Remains of Seven U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Returned Home

By • on July 9, 2009

Remains of Seven U.S. Troops Killed in Afghanistan Returned Home

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin J. Matwey
Special to American Forces Press Service
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del., July 8, 2009 – The remains of seven American troops killed July 6 during combat operations in Afghanistan returned to their nation during a dignified transfer this afternoon at Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Twenty-six family members from every region of the country stood on the tarmac witnessing their loved one’s return.

Subdued voices of the carry team leaders directed their teams to perform precise movements as they transferred their comrades-in-arms from the C-17 aircraft to a waiting vehicle. A six-person Navy team carried the transfer case of the single sailor into one vehicle, followed by a six-person U.S. Army team who then carried each transfer case for the six soldiers into a second vehicle.

The wind picked-up on this warm summer day as the last transfer case holding the sixth soldier was placed in the transfer vehicle, and all present rendered a final salute.

Click photo for screen-resolution image
HONORING THE FALLEN – A U.S. Navy team transfers the remains of Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony M. Randolph at Dover Air Force Base, July 8, 2009, as Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined Rear Adm. James J. Shannon, commander of the Naval Warfare Center, Army Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr., director of Joint and Futures, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G8, Headquarters, Department of the Army, Washington D.C., and Air Force Col. Manson O. Morris, commander, 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base. U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik

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