Pentagon Changes The Rules On Cremations For The Troops

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The Pentagon is changing military cremation procedures after a soldier complained that a friend’s remains were taken to what he considered a pet crematorium.

The crematorium in question is located near Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. The facility has two separate incinerators, one for animals and another for humans. The location of the property in a warehouse district and the signs on the building do not give the place the look of respect that one would expect for those killed in action. One of the signs that the Tolbert Funeral Home displays advertises the “Friends Forever” pet cremation service.

The mere fact that they are in a facility that also performs this same service for pets is, in the estimation of [Defense Secretary Robert Gates] and, I daresay, almost all the men and women you see walking around this building in uniform today, not appropriate for their service and sacrifice,” Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said.

Those who are killed in battle are sent to Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary. That building does not have its own crematorium. Dover has contracts with Torbert and Pippens Funeral Home for those who wish to have cremation for their burial.

Pippens’ incinerator is only used for humans.

The new policy that Gates has put in place will require that in the future only the facilities that deal in only humans can be used for the troops. There will also be a comprehensive review governing cremation and remains at all mortuary facilities used by the military.

“The families of the fallen have the secretary’s deepest apology,” Morrell said Friday evening.

“This report is very disturbing and our men and women in uniform who make the ultimate sacrifice must be treated with dignity,” Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain wrote.

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