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Team Dover reflects on Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  As Memorial Day passes, Americans throughout the U.S. pay homage to the countless men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts ranging from the Revolutionary War to the War in Afghanistan, all in defense of liberty. But it is not only on Memorial Day that this homage is paid at Dover AFB.

"This Memorial Day, as we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, please also reflect on what this day reveals about the character of America," said Col. Michael Grismer, 436th Airlift Wing commander. "Our country is recognized throughout the world as a stronghold of freedom and democracy, a coveted land of opportunity; made possible by the sacrifice of more than one million Service men and women, who paid the ultimate price to protect our way of life."

Since 1955, Dover AFB has been home to the Port Mortuary. A new facility built in 2003, the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, is now the home of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations. More than 50,000 fallen service members have been processed through Dover AFB, giving it a unique distinction.

It is AFMAO's mission and privilege to fulfill the nation's sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support their families. A solemn dignified transfer of remains is conducted upon arrival at Dover AFB, from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle to honor those who have given their lives in the service of this country. The vehicle then moves the fallen to the Port Mortuary at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. Once positively identified, fallen service members are prepared for transport to their final destination as determined by the family.

This mission would not be possible without the support from all of Team Dover Airmen, especially those who work in the Force Support, Aerial Port, Logistic Readiness, Security Forces and Airlift Squadrons, along with the Public Affairs and Protocol offices, whom all support dignified transfers.

Dover AFB also houses the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System, the Joint Personal Effects Depot, and the Campus for Families of the Fallen, which in turn houses the Center for Families of the Fallen, the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen and a Meditation Pavilion. These units and facilities work in conjunction with AFMAO, along with Team Dover Active Duty and Reserve units.

"As we reflect on what it means to live in freedom, let us renew our solemn gratitude for the sacrifice of our veterans," Grismer said. "Let us also consider the privilege we have to serve such an exceptional nation."