Bagram Airman gives all for the families

  • Published
  • By Capt. Toni Tones
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  A Bagram Air Base Airman is making a difference for servicemembers and their families as she has one of the most difficult jobs in the area of responsibility.

Senior Airman Sekina Moye, a services journeyman assigned to the 755th Air Expeditionary Group, is filling a six-month in-lieu-of tasking with Bagram's Mortuary Affairs. She is the only Air Force member of the five-person Army team who processes the remains of U.S. and coalition fallen heroes.

"I was scared. I had never done this aspect of services," said Airman Moye, who is deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. "This is my first deployment and I came alone without any team members. But once I got here, the Army made me comfortable and part of the family."

Less than three weeks on the ground, Airman Moye processed her first fallen servicemember.

"These heroes give the ultimate sacrifice for their country," Airman Moye said. "I take pride in my job from start to finish. We spend hours making sure the draping of the flag (on the transfer case) is perfect for their journey home to their family. It's all about the families."

Airman Moye has briefed high-level visitors on the mortuary process, history, and the new flag drape "tuck" procedure which was developed here and being implemented theaterwide.

"Airman Moye is a great asset to the team," said Army Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arthur, the Bagram AB Mortuary Affairs NCO in charge. "I couldn't have asked for a better Airman, she's met every challenge head on, her dedication is off the charts and she never fails at the mission."

The nature and sensitivity of the job requires not only Airman Moye, but the entire team to be perfectionists.

"We can't afford to have flaws in our daily duties," Sergeant Arthur said. "If we falter or fail, the family suffers the ultimate consequence. I tell my team we don't work for the government; we work for the family."

"People are often surprised that an Airman is here," Sergeant Arthur said. "The work she's done here has given her invaluable knowledge on an aspect of this field that many won't get to experience, now she can train others on what she's learned."

What she's learned has impacted the way she views herself and her future.

"Compared to where I was five months ago, I've come a long way," said Airman Moye. "I was scared, but now I know I can do this and anything else brought my way. The experiences have been life changing. I'm a better Airman because I've made a difference for the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice."

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