Photo By Staff Sgt. Kirby Turbak | A United States flag sits in a U.S. Air Force display case, Oct. 22, 2015, at Altus...... read more read more
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ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – They are trained and ready to go though it is not a pleasant mission. The 97th Force Support Squadron Mortuary Affairs personnel make it their priority to ensure fallen warriors are given proper respects.
Mortuary technicians are chosen from members at the FSS and typically consist of noncommissioned officers that show initiative.
Their job includes making sure funeral homes charged with handling remains are up to Air Force standards, the members uniform is correct and the fallen’s family members are well accommodated.
“We take care of our fallen Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Everett Brown, 97th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of readiness. “Making sure the fallen are honored is our number one mission.”
When members are selected to become mortuary technician they go to Maxwell AFB, Ala. for a week long course. Technicians also attend follow up courses periodically to remain current and up-to-date on processes.
“They told us at training that some of us may have a case within the first week we get back,” said Brown. “I had a case three days after I got home.”
Mortuary technician is not always a 9-to-5 job.
The moment technicians are informed of a fatality they get to work regardless of the time of day. They inform U.S. Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center at Dover AFB, Del. of the death and transfer the body to an approved funeral home.
After cleaning and embalming the body is dressed in the service uniform. During this time a mortuary technician must get hold of the family and make the funeral arrangements like the final resting place.
“It’s a difficult job, but we’re trying to do everything to give them the dignity, honor and respect they deserve,” said Senior Airman Anthony McCowan, 97th Force Support Squadron readiness journeyman. “It’s rewarding to know you were able to give them that.”
| Date Taken: | 10.26.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.26.2015 12:25 |
| Story ID: | 179946 |
| Location: | ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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