Passion for mission keeps Reservist coming back

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • AFMAO Public Affairs
Working at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center isn't for everyone, but for one Reservist it's the most rewarding job he's ever had.

Maj. Scott Uselding, an operations officer with the 934th Airlift Wing, is on his third tour of duty at the center, which is located at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The first two deployments were part of his Air Expeditionary Force rotation, but this current tour was by direct request from the center's commander, Col. Bob Edmondson.

"I worked with the major before and knew his character, dedication and passion for the mission as well as his capabilities," said Col. Edmondson. " He is the right choice to lead the dignified transfer mission."

Maj. Uselding is the first officer to fill the role of dignified transfer operations officer, a new position that helps support the center's leadership. The new job is a big one, overseeing the dignified transfer process, the human remains command, control and communications section and the dignified transfer family support center. The latter, which in December becomes the Center for the Families of the Fallen, provides care, service and support to the families of the fallen who travel to Dover to witness their dignified transfer.

"HR-C3 tracks all the flights inbound and outbound as well as coordinates all elements necessary to conduct a dignified transfer upon arrival to Dover; the commander refers to it as the eyes, ears and brain of the organization. The family support center deals with the emotional needs of the families who travel to Dover to witness the dignified transfer of their loved one," Maj. Uselding said. "It's amazing how these troops come from career fields unrelated to mortuary affairs, but step up and do an incredible job. I just want to say they are awesome."

The major's previous background at the center helped prepare him for this new job. In 2007, he worked on the flightline as the dignified transfer officer directing all aspects of events dealing with the return of the fallen to Dover. In 2008, he served as the officer in charge at the port mortuary operations section that prepare the fallen, from identification and autopsy to embalming, dressing, casketing and finally arranging the escorted transportation home to the awaiting family members.

His job now is less hands-on, something he misses, but no less important. "Now I have to step back and be a manager and find areas to improve," he said. "This mission has grown so much with the inclusion of the families and the media."

A family man himself, the major has spent three out of the last four Christmases at the center leaving behind his wife and five children in Wisconsin. "My wife really supports me. I'm not in Iraq or Afghanistan and I'm not gone for a year or more, so I can't complain."

His employer, Sanoif-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, has also supported his multiple tours of duty here.

While his new position is challenging and rewarding, he still misses working the flightline. "The process of working the dignified transfer is one of the greatest things I've ever done here. To bring that soldier, sailor, airmen or marine off the aircraft is overwhelming, but I never tire of it."

Working seven days a week, all different hours can be tiring though, but for other Airmen wishing to volunteer for this duty he gives them a piece of advice. "You can prepare for this mission physically, but it's the mental preparation that's most important. You'll see things you've never seen and do things you've never done. You have to have it in your heart, you have to want to help.

In his 24 years of military service, Maj. Uselding can look back on a career of achievements, but knows that working at AFMAO holds a special place in his heart. "This is the most dignified mission I've ever experienced. You wish it would go away, but since it is not then I want to be the one to do it."