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Archiver > GA-ROOTS > 2004-04 > 1081915248


From: "Gail Harris" <>
Subject: Veterans' History Traceable Online
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 00:33:03 -0400


fyi...


Apr 13, 2004

Veterans' History Traceable Online
The Associated Press


WASHINGTON - Sally Naporlee turned to the Department of Veterans Affairs
to find out more about her grandfather, who served during World War I.
After a few weeks' wait for a response, Naporlee learned from the
department that Carmelo Castorina is buried at Long Island National
Cemetery in Farmingdale, N.Y. Unexpectedly, she also learned that her
grandmother is buried with him, a privilege extended to veterans'
spouses.

The VA has made it easier and faster for the public to get answers about
family history, old war buddies or famous war heroes. The agency put on
the Web 3.2 million records for veterans buried at 120 national
cemeteries since the Civil War.

The VA's Nationwide Grave site Locator, www.cem.va.gov, also has records
for some state veterans cemeteries and burials in Arlington National
Cemetery since 1999.

Joe Nosari, VA deputy chief information officer for Memorial Affairs,
said the records used to be on paper and microfilm. Private companies
have put some of the information online and charged for it, but the VA
information is free, he said.

Naporlee, of Spokane, Wash., also learned her grandfather served with
the Army's 161 DB unit, enlisting June 24, 1918. He was honorably
discharged Dec. 17, 1918.

The VA's navigator includes names, dates of birth and death, military
service dates, service branch and rank if known, cemetery information,
and grave location in the cemetery. The VA will withhold some
information, such as next of kin, for privacy purposes.

The site will be updated daily. Annually, about 80,000 veterans are
buried at national cemeteries.

The VA also hopes to add records for veterans whose families requested
grave markers from the VA. Those markers may go to private cemeteries or
cemeteries overseas.

This story can be found at:
http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGAF4DEIZSD.html


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