Air Force civic leaders tour AFMAO

  • Published
  • By Van N. Williams
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program visited the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations facility Feb. 2, 2011.

Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton, III, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., assistant vice chief of staff and director led the 41-member group. 

The Civic Leader Program is an Air Staff-level program whose membership is comprised of respected community leaders selected from the Air Force major commands, National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force.

The civic leaders provide ideas and feedback to advise the Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in their respective areas and about public attitudes toward the Air Force and Air Force activities in their areas.

Michael Bidwill, president of the Arizona Cardinals Football Club, presented AFMAO a jersey of former player Pat Tillman.

"After Sept. 11, Pat left his football career and three million dollars on the table to join the Army, Bidwill said.

"He died in Afghanistan and his remains came through this facility. The Cardinals and the state of Arizona will never forget the dignity, honor and respect that you gave to Pat. I'd like to present to you Pat's jersey and an autographed football, to say thank you for the excellent way you took care of Pat and the others who have passed through here on their way home."

Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations provides dignity, honor and respect to the nation's fallen service members and care, service and support to their families.