New facility helps troops deal with mission

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Most office buildings don't have much thought put into their break rooms, but the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center isn't a typical place to work either.

For the more than 200 civilian, active duty, Guard and Reserve military members who work at the center, the break room has long been a place that allows them to leave the stressors of the job behind, if only for a short time.

On Nov. 13, 2009, AFMAO, in conjunction with the Delaware USO, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its new break room. The ceremony, attended by nearly 100 people, was traditional in fashion, but the break room itself was anything but traditional.
Once the ribbon was cut, the junior ranking enlisted member was asked to open the door. Airman First Class Derrick Raley, a member of the Air Force Carry Team here, did the honors. "I was scared to open it because I knew it was going to be something spectacular, but nothing like this," he said.

The 1600-square-foot break room boasts marble countertops, tile floors and a fireplace with inviting leather furniture. In addition, it has computers with internet access, a private movie viewing room and a game room that helps workers join in fellowship while at the same time decompressing from the intensity of life within the center.

"This room is beyond my wildest dreams," said Mrs. Joan Cote, director of the Delaware USO. "This is a day that has been a long time coming."

The idea for the project started in 2005. The USO has been actively involved with the missions at Dover Air Force Base since the return of remains started here. In most recent years, the USO has provided support to the men and women working the dignified transfer process and those deployed to support the mission at mortuary affairs.

"This is a unique environment because of the permanent party and those rotating in and out," said Mrs. Cote. "Troops come here from all over the world."

The decision to put the break room in the rear of the building was a calculated one. In an environment split between the back of the facility where the fallen are cared for and the front where administrative work is accomplished, this area allows the staff to pull themselves away from the preparation process to take a break. "They will work until the mission is done and not take care of themselves," she said. "They can come here and relax."

The facility, which cost nearly $300,000, was a labor of love for all those involved with it. The USO raised money from grants provided by Lowe's, Harrah's and the Delaware USO Foundation, but the contractor also donated many things to the project to include design time, granite and wood walls.

"My father has always been involved with the USO and we've built other USO centers," said Francisco Aguilar, contractor. "But this one is so special."

"The reverence that they created this facility with was unique," said Col. Robert Edmondson, AFMAO commander. "You're going to say 'wow' when you walk in here."

The commander made it clear that this new break room was for each and every one of his staff that works in the center. "This is recognition for what you do, our quiet warriors," he said. "This is a way to help you cope, it helps make us more resilient and helps us deal with this mission."

As the ribbon fell and the doors to the new break room opened the response of those that entered made it clear that this new room was more than a break room, but rather a home away from home.

"I think it is awesome," said Chief Petty Officer Bill Montague. "It has a nice warming effect. You'd never know you're in the mortuary."