Commander shares why he volunteered for mortuary position

By Col. Dan Merry | AFMAO commander | Sept. 17, 2014

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — There aren't many circumstances where a colonel gets a vote on their next assignment.
Granted, we can let our boss know our desires and communicate special needs, but at the end of the day, the needs of the Air Force come first. Senior Air Force leaders select the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations commander through an interview process.

I was fortunate to have a few days to prepare for the interview and took time to discuss this potential assignment with my family and close friends. The focus of our discussions was on the AFMAO mission and potential challenges, but we also looked at the functionality of the two wings, the support structure, the schools and the Dover community. The research and discussions gave me a good feeling that, as a family, we could do this if I was selected.

The interview only lasted a few minutes. After some basic questions, I was asked if I wanted the job and told if I didn't, it would not be held against me. I did not fully anticipate there would be the option to say no, but when given that chance it still only took me a second to answer, "Yes sir, I want the job." I was then asked why, and I gave three main reasons:

Somebody has to do it, and they need to do it right. Very few people have the opportunity to make such a big difference for families of the fallen. I wanted this opportunity and was willing to take responsibility because I knew AFMAO was a well-led, capable team.

As a uniform-wearing Airman, I couldn't see myself saying no. Senior leaders believed I could do this or they wouldn't have called; my family believed I could do this or they wouldn't have said yes.

While loss is unique to each individual, last year I lost my dad and his wife of 30 years on the same day. They died from different causes within eight hours of each other. This experience helped me gain insight of the impact a tragic loss can have on a family.

I'm sharing this because you need to know that, like many of you, I am here by choice and will do my very best to ensure we are able and ready to honor the fallen and care for the families, while making sure we also take care of one another.

My family and I are proud to be serving here, and we appreciate the phenomenal support from the AFMAO family, Team Dover and the Dover community.