An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Aug. 14, 2012

Michigan Air National Guard Airmen refine search and recovery skills

By Tech Sgt. Daniel Heaton 127th Wing

SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. - With a steady summer rain shower adding to the mood, Airmen from the Michigan Air National Guard's 127th Wing here conducted a search and recovery exercise as part of a week-long series of training scenarios to ensure that the 127th Force Support Squadron is prepared to respond to any duty they are called upon to perform.

"It is an aspect of our job that most people probably don't realize that we do, but ultimately, it is the most important job," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Kenneth Palmeri, a member of the Services Flight, 127th FSS at Selfridge.

Palmeria and others in his unit have five broad areas of responsibility: lodging, food services, fitness, recreation and mortuary affairs. That final duty means that when they deploy, services Airmen are called upon to lead search and recovery efforts after any type of attack and are then responsible for preparing any human remains for their dignified return first to Dover Air Force Base, Del., and then on to their final resting place, typically the home town of a deceased service member.

"We make no assumptions about anything when we do this job," Palmeri said. "We work with experts who make identifications, with medical professionals who make their determinations. Things have to be done 100 percent right."

During the exercise, the Airmen had two of their own members roleplay as personnel injured and killed in an attack. As part of the training, the deceased Airmen had to be located first. Then, assessments were made as to the possible presence of any unexploded ordnance that could have been in the area and security forces personnel were notified to provide security as needed for the recovery team.

"We work with a lot of players in the mortuary affairs role," said Air Force Master Sgt. Brian Ward, readiness noncommissioned officer for the Services Flight. "There's explosive ordnance disposal, security forces, public health, medical and we have to work with the civil engineers on all the facilities issues. Given the environment that can be involved, it can be a lot more than the process at a local funeral home."

Ward said in addition to practicing the physical skills required to do the mortuary affairs job, the flight talks with Airmen about the mental health challenges that being on such a duty can present.

"It is something you talk about and try to make people aware of the mental health services that exist," he said.

Ward said the Service Flight is fortunate to have a number of strong airmen who are able to do a number of different tasks well, including preparing for mortuary affairs duty.

"We have a core of strong junior NCOs who take pride in what they do," Ward said.

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...