The Monterey County Sheriff / Coroner Office announced on May 14 that it is working with the Military and Veterans Affairs Office to provide an honorable interment for seven deceased military veterans at the Central Coast Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, California.
This ceremony recognizes local veterans who passed away without prior arrangements for burial or public recognition of their service. The effort aims to ensure that all veterans receive respect and acknowledgment for their contributions.
Since November 29, 2023, the remains of these seven individuals were in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office. Detective Sgt. James Day and Detective Brian Postadan, both military veterans themselves, confirmed each individual’s service record and coordinated with the Military and Veterans Affairs Office to arrange a proper burial with full military honors. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 11:00 AM at Central Coast Veterans Cemetery.
The veterans being laid to rest are CPL Jimmie L. Terry (US Marine Corps), SP4 Jerry D. Crawford (US Army), SP4 Richard Sweetz (US Army), SP4 Robert A. Stillman (US Army), SP5 Donald N. Fousek (US Army), SP4 Tommy W. Williamson (US Army), and PVT Eugene W. Berck (US Army).
“The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is honored that Detective Sgt. James Day and Detective Brian Postadan dedicated themselves to ensuring these veterans were afforded the dignity, recognition, and honorable burial they so rightfully deserve after faithfully serving our country,” said officials from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in a statement.
Officials also said that through compassion, persistence, and shared understanding as fellow veterans, these individuals will now be laid to rest with appropriate honors: “Through their compassion, persistence, and shared understanding as fellow veterans, these seven individuals will now be laid to rest with the military honors befitting their service and sacrifice.” The offices involved stated they remain committed to making sure no veteran is forgotten.
