By Senior Airman Christopher Quail / Published July 16, 2019
Members of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations conduct a retreat ceremony July 11, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. During the ceremony, all base personnel outside are to stop and honor the flag. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)
Capt. Shelby Yoakum, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations executive officer, salutes the U.S. flag during the retreat ceremony July 11, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The salute is a gesture that is used to display respect. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)
Master Sgt. Justin Hammer, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations (AFMAO) first sergeant, salutes Capt. Shelby Yoakum, AFMAO executive officer, at the start of the retreat ceremony July 11, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The ceremony is one of the oldest military traditions, dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)
Members of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations conduct a retreat ceremony July 11, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. AFMAO’s mission is to fulfill the nation’s sacred commitment of ensuring dignity, honor and respect to the fallen and care, service and support to their families. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)
Members of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations are positioned to conduct a retreat ceremony July 11, 2019, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. The ceremony signals the end of the official duty day and provides an opportunity to pay respect to the U.S. flag, soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)