The Arlington Committee grew out of the conviction of General Hoyt S. Vandenberg, Air Force Chief of Staff in 1948, that Air Force personnel should not be buried in an atmosphere that was bleak and friendless. Mrs. Vandenberg often walked Arlington Cemetery and noticed airmen being buried with only the Chaplain and Honor Guard in attendance. Greatly saddened by this, she began attending the Air Force services. As the Air Force grew, so did the number of services, requiring Mrs. Vandenberg to enlist the assistance of her friends. These Air Force wives were the first Arlington Ladies.

Mrs. Vandenberg eventually created the Arlington Committee within the Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club as it continues today.

A Committee member attends each service of an active duty, retired or military veteran buried at Arlington Nation Cemetery. A sympathy card from the Chief of Staff and spouse is presented along with a personal note of condolence. If no family members are in attendance, a letter is written describing the service and sent along with the notes. These volunteers are spouses of active duty or retired Air Force Officers and exemplify the special dedication the Air Force Officers’ Wives’ Club has to our Air Force family.

Arlington Ladies on Fox News - Arlington Ladies Attend Every Funeral at National Cemetery Sep 6, 2011. 

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1146040710001

Arlington National Cemetery: Ladies of Arlington Never Miss Final Salute; May 5, 2008

The American Spectator: "The Arlington Ladies"; May 27, 2005

NPR's All Things Considered: "Arlington Ladies Pay Tribute to Fallen Soldiers"; November 15, 2009

DCMilitary.com: "Arlington Ladies Celebrate 60 Years of Service"; May 7, 2009

Guideposts: "The Arlington Ladies"; June 25, 2009

Army Times: "Arlington Ladies Escort Fallen to Their Graves"; May 30, 2010