Husband and wife team work at Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations

  • Published
  • By Kendahl Johnson
  • Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Working at Air Force Mortuary Operations highlights the careers of two senior master sergeants, and they get to share in the experience long after the work day is over.

Senior Master Sgts. Tyrone and Michelle Williams are both employed at AFMAO. Since meeting and getting married while stationed at Malstrom Air Force Base, Mont., in 1996, they've never worked together at the same base. Until now. They said it's been enjoyable working side by side for the first time.

"This doesn't compare to any job we've ever had," said Michelle, a native of Salisbury, Md. "You can't help but have a sense of pride and honor in working for the fallen and their families."

They almost didn't come to the center. They were both slated to go to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, but after they had those orders, they were promoted to senior master sergeant. Since the jobs at Hawaii were not slated for that rank, those orders were cancelled and they received new orders to Dover AFB, Del.

Michelle was assigned to AFMAO as the superintendent for the operations division, where she helps oversee areas like plans and programs, readiness, honor guard, education and training, chaplaincy and the resiliency team.

Tyrone was assigned to the 436th Force Support Squadron, but later transferred to the position of port mortuary superintendent at AFMAO. He worked in that capacity for several months, before moving to his current position as mortuary affairs superintendent. His primary responsibility is to help oversee the Center for the Families of the Fallen.

"I've done a lot of things in my 17-year Air Force career - a lot of things I've grown from and have enjoyed - but this is the best job I've had," said Tyrone, a native of Tampa, Fla. "There's nothing like this job. It's hard to explain what working here means to me, but I am very happy to have this opportunity."

He said it isn't always easy to see firsthand the devastation of the war and what it does to families who have lost loved ones. Having his wife experience it with him helps him find strength and resiliency in what is often an emotionally challenging job.

"It's an advantage we have over some of the employees who are deployed here who don't have family to go home to and talk about what they experienced," Michelle said. "It makes it easier to deal with some of the emotions."

They both find strength in knowing the solemnity of the mission, and the importance of providing dignity and respect for the fallen and care and support to the families.

"The entire staff really takes pride, honor and respect in how we care for their loved ones," Tyrone said. "Not at any moment do we take our role and responsibility lightly. It's given me a different outlook and appreciation for all my comrades and pride in serving in the Air Force and in the military period."