Fallen heroes given last honors Published July 8, 2006 By Master Sgt. David Byrd 315th Mission Support Squadron SOUTHWEST ASIA -- While being deployed in Southwest Asia, I had the occasion to be part of human remains ceremonies several times a week. When a soldier, sailor or airman is killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, they bring the body and personal effects here before sending them back to the states. When the plane arrives, all available personnel line up in one or two rows, while six people go on the aircraft to help carry the flag-draped casket off. Each casket is wrapped in an American flag. The formation is called to attention. When the casket is brought off the plane, each person in the formation renders a four-second, slow salute. The casket is placed in a waiting truck and taken to a remains processing area here on the base. The group carrying the casket then renders a four-second, slow salute and walks back to the plane. Once the group carrying the casket has rendered their salute, the formation drops theirs. This continues until all caskets have been removed. Once the plane is empty, the formation is dismissed. Normally, there is only one casket per plane. When they walk by, I say a prayer of thanks for the member’s service and a prayer of comfort for the family. After each ceremony, the walk back to the office is normally a quiet one. There is no talking or joking around as each member deals with their feelings and emotions. We think about how grateful we are that we are where we are and our families back home are not grieving for us. It is quite an overwhelming feeling. Unfortunately, these ceremonies happen too often. But, each Airman, solider, sailor or Marine is aware of the danger when they are deployed into battle. Many men and women have died for their country and they will continue to do so. And, there will be folks who will salute them for their service and say “Well done”!