INTERVIEW – KAREN DURHAM-AGUILERA – Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery
@ArlingtonNatl @KDurhamAguilera
BIO: Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera is the Executive Director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery, serving as Principal Advisor to the Secretary of the Army on all matters related to Army cemeteries. Ms. Durham-Aguilera administers and oversees policies; doctrine, plans and standards with all stakeholders to include the Army staff, major commands, and the other services. She establishes and maintains gravesite accountability, provides technical guidance, training, staff assistance, and inspections; adjudicates burial exceptions, disinterment, expansion requests, and other issues of concern at the 40 Army Cemeteries across the nation. As Executive Director she also manages a $70.8M annual budget as well as $130M in existing major constructions and expansions, and the planning for a new $300M expansion
TOPIC: PREVIEW: Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery: The 150th National Memorial Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday consists of two parts: a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at 11 a.m., followed by a program of remembrance in the cemetery’s memorial amphitheater. (The U.S. Navy Band will perform at the amphitheater beginning at 10:30 a.m.) Logistically, visitors should pick one part to attend: Organizers say attendees should be in place at the Tomb of the Unknowns or the amphitheater by 9:30 a.m. Cemetery gates open at 8 a.m. Free.