Carmona Steps Down as Dover Review Board Chief

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2011 – Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona will step down as leader of an outside panel to review procedures and policies at the Dover Port Mortuary, Del., Pentagon officials announced today.

Carmona, who served as surgeon general under President George W. Bush, is running for senator from Arizona.

“Dr. Carmona notified the department this morning that he is stepping down from the panel,” Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today in a written statement.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta agreed with Carmona’s decision and promises to name a replacement very soon, Little said. “The secretary believes that the panel’s independent review will strengthen our nation’s commitment to the treatment of America’s fallen heroes and to their families,” the press secretary said. “That’s a sacred obligation.”

The other members of the panel are: Retired Army Gen. Fred Franks, a member of DOD’s health board; Ruth Stonecifer, representative of families supported by the Dover Port Mortuary; Congressman Vic Snyder, a doctor and former Democratic U.S. representative from Arkansas; Garold Huey, a funeral director and embalmer who served in the Navy as enlisted member-embalming technician; Jacquelyn Taylor, executive director of the New England Institute and an internationally recognized leader in funeral service education; and Dr. Bruce Parks, a forensic pathologist.