NewsChannel 3 is taking action to help three veterans groups shine a light on what they feel is an unfair policy that is a 'slap in the face' to those who serve.
Virginia's war dead have been honored for more than 50 years at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
But policy dictates it's the way you die that determines if you get the honor and glory of recognition on the shrine of memory.
Marine Lance Corporal Darrell Schumann had just finished fighting in Fallujah, Iraq when he died in January 2005.
He was en route to the Syrian border when the helicopter he was in crashed.
Under the current policy of the Virginia War Memorial his name will not join the others on the shrine of memory.
Darrell's father, who suffered the pain of burying his 25-year-old son, researched the names on the wall which dates back to World War II - and found it included non-combat deaths from previous wars.
"They died of illnesses, accidents, airplane crashes, general upshore, he is a medal of honor winner. He died in an airplane crash over Alaska and his name is on the wall," said Rick Schumann.
"There is a giant seal of the Commonwealth on the wall and under it says 'We are to honor the service and sacrifice of all Virginians' - all Virginians, and that's what we ought to be doing," said John Miller, Virginia State Senator.
More than 30 other Virginians who died in combat zones are affected by the exclusive policy. NewsChannel 3 viewers are weighing in with a war of words.
Richard who is retired 82nd Airborne says, "Not even close - Mr. Schumann's son Darrell's name should be on the wall with the others who have given their lives in wartime."
Nathan, also a veteran, says "No question. All should be included. It's infuriating that there is even a question or consideraton of a double standard. Do the right thing, honor them all."
Contact information for foundation members is posted under the "Seen on NewsChannel 3" section of WTKR.com homepage.
Virginia's war dead have been honored for more than 50 years at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond.
But policy dictates it's the way you die that determines if you get the honor and glory of recognition on the shrine of memory.
Marine Lance Corporal Darrell Schumann had just finished fighting in Fallujah, Iraq when he died in January 2005.
He was en route to the Syrian border when the helicopter he was in crashed.
Under the current policy of the Virginia War Memorial his name will not join the others on the shrine of memory.
Darrell's father, who suffered the pain of burying his 25-year-old son, researched the names on the wall which dates back to World War II - and found it included non-combat deaths from previous wars.
"They died of illnesses, accidents, airplane crashes, general upshore, he is a medal of honor winner. He died in an airplane crash over Alaska and his name is on the wall," said Rick Schumann.
"There is a giant seal of the Commonwealth on the wall and under it says 'We are to honor the service and sacrifice of all Virginians' - all Virginians, and that's what we ought to be doing," said John Miller, Virginia State Senator.
More than 30 other Virginians who died in combat zones are affected by the exclusive policy. NewsChannel 3 viewers are weighing in with a war of words.
Richard who is retired 82nd Airborne says, "Not even close - Mr. Schumann's son Darrell's name should be on the wall with the others who have given their lives in wartime."
Nathan, also a veteran, says "No question. All should be included. It's infuriating that there is even a question or consideraton of a double standard. Do the right thing, honor them all."
Contact information for foundation members is posted under the "Seen on NewsChannel 3" section of WTKR.com homepage.
