DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- There are many things that must happen during a dignified transfer to ensure fallen service members are provided the utmost dignity, honor and respect and that families see how much care is given to every aspect of the solemn movement.
The distinguished responsibility of removing the transfer cases individually from the aircraft and transporting them to an awaiting transfer vehicle lies with carefully trained carry teams from the fallen member’s specific branch of service.
For this reason, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations conducts monthly ground training in which carry teams from across the Department of Defense are invited to Dover Air Force Base where they receive crucial hands-on experience with the mission in scenarios that closely mimic what they would see during the dignified transfer.
“Ground training is essential for AFMAO to effectively coordinate with all branches of the service,” said Capt. Roxanne Paleo, AFMAO officer in charge of dignified transfers. “Ensuring that all stakeholders are proficient in the dignified transfer process is crucial to honoring the fallen and returning them to their families with dignity and efficiency.”
AFMAO is the lead component with operational oversight for all dignified transfer missions and has the responsibility to ensure everyone who may be involved in the process of the solemn movement is capable of performing the mission at the highest standard.
“Given the solemn nature of the mission, precision is paramount – there is no room for error,” Paleo said. “Regular collaboration with our sister services is vital to executing this no-fail mission.”
At the root of the training is the need to ensure every member is prepared for any variable and can familiarize themselves with the environment in which an actual dignified transfer will take place.
“To safeguard the well-being of carry team members, we ensure they practice with transfer cases of varying weights, prepare for potential challenges, familiarize themselves with the different aircraft types and get hands-on experience in as close to a realistic scenario as we can provide,” said Paleo. “By inviting all branch of service carry teams to these trainings, we can assess their performance in a controlled environment and have subject-matter experts make suggestions on their execution enabling flawless mission execution.”
Joint training also fosters collaboration unlike any other training scenario involving the mission as they spend time working hand-in-hand with AFMAO’s members who carry out the sacred mission.
“By collaborating closely, we enhance our ability to provide seamless, respectful dignified transfers and strengthen our collective mission to support families and uphold the values we both hold dear,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kayla Haas, Marine Barracks Washington director of communication strategy and operations. “This relationship not only reinforces the excellence of each individual service but also ensures that we stand united in our commitment to the fallen.”
This helps focus on the main objective of the training – to ensure that our fallen service members receive the utmost dignity, honor and respect.
“This training and collaboration not only enhances our technical proficiency, but also reinforces the profound sense of duty and care we share in honoring our fallen service members,” said Haas. “Our joint efforts ensure that every dignified transfer reflects the highest standards of our collective commitment to dignity and respect.”
Strong relationships with mission partners allows AFMAO to train and execute to the standards our fallen service members and their loved ones deserve.
“Throughout my deployment here, I have cherished the opportunity to work closely with carry teams from across the Department of Defense,” Paleo said. “These relationships span far beyond my time here and I cherish being able to see the impact AFMAO and our mission partners have on caring for our fallen and their families.”