully informed on those outcomes as they become available.
You will note that I am providing a copy of this letter to DOD IG Heddell. If at the conclusion of this process, I feel the Army’s investigative and administrative process is not totally independent, I may refer these matters to the DOD IG for further review and consideration.
Arlington National Cemetery is hallowed ground. Everything within its boundaries is sacrosanct to the families whose loved ones are buried there. And those who are responsible for caring for the remains that are entrusted to this holy place must treat their charges with unfailing honor and respect. Anything short of that is unacceptable.
Your cooperation in this process would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley Ranking Member
Copy to:
DOD IG Heddell