14 Unclaimed Veterans Laid to Rest at Fort Custer

Fourteen unclaimed U.S. military veterans were laid to rest with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery on Friday, November 6th, 2026.

The graveside service near Battle Creek brought together honor guards, veterans advocates and community members to ensure the men received a dignified burial.

Five were Army veterans whose remains had been held by UM Health-Sparrow Forensic Pathology while officials worked to establish eligibility and arrange burial.

The other nine included Army, Navy and Air Force veterans whose remains had been held by the Jackson County Medical Examiner.

The ceremony included a rifle salute, the playing of Taps, the folding of the American flag and formal presentation of folded flags, elements described in the VA’s military funeral honors guidance.

The service ensured that veterans who had no family available to claim their remains were not forgotten.

The National Cemetery Administration’s unclaimed-remains program helps medical examiners, funeral professionals and community partners determine eligibility and arrange dignified burials.

Eligible veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency also provides guidance for handling and identifying unclaimed veteran remains.

Fort Custer is at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, about six miles west of Battle Creek.

The cemetery is open to visitors daily from dawn to dusk, while its administrative office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding federal holidays.

How many veterans were buried at Fort Custer on November 6th?

Answer: Fourteen unclaimed veterans received military honors and burial.

Where is Fort Custer National Cemetery?

Answer: It is at 15501 Dickman Road in Augusta, west of Battle Creek.

What honors were included in the Fort Custer ceremony?

Answer: The service included a rifle salute, Taps and flag-folding ceremonies.