Civic leaders tour Air Force mortuary affairs center

  • Published
  • By Van N. Williams
  • Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. (AFNS) --  Members of the Air Force Chief of Staff Civic Leader Program visited the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center facility Feb. 2.  Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III, the assistant vice chief of staff, led the 41-member group.

The civic leader program is an Air Staff-level program whose membership comprises respected community leaders selected by officials from Air Force major commands, the National Guard Bureau and Headquarters Air Force.

The civic leaders provide ideas and feedback to advise the secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and Air Force senior leaders about how missions can best be accomplished in their respective areas and about public attitudes toward the Air Force and Air Force activities in their areas.

During the tour, Michael Bidwill, president of the Arizona Cardinals Football Club, presented AFMAO officials a jersey of former Cardinal player Pat Tillman.

"After Sept. 11, Pat left his football career and three million dollars on the table to join the Army," Mr. Bidwill said. "He died in Afghanistan and his remains came through this facility. The Cardinals and the state of Arizona will never forget the dignity, honor and respect that you gave to Pat. I'd like to present to you Pat's jersey and an autographed football, to say thank you for the excellent way you took care of Pat and the others who have passed through here on their way home."

The Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations staff provides dignity, honor and respect to the nation's fallen service members and care, service and support to their families.