The Final Mile: Air Force veteran laid to rest at Kansas Veterans Cemetery

WINFIELD, Kan. (KSNW) – A Kansas veteran has been laid to rest with honor and respect at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery in Winfield.

James Peacock was a sergeant who served in the Air Force and was in hospice at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.

“We embraced him. My family embraced him as one of our own. He touched our hearts,” said Omega Oberg, a friend of the late veteran.

Peacock was laid to rest with help from The Final Mile Promising Practice, which honors veterans who die with no known next of kin.

“A lot of these veterans don’t have extra family or family in the area. And this is something we can do to give back to support our brothers and sisters who have gone and done what we have done,” said Slade Deister, a veteran.

Dozens were there for the final honor and burial at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, including those who called him a dear friend and considered him a brother.

“He had a sweet soul, which he didn’t let very many people see,” said Oberg.

Oberg wants all to remember his sacrifice and love for serving in the military.

“He loved riding his motorcycle with his vest that he had on to honor other veterans,” she said.

Oberg said that she’s lucky to hold on to some great memories of the late veteran.

“Oh, he loved to cook spaghetti. His version of spaghetti. He would make a big pot of spaghetti for the family. And we had enough to probably last us several days,” she said.

Omega was there with the late veteran when he took his last breath. She felt honored to have been with him during that moment, knowing no other family could be around. She added that he was kind and generous.

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