Onboard an Air Force C-5 are Transfer cases containing the remains of Spc. Emilio J. Campo Jr., Spc. Michael B. Cook Jr., Spc. Christopher B. Fishbeck and Pfc. Michael C. Olivieri. They died June 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KZ
A solemn dignified transfer of remains is conducted upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, DE, from the aircraft to a transfer vehicle to honor those who have given their lives in the service of our country. The vehicle then moves the fallen to the port mortuary.
Dignified transfer officer Col. David Hafer, U.S. Air Force, Deputy Commander, 436th Operations Group, Dover AFB and senior ranking officer Frocked Brig. Gen. Billy Farris II, U.S. Army, Deputy Chief, Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Army, Pentagon and Air Force Staff Chaplin Lt. Col. Dennis Saucier board aircraft.
Air Force Staff Chaplin Lt. Col. Dennis Saucier leads prayer over the fallen.
Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Emilio J. Campo Jr., 20, of Madelia, MN upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, DE on June 8, 2011. The Department of Defense announced the death of Campo who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
Each week, a squad of Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) is set aside from the typical ceremonial tasking to take upon itself a most difficult honor. These Soldiers are on call, 24 hours a day, weekday or weekend, to receive the remains of America's fallen heroes at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, DE. The Soldiers fly to Dover in Blackhawk helicopters, wearing the ACU is much more practical than wearing the ceremonial blues uniform the Soldiers wear when rendering final honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
The Soldiers typically spend about eight hours preparing and executing the mission. Since the flights arrive in Dover at all hours, the Soldiers often transfer the remains of their fallen comrades in the dead of night. Although the hours are long and irregular the Soldiers appreciate the opportunity to do their part in ensuring that these heroes are returned to the United States with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Army carry team moves the transfer case with the believed to be remains of Spc. Emilio J. Campo Jr., into mortuary transfer vehicle.
Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Michael B. Cook Jr., 27, of Middletown, OH upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, DE on June 8, 2011. The Department of Defense announced the death of Cook who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
The dignified transfer officer orders “Present, Arms” (slow movement salute).
Army carry team moves the transfer case with the believed to be remains of Spc. Michael B. Cook Jr., into mortuary transfer vehicle.
Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Christopher B. Fishbeck, 24, of Victorville, CA upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, DE on June 8, 2011. The Department of Defense announced the death of Fishbeck who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
The dignified transfer officer orders “Present, Arms” (slow movement salute).
Army carry team moves the transfer case with the believed to be remains of Spc. Christopher B. Fishbeck, into mortuary transfer vehicle.
Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Pfc. Michael C. Olivieri, 26, Chicago, IL upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, DE on June 8, 2011. The Department of Defense announced the death of Olivieri who was supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.
The dignified transfer officer orders “Present, Arms” (slow movement salute).
Army carry team moves the transfer case with the believed to be remains of Pfc. Michael C. Olivieri into mortuary transfer vehicle.
Transfer vehicle guide Senior Airman Paul Goth slowly closes the doors to the transfer vehicle.
The Final Steps, the mortuary vehicle driver starts engine, and Security Forces vehicle moves into escort position in front. The Transfer vehicle begins to pull away. Dignified transfer officer orders final “Present, Arms” and “Order, Arms” (slow salute) as vehicle departs. Carry team follows (by walking) transfer vehicle, with the transfer vehicle guide walking behind the carry team. Dignified transfer officer and senior ranking officer follow (walking) behind the transfer vehicle guide, ending the dignified transfer.
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