AFMAO personnel win A1 quarterly award

  • Published
  • By Christin Michaud
  • AFMAO Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Three personnel assigned to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center were recognized by Air Staff Directorate for Manpower, Personnel and Services as quarterly award winners.

AFMAO had winners in the noncommissioned officer, senior noncommissioned officer and civilian categories.

An AFMAO noncommissioned officer was selected as A1's top NCO for third quarter for her dedication to honoring America's fallen and supporting their families.

Tech. Sgt. Latersa Frazier, mortuary affairs technician, tracks Air Force active duty, retired, dependents, Air Force civilian employees and their dependents who die worldwide. Additionally, she oversees the execution of funding authorizations as well as coordinates travel and reimbursement for families, even those from past conflicts dating back to the Vietnam War.

"As a result of her professionalism and military bearing, Sergeant Frazier was chosen to provide the time-honored tradition of escorting an Airman to their final inurnment," said Todd Rose, Mortuary Affairs Division director. "She provided a dignified return of the fallen to the family. For her efforts and hard work, Sergeant Frazier was chosen to be the face of the Air Force enlisted corps at the 2010 National POW/MIA Recognition Day event in New York City."

Master Sgt. David Stroud, Air Force Mortuary Affairs readiness superintendent, was selected as the Senior NCO for the third quarter. Sergeant Stroud managed the rotation of more than 125 deployers through AFMAO who support the mission of providing dignify, honor and respect to the fallen. He had the unique opportunity to serve as the military lead for a C-17 crash and recovery team.

The experience is one he'll never forget. He assisted in the recovery of four Airmen to their families.

"It was my first time," said Sergeant Stroud of being on this search and recover fly away team. "We established the concept within AFMAO and had the capability, but have never utilized it in this capacity. It was a great learning experience." he said.

The third individual from AFMAO recognized was Kevin Smith, an embalmer technician, who was the winner in the II Civilian category. In addition to accounting for human remains, Mr. Smith prepares remains to be returned to the families.

"Mr. Smith has been an incredible asset to our mission of providing the highest level of dignity, honor and respect to our fallen and care service and support to their families," said Randy Keel, Port Mortuary director. "He has consistently researched new technologies to ensure preparation and viewability are at the highest level and takes great pride in the quality of his work."

The AFMAO employees competed with several other personnel from A1 in their respective categories.