Arlington Committee Honored for Attending Veteran Funerals

CSAF and CSO host appreciation luncheon for group that has represented Air Force and Space Force at over 30,000 services

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hosted members of the Arlington Committee for an appreciation luncheon. For 77 years, the Arlington Committee has been attending funerals for Air Force veterans, representing the CSAF, his spouse and the entire Air Force Family at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. With the formation of the Space Force in 2019, the committee now also represents the CSO, his spouse and the Space Force family.

Why it matters

The Arlington Committee's commitment to ensuring no Airman or Guardian is buried alone highlights the Air Force and Space Force's dedication to honoring the service and sacrifice of its members, even after they have passed. This long-standing tradition helps provide comfort to grieving families and reinforces the military community's support.

The details

In 1948, Gladys Vandenberg, wife of the second CSAF, Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, witnessed Airmen being buried with only a chaplain and bugler present. She vowed that "No Airman would be buried alone." Since then, more than 600 members of the Arlington Committee have attended 30,000 veteran funeral services, committing time to make sure service members receive the burial they deserve. The committee now attends approximately 700 funerals a year, ensuring the Air Force and Space Force family is always present when any Airman or Guardian is laid to rest.

  • The Arlington Committee has been attending funerals for Air Force veterans for 77 years.
  • The committee began attending funerals in 1948 after Gladys Vandenberg, wife of the second CSAF, witnessed Airmen being buried with only a chaplain and bugler present.

The players

Gen. Chance Saltzman

Chief of Space Operations.

Gen. Ken Wilsbach

Air Force Chief of Staff.

Gladys Vandenberg

Wife of the second CSAF, Gen. Hoyt Vandenberg, who witnessed Airmen being buried with only a chaplain and bugler present and vowed that "No Airman would be buried alone."

Arlington Committee

A group that has attended over 30,000 veteran funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery, representing the CSAF, his spouse and the entire Air Force Family, and now also representing the CSO, his spouse and the Space Force family.

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What they’re saying

“One of my priorities is taking care of Airmen and their families, and I can say that you are achieving that priority.”

— Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Force Chief of Staff (Mirage News)

“Death and funerals are rarely easy. Attending services for your loved ones is dutiful, but electing to do so for others goes beyond the call of duty. Your presence at their services - representing not just me and General Wilsbach, but the entirety of the Air Force and Space Force family - lets them know they are not, and will never be, alone in their loss.”

— Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations (Mirage News)

The takeaway

The Arlington Committee's longstanding commitment to honoring fallen Airmen and Guardians reflects the Air Force and Space Force's unwavering dedication to supporting its service members and their families, even in their darkest moments. This tradition of ensuring no one is buried alone is a powerful symbol of the military community's enduring bond and care for its own.