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Assisting families of fallen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  When families experience the tragic loss of a loved one, they may be emotionally affected and need help coping with the situation.

The 20th Force Support Squadron mortuary affairs office and casualty assistance office work together to support the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations’ mission to “fulfill the nations sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen” – helping to provide families of the deceased with travel and disposition instructions, and an appropriate funeral service.

The mortuary affairs office coordinates with local contract funeral homes for embalming, funeral cosmetology, cremation, dressing and casketing services free of charge, helping to off-set funeral costs, which range from $2,000 to more than $10,000.

“We don’t want the family to be overwhelmed with the funeral, especially during this vulnerable point in their life,” said Staff Sgt. Naomi Williams, 20th FSS mortuary technician and readiness NCO in charge. “We take responsibility for funeral, travel, and transportation expenses up to the authorized amount and give back to the service member who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

After funeral and memorial services have been arranged, the casualty assistance office aids survivors in claiming benefits owed to the family, such as the Service members Group Life Insurance policy.

“When an active-duty member passes, I get a call, no matter the date or time,” said Debra Atkins, 20th FSS casualty technician. “It is my job to visit the next of kin with my counterparts (mortuary affairs) to assist them in applying for Air Force, Veterans Assistance and Social Security benefits.”

By supporting families of the deceased, Airmen assigned to the mortuary affairs and casualty assistance offices preserve the member’s military legacy and provide assistance following his or her passing. Whether it is funeral preparations or post-funeral monetary reparation, these Airmen ensure those who have passed are not forgotten.