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Most people couldn’t imagine doing the job of Senior Airman Sekina Moye. Before this deployment, she couldn’t either.
Airman 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 fallen coalition heroes.
“I was scared … I had never done this aspect of services,” said Airman Moye, who works at the fitness center at her home station of Ramstein. “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 hero.
“These heroes give the ultimate sacrifice for their country,” said Airman Moye. “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.”
***image1***Airman Moye has briefed high-level visitors from the under secretary of the Army to the Army G-4 on the mortuary process, history and the new flag drape “tuck” procedure which was developed here and being implemented theater-wide.
“Airman Moye is a great asset to the team,” said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arthur, Bagram 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 the entire team to be perfectionists.
“We can’t afford to have flaws in our daily duties,” said Sergeant Arthur. “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.”
Her string of accolades, certificates, awards and coins are just a small indication of the difference this Airman has made with the unit.
“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.”
