McGuire Airmen know meaning of service

Twelve deployments in a 13-year timeframe is a lot for any military member, but for one Reservist from New Jersey it's not about the numbers, it's about helping the families; and he's not alone.Master Sgt. Jerome Ferguson, a member of the 514th Airlift Wing Services Flight is on his 12th rotation to

Quilts of Valor help comfort wartime emotions

In 2003 Catherine Roberts, a midwife by profession and quilter for 25 years from Seaford, wanted to give a wounded soldier a quilt to bring him comfort during his recovery. "We are a nation at war," said Ms. Roberts. "Warriors need something tangible, a physical representation of love, support and

Helping mortuary workers cope with grim jobs

Editor's note: The following link to this story is provided with permission from Air Force Times:http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/09/airforce_stress_relief_091309w/

Air Force mortuary Airmen care for the fallen and families

-- A C-17 Globemaster III lands at Dover Air Force Base, Del. and pulls into place. Its cargo door opens, revealing a line of transfer cases; each meticulously draped with an American flag. The whir of equipment and the sobbing of a mother are the only sounds. The dignified transfer begins. Airmen,

Remains of seven U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan returned home

The remains of seven American troops killed July 6 during combat operations in Afghanistan returned to their nation during a dignified transfer here this afternoon. Twenty-six family members from every region of the country stood on the tarmac witnessing their loved one's return. Subdued voices of

Chief Airey laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery

Surrounded by family and friends, colleagues and fellow Airmen, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Airey was laid to rest here May 28. More than 400 people came to Ft. Myer, Va., for his funeral service and then on to Arlington for his grave site ceremony. Located in section 34, Chief

A fallen hero is laid to rest

Sacrifice and Service: The life of a Port Mortuary chaplain

The night sky looked calm and tranquil from a gently soaring aircraft, miles above the Eastern seaboard towns below. However, there was nothing tranquil or calm in the hearts of one family on board that craft, traveling to Dover Air Force Base to witness the dignified transfer of their son's

Uniforms for the fallen are always perfect

An Airman irons the long sleeved shirt, giving it sharp military creases. A Soldier and a Marine spend hours building ribbon racks, making sure every ribbon is correct and that the devices are equally polished and bright. A Sailor looks over the jacket, pants and shirt, ensuring all excess strings

Charleston Airmen fly honorable mission

Charleston Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew the most precious of cargo April 7 -- the remains of a fallen hero. Army Spc. Israel Candelaria Mejias of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment in Task Force 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team from