USO supports AFMAO mission Published Jan. 16, 2010 By Ed Drohan Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- When your job involves performing dignified transfers of fallen warriors at all hours of the day or night, or preparing those warriors for the trip to their final resting place, any kind of respite is welcomed. Here, the Delaware chapter of the United Service Organizations provides some of that respite. The Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center has a total force staff consisting of active duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines as well as Guardsmen, Reservists, and civilians. The combined team of FBI agents, Dental Technicians, and Armed Forces Medical Examiners utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to establish positive identification through Fingerprint, dental, DNA analysis, and an autopsy of the remains to determine cause of death. The staff also prepares fallen members for transport to their final destination as determined by the family. The local USO chapter was formed in 1991 has been supporting AFMAO - which was previously the Dover Port Mortuary - ever since. While they do so different ways, one of the most common and most often seen is at the dignified transfer events. Volunteers are at every DT, providing snacks and oftentimes homemade food and desserts. Ms Vera Cianciotto has been volunteering with the Delaware USO for the last three years and is one of those who helps during dignified transfers. She sets out snacks and drinks for those taking part in the event, whether it's happening at noon or midnight. "I really enjoy doing it, but I wish I didn't have to do it," Ms. Cianciotta said. "I think of all the things we do, this is the biggest honor. These people are bringing our heroes home and this is the least we can do for them." But the USO supports AFMAO beyond the DTs. Before the current AFMAO facility was built in 2003, the USO would set up in the old Port Mortuary cafeteria, USO Director Joan Cote said. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the USO set up tents outside the mortuary facility so workers could get away, even if only for a short time. Today the USO also works closely with the AFMAO resiliency team providing special events for people who are doing "...one of the hardest jobs in the Air Force," as Ms. Cote puts it. "The blizzard put the kibosh on our Radio City trip this year, but last year we took two buses of people up to New York City to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas show," Ms. Cote explained. "We're regrouping now and we're working on a ski trip and a possible trip to see some of the shows in Atlantic City." They also work to bring celebrities to the base for visits and autograph sessions. Most recently, Philadelphia Eagles football player DeSean Jackson visited with AFMAO personnel before the session was opened to the rest of the installation. The new lounge in the AFMAO facility was a USO project that was built using corporate donations. The lounge is a place where workers can take a break, watch TV, get a snack provided by the USO or just relax from their sometimes emotionally draining tasks. Ms. Cote explained that the community is a huge supporter of USO activities here, providing donations that help the organization operate. But it is the 150 or so volunteers who are the lifeblood of the USO. "Probably 75 percent of them have no ties to the military," the director said. "But they have a passion for giving back to the men and women who serve our country." As far as many AFMAO Airmen are concerned, the USO's support has been above and beyond. "I think they do an amazing job," Staff Sergeant Sarah Hinds said. Sergeant Hinds is a member of the dignified transfer carry team who is deployed from the 914th Services Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve base, N.Y. AFMAO Commander Col. Bob Edmondson said he truly appreciates the support provided by the USO. "I've had contact with USO volunteers around the world" Colonel Edmondson said. "But we're dealing with a sacred mission here ... and every time we're there, no matter when, the USO is there to feed us and take care of us."