AFMAO, personnel earn top honors in A1

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations and two of its personnel received top honors in A1 for 2010.

The mortuary was recognized for their diligent work as the lead executive agent for the Department of Defense in receiving, preparing and returning the nation's fallen servicemembers with dignity, honor and respect.

In 2010, AFMAO received the remains of 529 servicemembers killed in action and provided care, service and support to more than 2,300 family members.

"Your passion, attitude and professionalism in taking great care of our fallen heroes and their families has been duly recognized by Headquarters Air Force as 'Team Dover' has been nominated as the 2010 A1 Special Recognition Team of the Year," said Col. Thomas C. Joyce, AFMAO commander.

The work of the personnel assigned to the mortuary extends beyond Dover Air Force Base.

The partnership with contract airline Kalitta, accounted for more than 450 reverse dignified transfers as fallen servicemembers return to their final resting place in cities across the nation.

AFMAO created the DoD's only flyaway search and recovery teams. The first one was implemented after the loss of a C-17 in Alaska. The recovery team allowed for the expedited interment of four Airmen through flawless recovery efforts.

Staff at the mortuary teamed up with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Office of the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, 436th Airlift Wing and the U.S. Army to lead a response team for the Fort Hood mass casualty. The remains of 13 people were recovered and prepared for return to their families.

During the devastating earthquake in Haiti, 27 American citizens were recovered when personnel assigned here took the lead on the Air Force mortuary response.

The staff of 150 personnel, whether civilian, military, Armed Forces Medical Examiners or FBI take great care regardless of whether it is on scene or behind the scenes.

The team of public affairs professionals assigned escorted close to 300 media outlets to cover the dignified transfer of fallen servicemembers last year. They were recognized by the Public Relations Society of America with the Silver Anvil Award and Best of Silver Anvil for 2010.

Families of the Fallen were high priority after the reverse on the media ban led to more families travelling to witness a dignified transfer. A $9 million campus was designed for families of the fallen to have a place to receive support and counseling while they are here at Dover AFB. The newly constructed Fisher House provides a comfortable place to stay for families mourning.

"When my son was killed in 2004 families weren't encouraged to come and it is one of the regrets that I have that I was not able to be here," said Molly Morel, National President of the American Gold Star Mothers. "It is so very important to us that the families have a safe warm place to come where they have a home atmosphere - a home away from home. It is everything and more than that."

The success of AFMAO is the result of the team effort of the men and women who put their heart and soul into the mission.

"Thank you all for your selfless service and dedication to this special mission and one another," said Colonel Joyce.

Two individuals from AFMAO recognized by A1 were Todd Rose, Mortuary Affairs Division director, who garnered Senior Manager of the Year at the operational level, and Cory Larsen, Contingency Operations Branch chief, who won the Lieutenant General Norm Lezy Award.

As the head of the Mortuary Affairs Division, Mr. Rose oversees everything from Past Conflicts and entitlements and benefits for Air Force casualties to support to families of the fallen from all services.

"When I think about Mr. Rose's contribution to the mission of caring for our nation's families I think of his heartfelt commitment to this mission and his team," said Trevor Dean, AFMAO deputy commander. "His commitment translates into ensuring nothing less than perfection as it relates to serving the interests of the families we are charged with caring for during the most difficult time in their lives. Mr. Rose and his team spends countless hours planning and administering the delivery of care and service to families during their time of grief while recognizing their very personal and ultimate sacrifice."

Recipients of the Lieutenant General Lezy Award are recognized for making outstanding contributions of significant concern to the A1 community by displaying superior expertise and leadership qualities.

Mr. Larsen exemplifies that in his work at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. He leads a team of 27 personnel in a 24-hour operations center which tracks the deaths and travel arrangements of deaths that occur downrange. The dignified transfer mission is one of the most sacred. His management of each dignified transfer and leadership to the military members carrying out the mission ensures all of the fallen receive the honors they deserve.

"He is a proven leader," said Lt. Col. Mason Pigue, AFMAO director of operations in the nomination. "His passion for the mission is evident in his mentorship."

AFMAO, Mr. Rose and Mr. Larsen will now compete at the Air Force level.