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Thanks and farewell

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Tyrone D. Williams
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I would like to take this moment to say thank you for allowing me to serve with you and thank you for all the dedication you give daily to the fallen and the support you provide to their families and the love ones who will miss them the most. It's truly been a humbling, fulfilling and growth experience for me personally that I will be forever indebted for the opportunity.

I have graciously watched men, women, civilians and military within this organization reverently take on the honorable task of ensuring our nation's fallen receive ultimate respect and care as you delivered them back to the ones who have so selflessly given them to this grateful nation they served.

Supervisors, permanent party, deployed service members and all other Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations personnel, day in and day out fulfill AFMAO's mantra of Dignity, Honor and Respect as you go about doing the work on behalf of the American people which is to be commended.

Throughout my time here, I have directly work for and with the best people like: Robin Raine, Cory Larsen, Sadiqa Moore, Randy Keel, William Zwicharowski, Maj. Todd Ladd, Capt. Brent Page, Capt. Trey Johnson and many more permanent party and deployed personnel.

I would like to especially thank my supervisor Todd Rose who has been a lightning rod in the plight to continuously find ways to improve support to the families of the fallen. He never rests, not even on the heels of perfection and it has been a pleasure working for you and being a part of your team.

Other leaders like Chief Master Sgt. David Fish, Trevor Dean, branch heads, medical examiner staff and Sister Service leads have positively impacted the mood and effectiveness of myself and the organization.

AFMAO is the best organization in the "entire" Air Force and this is the result of outstanding leadership from the top beginning with our Commander Col. Thomas Joyce. There is no other colonel in the Air Force with the responsibility of ensuring our country's most sacred assets and their families receive dignity, honor and respect; and service, care and support they deserve commensurate with the ultimate sacrifice they have made for us. Yet, our boss goes about ensuring we have the tools to brilliantly accomplish that mission and makes any presumed pressure look extremely easy. It's called "LEADERSHIP." Thank you Sir!

Tomorrow will be my last day working alongside you but I will never forget any of you or the outstanding work that takes place at AFMAO. In fact, I will ensure every 3M0 and 38F that could potentially work here know what a great mission this is. Please continue to care for the fallen and do not forget to care for one another. You are all the best in my eyes and once again I thank you for allowing me to serve with you and thank you for honoring our nation's fallen and their families with your hard work.