Marine Corps Commandant visits Dover to experience mortuary mission

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Michael Gibson
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
Dover Air Force Base, Del. --  Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, visited the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Del., Oct. 5 to see the care provided for fallen service members and their families.

Amos received a briefing and then toured the mortuary, Campus for the Families of the Fallen and the Joint Personnel Effects Depot.

"It was important to come out and see how our fallen angels were cared for and how their gear was cared for," said Amos. "Dignified is precisely the right term."

The Commandant took time to meet with each of the Marines that serve at the mortuary.

"It was an honor to show the Commandant how we provide dignity, honor and respect to our fallen Marines and provide care, service and support to their families," said Marine Cpl. Matthew Duerr, who has been assigned to the Marine Corps liaison branch here for 11 months.

The general extended his gratitude to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Department of Defense civilians and contractors at the mortuary for all the work they do.

"I wanted to say thank you," said Amos. "I'm completely wowed by what I've seen today."

William Zwicharowski, mortuary branch chief of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, had the opportunity to brief the Commandant about some of the detailed care provided to fallen service members. Zwicharowski served in the Marines Corps from 1974 to 1977.

"I was honored that he came," said Zwicharowski. "I've met presidents and movie stars but I have to say that being a Marine and carrying the Marine Corps with me throughout my life, meeting the Commandant is one of the highlights of my career."

Amos utilized many positive words to describe the mortuary mission upon completion of his tour.

"Absolutely professional -- top notch," said the Commandant. "It's done honorably -- it's done professionally and I just can't imagine if I had to sit down and try to think about ways that I might improve or do it better."

The Commandant's visit was a memorable experience for the Marines who do this mission.

"Meeting the Commandant is something every Marine dreams of," said Duerr. "After meeting and talking with him, it is obvious that he is the embodiment of our core values of honor, courage and commitment. It's obvious he really cares for his Marines."