RAF Mildenhall keeps fallen safe while en route home

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  At around 8:45 a.m. May 11, a small procession on the RAF Mildenhall flightline was witnessed by few, but felt by millions.

Without the usual polish and ceremony, but with every ounce of dignity and respect deserved, three metal boxes - each wrapped tightly by an American flag - crawled from the back of a C-17 to the 727th Air Mobility Squadron freight terminal on a cargo loader.

When they arrived at the edge of the loading dock, a four-person detail snapped to attention and saluted as the caskets rolled slowly to a stop in front of them. They were then gingerly lifted onto wheeled platforms and steered toward an area where they would stay safe overnight.

Remains of American servicemembers aren't brought through RAF Mildenhall often enough for the procedure to be routine, but the mortuary team from the 100th Force Support Squadron assigned to care for them while they're here know their job as if it were an everyday occurrence. Ash clouds from a volcanic eruption in Iceland have disrupted air traffic, and for the second time in three days, RAF Mildenhall served as a rest point for the remains.

Their task, while small, is crucial. The remains of the fallen must be constantly cared for during their transfer to Dover Air Force Base, Del., where they are prepared for their final resting place. May 11, the task of caring for the remains fell on Staff Sgt. Danielle Todman and Senior Airmen Carlos Sanchez, 100th FSS. They recorded all information required, and set to the task of preparing the caskets for their overnight stay.

For most involved, they try to let the event become just a part of their day.

"This happens here every now and again," said Staff Sgt. Markus McCollum, 727th AMS Special Handling. "When it does, I try not to think too deeply on it."

Not thinking too deeply, in Sergeant McCollum's case, doesn't mean sacrificing honor. While assisting the mortuary team in moving the caskets, he maintains a near-silent reverie, speaking only when slight adjustments are needed to correct the course of the casket as it is pushed toward the holding area.

No matter their rank or involvement in the process, everyone involved said they feel the gravity of the situation, and no one - not even the 727th AMS commander - considers themselves above the task of caring for the precious cargo.

"I don't know these people," said Lt. Col. Robert Maxwell, 727th AMS commander. "I don't know their families - but they are our family, and anything we can do to get them home faster is worth it."

Colonel Maxwell was one of the four people rendering honors as the caskets arrived at his building. He assisted in moving them to the holding area, but said watching them as they were transported from the C-17 to the freight terminal brought on a series of emotions of their own.

"I'm exceptionally proud of the professionalism the members of the 727th AMS demonstrated during this event," he said. "But it wasn't just American servicemembers. Our Ministry of Defence [sic] civilians were just as respectful and dignified as anyone else."

The remains are scheduled to stay on RAF Mildenhall for less than a day, but while they're here, they will be afforded every bit of attention necessary for as long as required.

The colonel said the goal of Air Mobility Command is to get the fallen home as quickly and with as much honor as possible, and he and his squadron are proud to be a part of that process.

"Every day we have young Airmen doing an emotional, difficult job," Colonel Maxwell said. "But they're prepared, and they do it with pride, honor and dignity."