Guardsman Killed in Chopper Crash Denied Burial at Arlington

A Louisiana National Guardsman killed in a helicopter crash in the Gulf of Mexico can't be buried at the hallowed grounds because it was a training exercise, Arlington National Cemetery says.

According to the cemetery, the burial plots are only for service members who die on active duty because of limited space.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Florich, 26, was among four guardsmen and seven Marines killed March 10 when the Black Hawk helicopter they were aboard crashed off of Florida.

His father, a former Army major and Green Beret, calls the burial rejection β€œa slap in the face.”

β€œMy son died in uniform and deserved to be buried at Arlington,” said Stephen Florich, of King George, Virginia, which is about 45 miles south of Arlington Cemetery.

Stephen Florich, who resigned his Army commission when his wife died, said he has received support from military veterans and government leaders in his fight to get his son buried at Arlington. Some veterans have told him they would give up their own spot in the cemetery for Thomas Florich.

β€œI'm overwhelmed by the support my family and I have received from across the country,” he said.

In a statement, the Army said Staff Sgt. Florich's death was tragic and deep loss to his family, the Army and our nation.

β€œHis record of service makes him eligible for inurnment, so he may be forever enshrined in Arlington National Cemetery; however, since at the time of his death he was on active duty for training only, he therefore does not meet the well-established criteria for interment in Arlington National Cemetery,” the statement read.

The problem is space.

Cemetery spokeswoman Jennifer Lynch said Arlington is expected to run out of burial space in about 40 years, meaning β€œthose currently serving on active duty may not have an opportunity to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, if they retire after a life of service.”

β€œThis is not including any conflicts that may arise in the next 40 years,” Lynch said.

Col. Pete Schneider, spokesman for the Louisiana National Guard, said he was disappointed in the cemetery's decision. An appeal was filed with the secretary of the Army seeking an exception.

As of Wednesday, there had been no reply.

U.S. Rep. Charles W. Boustany Jr., a Louisiana Republican, said he also asked for an exception. While Thomas Florich may not have been on active duty, Boustany said, he β€œwas supporting active duty Marines when the training accident occurred.”

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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