Soldiers shipped home as freight

News-10 San Diego ^ | 12-9-2005 | unkown

[countreegurl]

SAN DIEGO -- There's controversy over how the military is transporting the bodies of service members killed overseas, 10News reported.

A local family said fallen soldiers and Marines deserve better and that one would think our war heroes are being transported with dignity, care and respect. It said one would think upon arrival in their hometowns they are greeted with honor. But unfortunately, the family said that is just not the case.

Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard.

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

http://images.ibsys.com/2005/1210/5505031_240X180.jpg

[countreegurl]

I don't know if the link to the picture works, but it's a long, cardboard freight box coming out of plane - no distinction or honor at all.

This just doesn't sit right with me.

[indcons]

Here is the pic you mentioned:

[GoBucks2002]

How does this square with the supposedly bootleg pics we've seen with the bodies arriving at Dover in flag-draped coffins?

[Strategerist]

Dead heroes are supposed to come home with their coffins draped with the American flag -- greeted by a color guard.

I strongly suspect this did not actually happen in, say, World War II.

However, I think people's expectations have been colored by well-publicized ceremonies of small numbers killed in various "little wars" being unloaded from aircraft.

[Dog Gone]

I guess we could strap them into the seats in first class.

[SAMS]

I think this story needs some serious fact checking, and an official response from the DOD. This "story" doesn't sit right with me.

[countreegurl]

I guess we could strap them into the seats in first class.

---

Come on now - how about just a flag over the box. Is that too much to ask for someone who gave his or her life for their country?

[verity]

Your source does not sit right with me.

[nmh]

http://images.ibsys.com/2005/1210/5505031_240X180.jpg

If the box is not marked, then how do you know a body is in it? Nasty biased speculation?

[blu]

Recently there was a story posted here about a guy who's on a bereavement team. It gave great detail on how the soldiers' coffins are loaded, checked, traveled with, met, etc. I believe that's how it's done. And yes, the coffins travel in the luggage section, just like your Uncle Joe who died in LA and wants to be buried in Boston.

More info needs to be found about this.

[nmh]

BTW, your link doesn't work either.

[Moonman62]

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

That's standard procedure for civilians. That's how it was done for my grandfather.

[Ramius]

Well... families fly deceased relatives this way all the time. I don't see it as disrespectful, but inevitable and practical. There are likely many connections and different legs when a soldier's body is sent home to wherever the family wants them.

[A.A. Cunningham]

But in reality, many are arriving as freight on commercial airliners -- stuffed in the belly of a plane with suitcases and other cargo.

Depends on what branch of the military and in which city one is talking about.

Marine Air Control Squadron 23, MACS-23, in Denver sees to it that Marines returning to Colorado for burial are taken care of and rendered all the military honors they are due.

Final Salute

Todd Heisler © News

When 2nd Lt. Jim Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac. During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport, Major Steve Beck described the scene as one of the most powerful in the process: "See the people in the windows? They'll sit right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home," he said. "They're going to remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should."

[countreegurl]

The link works when I click on it...

[armymarinemom]

Isn't that box a bit narrow to be holding a transport casket? Trasport caskets are heavy and metal. This box just doesn't look like the correct deminsions.

[HairOfTheDog]

Many many people have loved ones shipped for burial, on freight, on airliners, every day. While we'd all like to think there is nothing routine about our particular loved one... for these companies, shipping the deceased very much is normal and they are handled with care every day.

[Dog Gone]

I think the difference is that the coffins arrive at Dover AFB in the military flight and you have the flags, etc. for that moment.

But when the bodies are transferred to the domestic locations for burial, they receive the same care that the transfer of any human remains receive from the commercial airlines. You're not going to see baggage handlers performing a military ceremony while unloading commercial cargo, nor is the family expected to be out there on the tarmac watching the plane being unloaded.

[countreegurl]

Thank you AA - that's what I'm talking about and that picture warms my heart. What a shame young Matthew did not recieve the same honor for whatever reason. Looks like his parents are pushing for an investigation.

[HairOfTheDog]

Heh - good post. :~D