Columbia, S.C., August 23, 2025
News Summary
A solemn ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery honored five unclaimed veterans, including four Army members and one Air Force veteran. Organized by Chapin’s American Legion Chapter 193, the event aimed to provide recognition and respect to those who served their country. Community members gathered to emphasize the significance of honoring military personnel, reinforcing the commitment to ensure that no veteran is forgotten, even in death.
Columbia, S.C. – Five unclaimed veterans received a dignified farewell during a solemn ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Friday morning. The ceremony, organized by Chapin’s American Legion Chapter 193, drew dozens of supporters who gathered to honor the lives and sacrifices of the veterans, each of whom served their country with distinction.
The veterans laid to rest included four Army members: Nolan Dugas Jr., William Faircloth, Everette Boice, and Scott Plonski, as well as one Air Force veteran, Kathleen Hodge. This poignant event aimed to provide much-needed closure and recognition of the veterans’ commitment to serving their nation, despite the absence of family members to accompany them on their final journey.
Members of the American Legion expressed their deep commitment to honoring these veterans, who have no family to claim them. They created a community that embraced these individuals with respect and dignity, aiming to highlight the significant contributions that these service members made throughout their military careers.
The ceremony included funeral services that were conducted with full military honors, befitting the status of those who have served. Attendees, though largely unfamiliar with the veterans, felt a profound sense of moral responsibility to pay their respects, underscoring the value of unity and recognition within the community.
Richard Mullinax, a Chaplain at American Legion Post 193, pointed out the importance of conducting such an elaborate and respectful program, which serves to honor the veterans appropriately regardless of their unclaimed status. This event is part of a broader initiative by American Legion members, who commit to organizing similar ceremonies four times a year for those veterans who have earned their rightful place in the cemetery.
To be eligible for this honored status, veterans must have completed a minimum active duty service requirement and must have received an honorable discharge. This policy ensures that all veterans, regardless of their circumstances in life, receive the respect and dignity they deserve after their service.
The general sentiment at the ceremony was one of solidarity, whereby members of the community came together to honor those who served but had slipped into anonymity. This gathering not only served as a farewell to the five unclaimed veterans but also reinforced the community’s commitment to honoring all veterans, creating awareness around the importance of acknowledging their sacrifices.
The legacy of these five veterans is a reminder of the broader duty of care society holds for its military personnel, making sure that none are forgotten, even in passing.
FAQ Section
What was the purpose of the ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery?
The ceremony aimed to provide a dignified farewell for five unclaimed veterans and recognize their commitment to serving their country.
Who were the veterans honored in the ceremony?
The veterans honored included four Army veterans: Nolan Dugas Jr., William Faircloth, Everette Boice, and Scott Plonski, along with one Air Force veteran, Kathleen Hodge.
How often does the American Legion hold such ceremonies?
The American Legion commits to holding ceremonies like this four times a year for veterans who have earned their place in the cemetery.
What are the eligibility requirements for veterans to be honored in this way?
Veterans must have completed a minimum active duty service requirement and received an honorable discharge to be eligible for burial honors at the cemetery.
Key Features of the Ceremony
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, S.C. |
| Date | Friday Morning |
| Organized By | Chapin’s American Legion Chapter 193 |
| Honored Veterans | Nolan Dugas Jr., William Faircloth, Everette Boice, Scott Plonski, Kathleen Hodge |
| Type of Ceremony | Full military honors for unclaimed veterans |
| Frequency of Ceremonies | Four times a year |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Unclaimed Veterans to Receive Honorable Burial in Chapin
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Unclaimed Veterans Laid to Rest
- Columbia Daily Herald: Morton & Son Funeral Home
- WLTX: WWII Remains Identified
- Wikipedia: United States Army
- Google Search: Military Funeral Honors
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
