Returning the fallen home

  • Published
  • By Van N. Williams
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Images from the Korean War are in black and white and those from the Vietnam War are in color. But for many, those images are old and faded.

With the current conflict in Afghanistan, it can be easy to forget those who have fought in pervious wars and have not returned home.

But there are organizations and government agencies, whose job is to never forget and to continue to search for those missing in action.

One of those agencies is the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Past Conflicts Branch.

Working hand in hand with the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Past Conflicts Branch collects DNA samples from the families of missing service members.

"We have collected more than 800 samples in 2010," said Allen Cronin, mortuary specialist and senior branch member.

Cronin and members of his team reach out to families for DNA samples through conferences and other venues.

"We use genealogists and research to find family members of the missing, so that we can ask them for DNA samples to help identify their missing relatives," Cronin added.

Once JPAC recovers remains from overseas, they are compared with a DNA database to determine the identity of the fallen.

But the Past Conflicts Branch's work doesn't begin and end with DNA.

Once the remains are identified, the team works with the family to arrange repatriation and final arrangements for their loved one.

"We had nine missing in action returned home in 2010," Cronin said. "This year we will meet or exceed that number."

Recently, the remains of 1st Lt. Robert Franklin Dees, an Air Force pilot missing since the Korean War were returned to his family in Ozark, Ala.

"I want to thank the Air Force Mortuary Affairs and Mr. Allen Cronin," said Linda Dees, niece of Lieutenant. Dees. "He has been with us every step of the way. We couldn't have done it without him."

Cronin says that his team considers it an honor and privilege to serve the families of missing service members. "It's the best feeling in the world, when we are able to bring them home to their loved ones."