Mortuary gets new commander

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Col. John M. Devillier assumed command of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations from Col. Thomas C. Joyce in a ceremony presided over by Lt. Gen. Darrell Jones May 2 at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs.

The ceremony, a time-honored tradition, is a chance for subordinates to witness the formal transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from one officer to another.

Command of a unit in the Air Force is an important feat, said Jones, Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Services.

Serving as a commander of the mortuary is even more significant, because the organization is the only one of its kind in the Department of Defense.

"The two men before you today have reached the pinnacle of their career," he said. "There is no higher calling or more solemn obligation than the mission performed at the mortuary."

The general thanked Joyce for leading those people who honor the fallen and for carrying out this sacred mission and providing a level of care that is world renowned.

Joyce said leading the mission was a humbling experience for him.

"I am privileged to have had the opportunity to command a unit with such a noble mission," said Joyce. "I stand in awe of all of you who contribute to this mission and all you do. I can think of nothing more important than taking care of America's fallen and their families.

"Everything we do here is about the families," expressed the outgoing commander. "It's about honoring their loved one, and caring and supporting them. To do that we must have good, positive, strong relationships and that has been the focus of my efforts for the last year and a half."

Joyce challenged his team to continue to do the great work they do.

"The mission here demands that we never be satisfied with the status quo," said Joyce. "You all have continued to lean forward and foster an environment of continuous improvement, and I know you will continue to do that."

Change is the standard in the Air Force, explained Jones. The colonel will move to the Air Force Services Agency to serve as a change agent there.

"Today, we welcome a new commander," said Jones.

Devillier, like all commanders, undergo an extensive screening process. He was serving as a group commander in Afghanistan when he got the news he would be considered for an assignment at the nation's sole port mortuary.

When asked how he felt, Devillier said he could only think of one word, "honored."

"My family and I are honored to be here and I am proud to be your commander," he said.

Jones told Devillier he would be taking on a tough job with challenges that will continue, but to focus on the mission and improve it.

"The sole purpose of improving how we do things," said Jones, "is so that we can do the mission better, once again for the fallen heroes who come through this organization."

The responsibility has been passed on to Devillier as he begins his journey leading AFMAO.

The fallen heroes who pay the ultimate sacrifice are part of a small percentage of the nation willing to serve their country.

Those who make the choice to wear the uniform are generous, said Devillier in his speech where he focused on the importance of words - one being 'generous' - a word an Afghan counterpart used to describe American society.

"Less than 1 percent of our nation puts on the uniform," said Devillier. 'That is generous."

It is that generosity to serve in the military, deploy and volunteer to go back that makes the men and women in uniform part of an important subset.

"At this very small subset of American society, a small fraction pays the ultimate price - and that is generous - that is what we are here for. We are here to take care of those men and women and their families."

"It's that small subset that you work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 365 days a year to take care of."

When he traveled through Afghanistan and would visit with Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, those who weren't in combat roles would talk about their job followed by a 'but,' when describing their service because they weren't on the front lines of combat.

They were proud of their service, and would say, " ... but I only did this or I only did that."

People have a tendency to lose sight of their part in the mission. He encouraged those who serve to realize the importance of their role in supporting the warfighter.

"You have to change the word 'but' to 'and,'" he said. "Then, we can truly capture the great impact we all have in supporting our great nation."

"This applies to everyone here at AFMAO," said Devillier. "Regardless of your role here at Dover or AFMAO, never should anyone say I served at AFMAO, but I only did XYZ," he said.

"Rather, you should be proud of what you do here and include that powerful little word 'and' in your description: 'I served at AFMAO 'and' ensured our fallen were honored during a dignified transfer. I served at AFMAO and ensured our fallen are prepared in the highest standards.' The list goes on and on."

The message he had for the team here was clear.

"Be proud of what you do regardless of your role here at AFMAO or Dover - it matters and you all matter," he said. "Thank you for what you do every day that few people know about. Thank you for taking care of our fallen heroes ... and their families."