ARMED FORCES || Headstones, markers can be replaced

ARMED FORCES

VETERANS

Headstones

YOUNGSTOWN

Grave headstones and markers previously furnished by the federal government may be replaced at government expense if they are badly deteriorated, illegible, stolen or vandalized.

The government also may replace new or modern headstones or markers if the inscription is incorrect, if it was damaged during shipping or if the material or workmanship does not meet contract specifications, according to Department of Veterans Affairs.

Historic headstones, however — those greater than 50 years of age — will not be replaced to correct inscription inaccuracies based on modern research.

Requests for replacement of historic headstones will be honored only when inscriptions are worn to the point that they no longer can be read or if the headstone is otherwise damaged beyond repair.

If a government headstone or marker in a private cemetery is damaged by cemetery personnel, the cemetery should pay all replacement costs, said Barry E. Landgraver, executive director/county veterans-service officer of the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission.

For guidance on obtaining a replacement headstone or marker, call the commission at 330-740-2450 or the Memorial Programs Service Applicant Assistance Unit between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday toll-free at 800-697-6947.

Benefits seminar

NEW CASTLE, PA.

Shirley Noga, director of the Lawrence County Veterans Affairs Office, said the monthly benefits seminar topic for March is veterans’ medical benefits.

The seminar is from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Lawrence County commissioners’ meeting room in the basement of the county government center, 430 Court St. The speaker will Jim Torok, Community-Based Outpatient Clinic coordinator.

Meeting planned

MINERAL RIDGE

Korean War Veterans Association Chapter 137 is meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at VFW Post 4192, 3889 state Route 46. Veterans returning from tours of duty in Korea are urged to attend.

BASIC TRAINING GRADS

Air Force: Airman Patrick D. Miller (Beaver Local High School, Lisbon, ’09), son of Amy Gregory of East Liverpool.

Army: Army National Guard Pvt. Rochelle L. Bonner (Grove City Area High School, Pa., ’10), daughter of Susan Bonner of Mercer, Pa.

Navy: Seaman Ryan J. Pitzer (Canfield High School, ’06), son of Lori L. and Jay L. Pitzer of Canfield.

Items of note for the Armed Forces Digest can be sent to The Vindicator, Regional Desk, P.O. Box 780, Youngstown 44501-0780, or e-mailed to alcorn@vindy.com