KILLEEN, Texas (KXAN) — Members of the public are invited to honor a U.S. Air Force veteran who will be laid to rest without any known family in attendance.
On Thursday, July 17 at 11 a.m., the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen will conduct an unaccompanied burial for Jerry Kastner, who was born Oct. 30, 1934. He served in the U.S. Air Force from April 1954 to December 1957.
Kastner received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. No next-of-kin are expected at his burial, and the community is encouraged to attend to ensure he is not buried alone. The ceremony will include full military honors.
The burial will take place at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, located at 11463 State Highway 195 in Killeen. Services begin promptly at 11 a.m.
The Veterans Land Board and Texas General Land Office work with local communities and veterans service organizations to make sure unaccompanied veterans receive a respectful farewell.
Kastner’s burial is part of the Texas Veterans Land Board’s Unaccompanied Veterans Program, launched in January 2015. The program guarantees military honors and encourages community attendance for veterans without known next-of-kin, ensuring “none of them are left behind.”