Washington State Department of

Veterans Affairs



"Serving Those Who Served"

 
 
   
 
Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery

Washington State’s veterans community has advocated for the establishment of a Veterans Cemetery in Eastern Washington for the past decade.
Initially, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) explored the possibility of requesting a National Cemetery in Eastern Washington, similar to the Tahoma National Cemetery in Western Washington. Because the veteran population was not high enough to meet the federal requirements, WDVA began working toward establishing a State Veterans Cemetery.
A State Veterans Cemetery will fill a significant gap in services for nearly 140,000 veterans living in Eastern Washington, and their families. It will provide a valuable service already available to veterans residing in Western Washington.

Master Plan document submitted to Federal VA Cemetery Grants Program.
Portions of the document and design may change as we progress through the Federal VA Approval process; however, changes will be shared as they become available.

Click diagram for larger image

master plan


So what can we expect from our Washington State Veterans Cemetery?

The following pictures are of state cemeteries across the nation. While each has unique features, settings, and designs the Federal VA mandates specific criteria for the states to follow to develop a State Veterans Cemetery. Further information regarding this can be located under the links section to the right.

Cemetery Governance Committee
On November 28, the committee held its second meeting and elected officers.
All of the officers have direct ties to the Medical Lake area.
Neal Sealock - Chairman Neal Sealock is the Director of the Spokane Airport and a graduate of Medical Lake High School.  He retired from the US Army as a Brigadier General.
Jim Johnson - Vice Chairman Jim Johnson also graduated from Medical Lake High and is a former Master Chief with Seal Delivery Team.
Duane Wolfe - Recording Secretary Duane Wolfe retired from the Air Force at Fairchild AFB and is active in many community organizations in Medical Lake
Terry Carver - Seargent at Arms Terry Carver is a retired Command Sergeant Major and now teaches at Medical Lake High School.
Stewart Wallace Major General Retired
Robert Cauble  
Roy Taylor Retired Air Force, Retired General Manager of General Electric's Consumer Electronics Division, Retired Rancher.  Past State Commander of The American Legion. Presently State Judge Advocate and Nationally member of the Veteran's Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission and the National Cemetery
Sub-Committee.
Don Newbold  
Brenda Thurman  
Shirley Schmunk  
Emily Tate  
Michael Ogle  
Don Riegel  
Ben Gittings  
Kolette Lowe  
Ester Westlake  

Location:

Map of the 80 acre Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery Location
North of West Medical Lake off West Espanola Road

map


starYOU CAN HELP!

Proceeds from the Armed Forces License Plates will help pay for ongoing maintenance of the
Eastern Washington State Veterans Cemetery. Buy yours today at any local licensing agent!

 

 
 
 
 
 
Frequently asked questions
Fact Sheet

Events:

Groundbreaking
Summer 2009

Grand Opening
May 31, 2010 ~
Memorial Day


Links:

State Cemetery
Grants Program

State Cemetary
Grants Planning

Model

2008 Veterans and Dependents Handbook

Federal VA Burial Benefits

FTC Funeral Guide

Burial Flag Information


Articles, Press Releases, and Previous Updates:

Previous Updates

E WA Veterans Cemetery
Business Plan

Spokesman Review Story 11/8/07

DNR Press Release

East side may get
Veterans Cemetery

Cemetery is long overdue

Lawmakers OK
Veterans Cemetery

Area Vet Cemetery
one short step away

Gov. Gregoire
Signs Legislation

WDVA Selects Veterans Cemetery Administrator

State selects design firm for Veterans Cemetery


Contacts:

Richard Cesler
E WA Cemetery Director
richardc@dva.wa.gov
509-496-0796
Fax 509-299-2639

Heidi Audette,
Communications Manager
360-725-2154
heidia@dva.wa.gov

To receive Eastern Washington Veterans Cemetery Updates, subscribe to our electronic Listserv

 

 
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Department of Veterans Affairs All Rights Reserved.