CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Stanley T. Iakopo earlier this year met with Commander of the 9th Mission Support Command (MSC) Colonel Mark W. Siekman at the US Army Reserve Headquarters Fort Shafter Honolulu, Hawaii.
“I had the privilege to meet with Colonel Siekman to discuss the 9th MSC’s capacity and commitment in supporting our Veterans and their families. For the last four years, the Office of Veterans Affairs has been fostering and maintaining a healthy relationship with the 9th MSC Commanders through open communication and collaboration in providing assistance during Military Funeral Honors,” said Executive Officer Iakopo.
“When a Veteran or a dependent of a Veteran passes away, a family member provides a proof of death certificate to our office, and we then send the request to the Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) located within Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. From there, a request for a Funeral Tasker is sent to the 9th MSC, if it is for an Army Veteran.”
“When processing Honor Burials for other Branches of Service such as Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, our office sends the request directly to the respective branch that the Veteran served in. Preparing for a military funeral demands detailed information and specific steps to be taken.”
“In every Military Funeral Honors, I can see, feel, and hear the family’s emotional pain, skepticism, and even anger during this whole process. It is not until the sight and sounds of Taps at the ceremony that they seem to have some closure and reassurance that their loved one is safe,” stated Executive Officer Iakopo.
Governor Ralph DLG. Torres extends his continued appreciation to the CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs for their continued support for the Veterans of the CNMI and their families, “I would like to thank Veterans Affairs Executive Officer Stanley T. Iakopo and the CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs for continuing to find ways to help our Veterans and their families, especially through important partnerships such as that with the 9th Mission Support Command.”
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