AFMES

Operation Colony Glacier 2025

JBER

Operation Colony Glacier 2025

Alaska National Guard

Operation Colony Glacier 2025

Information technology personnel keep mortuary mission on track

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • Air Force Mortuary Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Behind the scenes at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations tucked away in an office that is usually vacant are the desks of three men who are integral to operations here.

The trio's primary mission is oversight of the Mortuary Operations Management System.

MOMS was implemented in November 2003 in line with the opening of the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs. The system consists of more than 50 separate applications that touch every aspect of the mortuary mission.

"First and foremost, the MOMS system tracks the processing, identification, dress and preparation and finally transport of our fallen back to their loved ones," said Kevin B. McGarrigle, technical operations officer.

After 9/11 it became quickly evident that the computer and software systems used for the mortuary mission were outdated and needed to be replaced, explained Mr. McGarrigle or "Mac" to the staff at AFMAO.

After months of mortuary process analysis and market research, requirement were established and set it place to begin the process of awarding a contract and establishing the system.

"The MOMS system and its use of technology allows us to be more efficient, which directly enhances our ability to accomplish our number one priority - and that is getting our fallen back to their families as quickly as possible," said Mac.

Additionally, it encompasses several applications in support of the mission which include but aren't limited to managing all supplies and equipment required to keep the operation ready, tracking all expenditures, purchase requests, orders and contracts, transportation of the fallen and special escorts, and personnel assigned both permanently and in support of the wartime operations.

"Most recently the MOMS system was modified for use by our Center for the Families of the Fallen, and provides them with tools to provide outreach and offer continued support to Air Force families who have suffered the loss of a loved one," Mac said.

He went on to say that if it weren't for the capabilities of the MOMS system, they would be forced to rely on applications that weren't able to interface with each other.

"The MOMS system and its use of technology allows us to be more efficient, which directly enhances our ability to accomplish our number one priority," said Mac. "That is getting our fallen back to their families as quickly as possible."

Aside from managing MOMS, the IT team is inundated with ensuring electronic communication is online for the staff which is critical to the success of the mission.

Helping people is what Stephen Cortes, assistant technical operations officer, likes most about his job here.

"I get a lot of satisfaction from knowing that by helping others the mission in a whole can be successful," he said.

In his more than nine months here, Mr. Cortes learned that although sometimes faced with challenges, the job isn't monotonous and keeps him busy.

The days prove busy for Mac, Mr. Cortes and Syed Gardezi, who is relatively new to the mission

These IT go-to-guys turn their focus to providing support to more than 140 personnel. That support includes deployment and maintenance of more than 750 pieces of IT equipment, creation and maintenance of user and computer accounts, submitting work orders and trouble tickets to external agencies for new IT requirements and telecommunication problems or outages. The trio also maintains and administers the mortuary's servers, backup systems and security access control and video surveillance systems.

They keep personnel here connected through video teleconferencing, oversight of the telephone systems and ensuring everyone's Blackberry or other wireless communication is on track.

"Most organizations in the Department of Defense and the corporate world rely heavily on Information Technology, and AFMAO is no exception, said Mac.

"The IT shop does its best to ensure that downtime of any of our systems is minimal. We owe that to all the heroes that pass through our doors and their families."

For more than 10 years, Mac has enjoyed meeting new people who deploy here in support of the mission every three to six months. Some have become old friends, some have been here before and came back to support the sacred mission. Some are coming for the first time.

He's also watched as casualties continue to come through the doors and wonders when it will end. That is the toughest part of his job.

"Everything else pales by comparison," he said.

Until it ends, Mac and his team ensure each person here has the technical capabilities they need to complete the mission and ensure the fallen are returned with dignity, honor and respect.