Last Tuesday, the 30 American heroes who gave their all for the cause of freedom in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan came home. They arrived at Dover Air Force Base, DE in two Air Force C-17 transports, each set of remains in an aluminum transfer case carefully draped with a perfectly pressed American Flag.

The fallen warriors were moved to waiting mortuary vehicles by teams of fellow service members in a Dignified Transfer Ceremony, as the President, Secretary of Defense, senior military officers and civilian officials saluted, and family members who chose to be present watched.  Sadly, this ceremony has occurred more than 6,000 times since 2001, but regardless of the decedent's rank,  a senior officer of the member's service has always presided over the return to honor their supreme sacrifice for our country.

At Dover's Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO), the remains of our fallen heroes are positively identified, and carefully clothed in the proper dress uniform before they are transported to the locations the families select as a final resting place.  AFMAO facilities include a Center for Families of the Fallen to afford privacy during the Dignified Transfer, the Fisher House where the families can stay while awaiting the arrival of a lost loved one, and a Meditation Pavilion.  The staff of 150 at AFMAO includes Chaplains, Chaplain Assistants, civilians, and military support personnel who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to comfort family members and guide them through the process.  Their assigned mission is to return the hero's remains to his or her family as soon as possible, with "dignity, honor, and respect."

As we honor the sacrificial service of "those who have given all" for our nation over the years, let us also remember in prayer their families and friends as they grieve the loss of their loved ones, and adjust to these major changes in their lives.