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UNDISCLOSED LOCATION - As a service member, one can't help
but to stand a little taller, be a little sharper and render
the appropriate salute because nothing is more somber or
moving than the transfer of the fallen to their final
resting place.
For those who pay the ultimate price
in service to their nation, the military's goal is to get
them home to their loved ones as soon as possible.
Thousands of miles away from the United States in Southwest
Asia, Senior Airman Julio Morales, 387th Expeditionary
Support Squadron dignified transfer program manager, has the
honorable charge of ensuring that his team reflects the
solemn movements that are required for dignified transfers.
Airmen from the 387th Expeditionary
Support Squadron practice for dignified transfers July 12, 2014 at
an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia. These airmen train to
handle those who have fallen in the line of duty with dignity and
respect as they make their journey home to their families. Senior
Airman Julio Morales has been the dignified transfer program
director for the past five months and deployed here from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bowcock) |
"The best part of what I do is being able to honor our
nation's fallen heroes and knowing I am a part of their
final trip back to their home town or final resting place,"
said Morales, who deployed from Lackland Air Force Base,
Texas, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
At
24, Morales has been the dignified transfer training manager
for the past five months and has learned how to deal with
the poignant aspect of his job. In preparation for the
transfer, he has learned how to detach all personal feelings
and most of his emotions in order to perform as sharply as
possible.
"There is no amount of training to prepare
for the emotional aspect of this job, but what helps me is
not asking specific details of the fallen until after the
ceremony," said Morales an El Paso, Texas native. "It is
about the fallen and we're here to honor and pay our
respects to them."
Morales takes his job as the
dignified transfer program manager with utmost seriousness
and has come to understand and deal with the most
challenging part of his job, which is adjusting to last
minute changes and training members that have little to no
experience with drill, he said. Despite the challenges,
nothing stops Morales from making sure that those who
volunteer to be part of the transfer detail will do it with
honor and dignity.
"We practice one to two times each
week," said Morales. "Several factors, such as whether the
remains arrive on a C-17 (Globemaster III) or C-130
(Hercules) will give me an idea of how much space I'll need
for my detail."
Once the aircraft lands, Morales is
given the go ahead by air terminal operations center to
proceed with the transfer. It doesn't take long for all
available members of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group to
gather in formation and show their respects during the
dignified transfer. Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cullison,
387th ESPTS superintendent has stood in honor during 13
transfers since January. Cullison, who deployed from
Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, describes his feelings.
"It
is difficult to explain the feelings that I experience. I am
struck with the sadness of a life ended much too soon and
the pain and loss that their family must be going through,"
said the Warsaw, Ohio native. "But, I am also extremely
grateful to serve alongside people willing to lay down their
lives for their country."
Airmen who volunteer for
the dignified transfer carry team are available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week.
More photos available below
By U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Allison Day
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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