Dover colonels perform sacred duty

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Each colonel assigned to Dover Air Force Base has a unique mission in addition to their primary duties as a wing, vice or group commander.

There are nine O-6s assigned here who serve as dignified transfer hosts for fallen heroes returning to American soil.

The title DTH is given to the colonel designated to call the orders for the solemn dignified transfer of remains conducted upon arrival at Dover AFB from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle to honor those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

Originally called the dignified transfer officer, the position later changed to DTH when Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations became a named activity. Although a general officer from the respective branch of service may be part of the official party, it is always an Air Force colonel from Dover who officiates and serves as the host for the transfer, explained Col. Thomas C. Joyce, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations commander.

Col. Randal L. Bright, 512th Airlift Wing commander has been contributing to this sacred mission longer than others who currently serve to honor the fallen.

He performed his first dignified transfer on June 27, 2007.

"The first DT was tough," said Colonel Bright. "My son was in the Army and served with the 1st Armored Division and was wounded in April of 2006. I just wondered at that time of my first DT, what if this had been my son?"

He said it helped him realize how fortunate his family had been, but at the same time, how fortunate the nation is for this fallen hero to have given his last full measure for his country.

Col. Anthony Krawietz, 436th Airlift Wing vice commander, said his first DT was a significant experience.

"They all are," he added. "It is tremendous what we get to do. This is not a have to do; it's a get to do. It gives back possibly more than any other job I have been involved in."

As the DTH, his focus is on his role in the formation and making the calls.

"I very much concentrate on what it is I am supposed to be doing every step of the way," said Colonel Krawietz.

It's too hard not to. A fallen comrade, another father, or someone's son. A mother, daughter, sister or brother. The Soldier, Sailor, Airmen or Marine in the transfer case has made the ultimate sacrifice. And so have their families.

The colonels continue the legacy of honoring American's fallen at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. They march out as part of the official party. After a prayer by the chaplain, the DTH calls, "Present Arms." The remains of the fallen military member is transferred from the aircraft to the transfer vehicle with slow deliberate movements by the carry team. The DTH calls, "Order Arms."

The transfer vehicle guide closes the doors and another salute is rendered as the vehicle makes its way to the mortuary.

The time on the flightline is something they do in addition to what they do all day, explained Colonel. It's helped him put things in perspective. He's seen how civilians who are charged with creating military policy see it in effect on the ramp here.

"Our civilians and senior leaders absolutely get it," he said. "They understand what is going on here. How they arrive is quite different from how they leave here - you can see it in their faces."

Both colonels view the extra duty as one of the most important in their careers, and the most memorable.

"I am sure at some time, after my time is up at Dover, I will take the time to see how many fallen heroes I have welcomed home with the utmost in dignity, honor and respect," said Colonel Bright.

"I have found throughout my time here that serving as a DTO was the hardest duty I have performed but also the most honorable duty I have performed in my 25-year career."