JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Six reservists returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord Saturday after caring for the remains of 300 Americans killed overseas.
Do I enjoy it? No. Is it honorable? Yes, Technical Sgt. Loren Wells said.
Wells was part of the military's carry team at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. He and other airmen transferred the coffins of soldiers, sailors and airmen from military airplanes to the base's morgue.
He said the work was difficult, but rewarding.
It doesn't matter what the stress is, as long as we can bring that closure to the families in a dignified way, it's all worth it, Wells said.
The military calls the service the dignified transfer of remains.
Until April 2009 the events were off-limits to family members and members of the media.
Senior Sgt. Steven Harris served on carry teams with the 446th Force Support Squadron before and after they were made open to the public.
Harris says he's heard family members say how they were glad to be there when their loved ones returned home.
A mother said this, 'They showed my child love', Harris said.
