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Anchored in Honor: Remembering the Ninth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Franklin Welch

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/25/2026

On Sept. 18, 2026, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew over Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 4, known as Coast Guard Hill, where the Coast Guard Memorial honors the service’s sacrifices in World War I. The two symbols of the service branch were appropriate for a final salute to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Franklin Welch, the ninth Coast Guardsman to hold the service’s highest enlisted position. Welch’s interment marked a historic milestone: he is the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Kevin M. Hymel

Anchored in Honor: Remembering the Ninth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Franklin Welch

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/25/2026

On Sept. 18, 2026, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flew over Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 4, known as Coast Guard Hill, where the Coast Guard Memorial honors the service’s sacrifices in World War I. The two symbols of the service branch were appropriate for a final salute to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Franklin Welch, the ninth Coast Guardsman to hold the service’s highest enlisted position. Welch’s interment marked a historic milestone: he is the first Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard to be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. 

Kevin M. Hymel

From Ensign to Navy Secretary: John Middendorf Served His Country for Almost a Century

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/24/2026

On a warm summer day in Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 81, U.S. Navy Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Doyl McMurry stood among the rows of headstones and shared highlights of former Secretary of the Navy William “John” Middendorf II’s legacy with his family and friends. Although Middendorf died at age 101 and served only briefly in the Navy during World War II, McMurry reminded the mourners of his long legacy of service marked by honors and career accomplishments. 

Kevin M. Hymel

Army Bugler Sounded Taps for 27 Years at Arlington National Cemetery

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/22/2026

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Paul Wilhoit loved playing the trumpet. For 27 years, from 1974 to 2001, he played both the trumpet and the bugle for the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” at Fort Myer, Virginia, helping to render musical honors for national leaders, foreign dignitaries, heads of state, diplomats and veterans. He also honored the nation’s heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, sounding Taps at funeral services and wreath laying ceremonies. 

 

Kevin M. Hymel

The Kannettes: Separated by War, Together for Eternity

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/22/2026

They met on Miami beach while war raged in Europe. James “Jim” Kannette, a jazz pianist, saw Eunice Brierley, a nurse, knitting. He asked her what she was doing, and she explained she was knitting socks. 

Kevin M. Hymel

Women’s Army Corps Sergeant Inspired by Her Family’s Legacy to Serve

By Kevin M. Hymel on 9/2/2026

Janice Montalto wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself. With her father serving in the U.S. Navy, her brother serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, and the war in Vietnam still raging, she volunteered for the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) on Sept. 19, 1972. 

Kevin M. Hymel

From Boot Camp to Guam: World War II Sailor Chronicled Navy Life

By Kevin M. Hymel on 8/31/2026

Joseph Manno rarely spoke about his combat service as a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman in the Pacific Theater during World War II, but he did document his Naval training experiences before he shipped out.  

 

Kevin M. Hymel

Family Says Final Goodbye to World War II Uncle They Never Knew

By Kevin M. Hymel on 8/26/2026

During World War II, 20-year-old U.S. Army Air Forces Sgt. Henry “Harry” Younge enjoyed playing his trumpet for his B-29 bomber crew during bombing missions from Guam to Japan. His trumpet skills even landed him a performance on the radio show “Time to Smile,” which was scheduled to broadcast live from Guam on April 24, 1945. Unfortunately, Younge was never able to share a single note with his fellow Americans.

Kevin M. Hymel

“What a Marine Should Be”: Lt. Gen. William Keys Led Marines in Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War

By Kevin M. Hymel on 8/24/2026

Three V-22 Osprey aircraft roared over Arlington National Cemetery as a final salute to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Keys. More than 100 people attended Keys’ funeral service on July 20, 2026. The full military funeral honors with escort service included a 15-gun salute from the Presidential Salute Battery, a Marine displaying a three-star flag, a caisson detachment, a riderless horse and a bagpiper playing “Amazing Grace.” 

Kevin M. Hymel

Hundreds Gather to Bid a Final Farewell to Cold Warrior

By Kevin M. Hymel on 8/19/2026

U.S. Army Gen. David M. Maddox was a true Cold Warrior. He entered the Army as the nation heightened its efforts in Vietnam and retired shortly after the Soviet Union dissolved. As a testament to his service, both Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine and U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve attended his funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military funeral honors with escort, on Aug. 18, 2026. 

Kevin M. Hymel