Community holds service for fallen Marine

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Local organizations held a public service to lay to rest LCpl. Andrew J. Mauney today.

Mauney passed away at age 53 in January, but had no family to claim his remains. That’s when the Missing in America Project stepped in to provide him a proper burial. The organization locates, identifies and inters the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations.

The service was held at Wilmington Funeral and Cremation and followed by a motorcade that escorted Mauney’s remains to Jacksonville to his final resting place. One more service was held in Jacksonville.

Director of Wilmington Funeral and Cremation,  Duane Howlett, said they hold these services to give back and honor veterans.

“Just by being a veteran, that’s very important to us and our community and we want to do our part in honoring him in a special way today,” said Howlett.

The “Patriot Guard,” the “VFW Riders,” and the “Purple Heart Riders” were some of the veteran motorcycle groups who participated in the motorcade.

For more information about the Missing in America Project click here.