Ramstein honors US Embassy members

The roar from a C-17 Globemaster III’s engines grew ever louder as it approached Ramstein under the cover of darkness Sept. 12.

The aircraft carried the bodies of the four staff members who died during an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

Airmen from the 86th Airlift Wing and 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing assisted in the dignified transfer of the remains, including those of U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, to the U.S. Sept. 12 to 14.

Ramstein community members and other ranking officials stood silent on the flightline as Airmen from the 721st Aerial Port Squadron performed the dignified transfer of the four fallen members.

“Every time we perform a dignified transfer there is a quiet professionalism that befalls us. Each member understands (that) the duty we perform to return the fallen is both emotionally and spiritually taxing,” said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Connolly, 721st Aerial Port Squadron NCOIC of ramp services operations and volunteer for the transfer. “It is an honor, and my team takes great pride to ensure the memories of these heroes get home to their families and that some closure is provided.”

Returning America’s fallen to their loved ones as quickly as possible is the Department of Defense’s policy. The remains were flown to Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sept. 14.