Congressman Panetta Attends Interment at Arlington National Cemetery after Enactment of his Legislation to Secure Full Military Honor Burials For Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor Recipients

WASHINGTON, DC - On Tuesday, October 27 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) attended the interment of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2019, Congressman Panetta’s Full Military Honors Act was enacted under the FY2020 NDAA, making it possible for all Prisoners of War and Medal of Honor recipients to receive full honor burials at Arlington National Cemetery. SSG Shurer was a Medal of Honor recipient, who passed away in May at the age of 41 after a three-year battle with cancer. “Our nation’s Prisoners of War and Medal of Honor Recipients have gone beyond the call of duty and deserve full recognition for their service and sacrifice,” said Congressman Panetta. “Staff Sergeant Ronald Shurer was one such hero, and I was honored to be present for his interment at Arlington National Cemetery. As a veteran, I am humbled to see my legislation at work for our nation’s servicemen and women and will continue to honor their dedication to our country.” “I thank SSG Shurer’s family and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command for inviting me to attend this week’s ceremony. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to honor a true American hero.” Ronald Shurer was an Army Special Forces staff sergeant and medic. In 2018, he received the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military honor for valor, for his meritorious service at the Battle of Shok Valley in Afghanistan. After retiring from the Army, SSG Shurer continued to serve the United States as a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service. The Full Military Honors Act provides a full military honors ceremony – including funeral escort platoon, military band, firing party, and horse-drawn caisson – to Medal of Honor recipients and Prisoners of War eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Previously, enlisted recipients of the Medal of Honor or the Prisoner of War medal were not entitled to full military honors.