News

Care and support for fallen heroes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Reservists from the 446th Force Support Squadron, Services Flight here, are about halfway through their Air Expeditionary Force rotation at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Dover Force Base, Del., in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The six-person team has been deployed since September of last year supporting the nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect for the fallen and to provide care, service and support to their families.

Led by Senior Master Sgt. Steve Harris, 446th FSS/SVF superintendent here, each team member supports the mortuary affairs mission in different roles including dignified transfer teams, wherein the remains of fallen military members are solemnly taken from arriving aircraft to the Port Mortuary, and in the newly-opened Fisher House, which provides housing for families of fallen before and after the dignified transfer.

Members providing support to the fallen and their families are hand-selected based on their professionalism, maturity, appearance, and military bearing, said Sergeant Harris, who is on his eighth AEF rotation in support of the mortuary mission.

"When they come here they give all of themselves," said Sergeant Harris of his mortuary affairs team. "They are willing to give their all to make sure our nation's heroes get nothing but the best support."

On her first deployment to Dover AFB, Staff Sgt. Andrea Barrow, 446th FSS, was one of those hand-picked to help manage lodging for families of fallen at the Fisher House.

"Families come here to see their loved one," said Sergeant Barrow. "We make sure they are well-taken care of and their needs are met at the Fisher House in their time of despair."

While some may find mortuary affairs' role disconcerting, these Reservists perform their difficult and delicate jobs with a heartfelt sense of pride and duty, evidenced by frequently volunteering to return in support of the AFMAO.  That sense of pride and attention to detail is evident to many, especially their commander.

"I am extremely proud of the team and the incredible job they do every day," said Lt. Col. William Pelster, 446th FSS commander. "Their dedication to the mission and the service they provide to our fallen heroes is a testament to their professionalism."