MISSING IN ACTION PROGRAM
MIAP is a program designed to discover the remains (usually “cremains”) of unclaimed veterans, researching their history, searching for next of kin, and providing a proper military burial. Some of these cremains have been sitting on shelves for more than 50 years. This is a national program, but it is administered by states and counties according to local statutes.
California has declared that each county should “appoint” an MIAP representative to perform the task. Ron Collier, a former Fire Chief for the Town of Windsor, California, was chosen to be this representative. He has embraced the job whole-heartedly, often heard to say “it’s the right thing to do.” When Ron discovers unclaimed cremains, he has to verify identity, look for next of kin, and research through many agencies before he can claim the status of next of kin, and then transfer them to their final resting place. He works with the cemetery staff, the County Coroner’s Office, the County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, the Military Records Office, to name just a few. He has since escorted many cremains from a cold, dark shelf in some cemetery or mausoleum, to final military honors at the National Cemetery in Dixon, California.
Ron recently spent hundreds of hours combing through nearly 380 unclaimed cremains. This resulted in identifying 35 veterans and two eligible spouses. On May 20, 2013, all 37 cremains were escorted from the Santa Rosa Memorial Park to Dixon National Cemetery. A moving ceremony was held in Santa Rosa as members of many veterans service organizations volunteered as pallbearers for the deceased. AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, VVA, Marine Corps League, DAV, Military Order of the Purple Heart, MOAA and others filled the ranks.
After the cremains had been placed ceremoniously into a hearse, the procession moved out of the cemetery led by 120 riders on motorcycles (Patriot Guard, American Legion Riders, CMA Riders, Good Ol’ Boys, and others). More riders joined the convoy on the 70-mile trip to Dixon. As many as 20 passenger vehicles were included in the procession.
A flag line of veterans and civilians from all over central California greeted the procession as it arrived at the National Cemetery. Another beautiful and moving ceremony was held, including eulogy, flag folding, the final honors rifle salute and TAPS.
Ron Collier has tirelessly continued his work rescuing the unclaimed cremains, and he periodically escorts veterans to their final resting place. Many of the local “riders” contribute their time and miles for this worthy cause.
MIAP is a program designed to discover the remains (usually “cremains”) of unclaimed veterans, researching their history, searching for next of kin, and providing a proper military burial. Some of these cremains have been sitting on shelves for more than 50 years. This is a national program, but it is administered by states and counties according to local statutes.
California has declared that each county should “appoint” an MIAP representative to perform the task. Ron Collier, a former Fire Chief for the Town of Windsor, California, was chosen to be this representative. He has embraced the job whole-heartedly, often heard to say “it’s the right thing to do.” When Ron discovers unclaimed cremains, he has to verify identity, look for next of kin, and research through many agencies before he can claim the status of next of kin, and then transfer them to their final resting place. He works with the cemetery staff, the County Coroner’s Office, the County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, the Military Records Office, to name just a few. He has since escorted many cremains from a cold, dark shelf in some cemetery or mausoleum, to final military honors at the National Cemetery in Dixon, California.
Ron recently spent hundreds of hours combing through nearly 380 unclaimed cremains. This resulted in identifying 35 veterans and two eligible spouses. On May 20, 2013, all 37 cremains were escorted from the Santa Rosa Memorial Park to Dixon National Cemetery. A moving ceremony was held in Santa Rosa as members of many veterans service organizations volunteered as pallbearers for the deceased. AMVETS, American Legion, VFW, VVA, Marine Corps League, DAV, Military Order of the Purple Heart, MOAA and others filled the ranks.
After the cremains had been placed ceremoniously into a hearse, the procession moved out of the cemetery led by 120 riders on motorcycles (Patriot Guard, American Legion Riders, CMA Riders, Good Ol’ Boys, and others). More riders joined the convoy on the 70-mile trip to Dixon. As many as 20 passenger vehicles were included in the procession.
A flag line of veterans and civilians from all over central California greeted the procession as it arrived at the National Cemetery. Another beautiful and moving ceremony was held, including eulogy, flag folding, the final honors rifle salute and TAPS.
Ron Collier has tirelessly continued his work rescuing the unclaimed cremains, and he periodically escorts veterans to their final resting place. Many of the local “riders” contribute their time and miles for this worthy cause.
On May 20, 2013, 125 veterans on motorcycles escorted the 35 unclaimed veterans and 2 dependent cremains from Santa Rosa Memorial Park in Santa Rosa, California to the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. The veterans were given full military honors before being taken to their final resting place.
(See tribute video below)