AFMAO mission unites family of missing Airman
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --
Losing a loved one can be one of the most difficult experiences in life, causing family members to make major adjustments to compensate for the loss.
This can be exceptionally difficult for families with loved ones missing in action who have never returned from war.
The Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Past Conflict Branch, bridges the gap for families by providing loved ones with evidence gathered from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.
Mortuary specialists from AFMAO meet with family members to provide the identification results from JPAC's investigation on servicemembers MIA from the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
A graveside inurnment service was held for Korean War veteran Maj. Richard Gene Elzinga at Arlington National Cemetery July 8.
"Suddenly, the legend of their missing in action becomes real to the family," said Tim Nicholson, AFMAO chief of entitlements branch.
A loss however, can lead to an unexpected discovery.
"Due to case file analysis, excavation site information, identification analysis and mitochondrial DNA test results from JPAC, about 10 percent of family members are either reacquainted with or discover new family members," said Nicholson.
That was the case for Elzinga's family.
"With DNA evidence unique to Rich (Maj. Elzinga) and help from the internet, we discovered two relatives living in Western Michigan," said Elzinga's cousin Alan Brink.
Elzinga's family has made several visits to Michigan after discovering the two new relatives live in the same farming community as their grandparents.
"Not only has the Air Force Mortuary Affairs provided critical information on Rich, but Danielle Van Orden (AFMAO Past Conflicts Branch) wonderfully guided us through the entire process helping us connect and appreciate people we never knew."
The Armed Forces Identification Laboratory, which holds all DoD DNA, is expanding their identification capabilities to use techniques that will enhance their ability to get DNA from the highly degraded specimens.
"We hope the advanced testing methods will improve the repatriation rate so we can continue to exceed care, service and support expectations for families in the coming years," said Nicholson. "It's heartwarming to know that in the midst of loss, we can also grow a family by leading them to relatives previously unknown."
In 2010, the Past Conflicts Branch returned nine MIAs and project to return at least 13 missing servicemembers prior to the end of 2011.
This can be exceptionally difficult for families with loved ones missing in action who have never returned from war.
The Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Past Conflict Branch, bridges the gap for families by providing loved ones with evidence gathered from Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.
Mortuary specialists from AFMAO meet with family members to provide the identification results from JPAC's investigation on servicemembers MIA from the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
A graveside inurnment service was held for Korean War veteran Maj. Richard Gene Elzinga at Arlington National Cemetery July 8.
"Suddenly, the legend of their missing in action becomes real to the family," said Tim Nicholson, AFMAO chief of entitlements branch.
A loss however, can lead to an unexpected discovery.
"Due to case file analysis, excavation site information, identification analysis and mitochondrial DNA test results from JPAC, about 10 percent of family members are either reacquainted with or discover new family members," said Nicholson.
That was the case for Elzinga's family.
"With DNA evidence unique to Rich (Maj. Elzinga) and help from the internet, we discovered two relatives living in Western Michigan," said Elzinga's cousin Alan Brink.
Elzinga's family has made several visits to Michigan after discovering the two new relatives live in the same farming community as their grandparents.
"Not only has the Air Force Mortuary Affairs provided critical information on Rich, but Danielle Van Orden (AFMAO Past Conflicts Branch) wonderfully guided us through the entire process helping us connect and appreciate people we never knew."
The Armed Forces Identification Laboratory, which holds all DoD DNA, is expanding their identification capabilities to use techniques that will enhance their ability to get DNA from the highly degraded specimens.
"We hope the advanced testing methods will improve the repatriation rate so we can continue to exceed care, service and support expectations for families in the coming years," said Nicholson. "It's heartwarming to know that in the midst of loss, we can also grow a family by leading them to relatives previously unknown."
In 2010, the Past Conflicts Branch returned nine MIAs and project to return at least 13 missing servicemembers prior to the end of 2011.
