Mortuary Affairs Operators Adapt to Unique Challenges During COVID-19

April 24, 2020 | BY Air Force Master Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis

Personnel assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, are accustomed to unique conditions that may arise when caring for fallen service members and their families. While a large portion of the nation is practicing social distancing and staying home, the mortuary mission doesn't stop, and AFMAO members must adapt now more than ever.

AFMAO's top priority is balancing team safety with mission requirements, said Air Force Col. Brian Eddy, the commander of AFMAO.

"To the max extent possible, we are teleworking as an organization," the colonel said. "However, we do have mission sets that require our personnel to come in and execute, and if that's the case, we practice physical distancing [and] wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment if distance can't be maintained, and overall good social hygiene."

One example is the 24/7 operations center that serves as AFMAO's focal point for casualty notifications. Controllers coordinate and track the transportation of remains from the place of death to the final resting place. They also work with liaisons from other service branches to ensure overall mission success.

In addition to the protective measures put in place, AFMAO has implemented alternative ways to support family members who travel to attend dignified transfers that are in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's social distancing guidelines.

In an effort to ensure the safety and health of family members and the mortuary staff, family travel to dignified transfers is done on a case-by-case basis during the national emergency.

"We, in conjunction with our sister services, have implemented a screening process for families prior to their departure from their homes and upon arrival at Dover," Eddy said. "Additionally, we screen all those involved in the dignified transfer to ensure everyone is healthy, ... ensuring the safety of everyone."

Some of the changes put in place require families who attend dignified transfers to practice social distancing and wear masks while in common areas of the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen, where they stay while at Dover.

"It can sometimes be difficult to avoid the typical ways you may show support to a grieving family member," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Michelle Johnson, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Fisher House for Families of the Fallen. "Some families need that physical interaction or display of affection in order to feel comfort. Our mission will never change, and we are committed to providing our families a warm home-away-from-home atmosphere where they can focus on coping with the loss of their loved one."

Even with new guidelines in place, Johnson emphasized that AFMAO is still committed to completing the mission to the highest standards.

"Continuing to provide the care, service and support for the families of our nation's fallen is paramount," Johnson said. "We will do this with the precautions set in place and continue to keep our airmen as healthy as possible."

Changes to the dignified transfer process itself include the formation's distance and the carry team wearing masks. Even with the changes, the mission will continue, Eddy assured.

"The level of care has not and will not change," he said. "Our mission to provide dignity, honor and respect to our fallen is constant, and we are all committed to ensuring we continue to meet our sacred charge and the standard set before this national emergency."

Joy Clifford, a resource advisor with the readiness division, said there are challenges daily, but through it all, one theme sticks out:

"People are adopting a mindset of collaboration, not frustration," she said. "We've become more aware of our environment and have had to adjust to how we do things on a daily basis. People are adapting very quickly, and we'll continue to honor our fallen and their family’s needs. It's pretty amazing to see us focused on that one promise."

(Air Force Master Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis is assigned to Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations.)