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JENIFER LEIGH VAN VLECK

A Legacy of Courage: U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot Survived Two Tours in Vietnam

By Kevin M. Hymel on 2/24/2026

U.S. Army Col. John “Jack” Islin flew helicopters into harm’s way during two tours in Vietnam. He constantly faced intense enemy fire but managed to keep himself and his crew alive. 

Kevin M. Hymel

A Borinqueneer's Final Salute

By Kevin M. Hymel on 2/23/2026

U.S. Army Col. Manuel Felix Siverio served his country during three wars. On a cold and windy Jan. 20, 2026, Siverio’s family and friends gathered at his funeral service in Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery to say their final goodbyes. Chaplain (Capt.) Raymond Akeriwe reminded Siverio’s loved ones that his dedication to his country “has earned his place here.” 

Kevin M. Hymel

“All Hands on Deck”: Funeral Services Continue Despite Snow and Ice

By Kevin M. Hymel on 2/12/2026

In the wake of a major snow and ice storm that blasted the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, multiple Army National Military Cemetery (ANMC) teams worked around the clock to ensure they completed its mission of laying service members to rest with dignity and honor at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC). The storm blanketed the area with seven inches of snow, topped by a four-inch layer of ice— and, for safety reasons, necessitated the cemetery’s closure to visitors and family pass holders for more than two weeks.  

Kevin M. Hymel

“A Few Brave Souls Can Change the Course of History”: Remembering the Battle of the Bulge

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/30/2026

Members of the Battle of the Bulge Association and the ambassadors of Belgium and Luxembourg came to Arlington National Cemetery on Jan. 23, 2026, to remember and reflect on those who gave their lives for Europe’s freedom during World War II. The group laid wreaths at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Section 21 and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Kevin M. Hymel

“Not for Glory, but for the Progress of Discovery”: NASA Crews Honored

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/28/2026

On Jan. 22, 2026, NASA officials, along with colleagues and family members, gathered at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) for the annual NASA Day of Remembrance ceremony. 

Kevin M. Hymel

“It Was Men Like Harlan Who Won World War II”: Decorated Naval Aviator Laid to Rest

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/22/2026

U.S. Navy Lt. Junior Grade Harlan Foote worried that the wings of his torpedo bomber might rip off as he dove at a steeper-than-usual angle toward a Japanese heavy cruiser in Japan’s Kure Harbor. But the aircraft held together as he braved anti-aircraft fire and released his bombs, hitting the cruiser several times. As he returned to his aircraft carrier, he continued to dodge heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire for what seemed like hours, even though it was only a few minutes.  

Kevin M. Hymel

"Your Families Are Not Forgotten": Commander of the Guard Delivers Powerful Message at Badge Ceremony

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/22/2026

U.S. Army Commander of the Guard Capt. Sean Paul Stolarski used his Jan. 9, 2026, Tomb Badge ceremony to deepen the connection of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the families of the fallen.

Kevin M. Hymel

“That's How You Say ‘Thank You’”: Volunteers Remove Wreaths from Arlington National Cemetery and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/13/2026

Despite predictions of rain, volunteers rose early on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, and made their way to Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) in Virginia and the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home National Cemetery (SAHNC) in Washington, D.C., to remove wreaths from gravesites and restore the cemeteries to their natural, pristine appearance.   

Kevin M. Hymel

Honoring American Sacrifice: Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Reflects on Personal Connection to the Battle of the Bulge

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/12/2026

Although 81 years have passed, the Belgian people have not forgotten the sacrifices that American soldiers made to liberate their country during the Battle of the Bulge. Fought over the snowy landscapes of Belgium and Luxembourg from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945, the Battle of the Bulge was one of the deadliest campaigns of World War II. The name derived from the German army’s attack on the U.S. Army’s front lines, the position closest to the enemy where soldiers, tanks and artillery are located. The German army’s attack formed a large “bulge” in the lines.  

Kevin M. Hymel

Families Honor Their Loved Ones During Annual Wreaths Across America Family Pass Holder Day

By Kevin M. Hymel on 1/8/2026

On Dec. 7, 2025, families gathered at Arlington National Cemetery for Wreaths Across America Family Pass Holder Day. This special day allow families to honor their loved ones during the holiday season by laying a wreath at their grave markers. Visitors traveled from across the country for the event, braving cold weather, traffic congestion and longer-than-usual wait times to receive their wreaths. Among the many visitors, one woman honored multiple family members, while two sisters paid tribute to their parents. Both stories reflect families' dedication to their relatives laid to rest in the cemetery.  

Kevin M. Hymel