There’s something about Dover

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Phillips
  • 436th Mission Support Group deputy commander
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  I’ll never forget those words. It was October of 2012, I was heading into the operating room for ankle surgery, and my boss had just notified me I had been selected as the 436th Mission Support Group deputy commander at Dover Air Force Base. He personally had sat in the seat a few years prior, so I knew he spoke from experience. But soon I was “under the knife” and I didn’t give it much more thought.

A few days later, I was approached by my wing commander. He, too, had been previously assigned to Dover. But after shaking my hand and telling me how much my family would love it here, he ended with “There’s just something about Dover.” I was a little taken back. Had he been chatting with my boss and knew those words had already been shared? Alas, I wrote it off as there was still much work to do in the job I was already in, and months before we’d head east to Delaware. We’d have to wait to find out what the “something” was.

Within a few months, my wife and I tried to get as many details on all things Dover we could find. Being parents, our first focus was on the schools our children would attend, and thus our very first contact was our base School Liaison Officer. She dove into my wife’s questions like no one had done in our previous assignments and helped us prepare for the big move into Junior High (if you’re a parent, I know you’ll get what I’m referring to). Further, she helped find contacts in Scouts and sports. We learned about the amazing opportunities the base schools offered, the advanced academics available, and the incredible staff and faculty that focused on the military child. We quickly realized the schools on base weren’t just good enough, they were the best. Maybe there’s something about Dover after all?

We reached out to housing, and received great support, receiving potential floor plans, information about activities on and off base, and local utility contacts. The officer in charge of personnel reached out to me—unsolicited--as I’d be meeting a board shortly after I arrived at Dover and she wanted to be sure all my records were updated and accurate. I couldn’t help but think back again…“something about Dover” was resonating in my mind.

Our arrival on station was embodied by the most professional gate guards I’ve met in over twenty years of service. Like most other folks arriving at Dover, we entered through the main gate, only to learn housing and billeting were across the highway. There was simply an atmosphere about the way the young Airman at the gate presented himself and helped us get turned around (literally and figuratively). I couldn’t put my finger on it, but as time went on I learned he was just one of many phenomenal ambassadors of the base who not only secured our perimeter, but did so with pride and passion. If there was truly something about Dover, they were the front lines of both protecting and embodying it.

Shortly after our arrival, I got a phone call from another officer who had taken command of the unit I once led overseas. One of her members had been killed tragically while on a temporary duty, and his remains were being brought back through Dover. Up until this point my family had not been involved with the Mortuary or its mission, but we knew we had to be there as part of this Dignified Transfer. That day I experienced the “something” more than any other time I would over our three years at Dover. The captain and lieutenant at the port mortuary walked me through the transfer process, ensuring we knew where to be and how to conduct ourselves. The carry team executed the transfer with amazing precision and dignity. Logistics Readiness Squadron handled transportation while Security Forces escorted the family. Protocol coordinated every detail, and I’ll never forget seeing the aircrew depart the plane and form up alongside it, rendering honors for our fallen Airman and his wife, seated just a few feet away. The Chaplain offered his prayer, and if I didn’t know better I’d say the entire base stopped for a moment to honor this Airmen. Each Dignified Transfer was conducted the same way throughout our time here. If there’s really “something about Dover”, it starts with how we perform this mission. I’m thankful to have been a small part of that day, as I know everyone who plays a role in that mission is for every Dignified Transfer.

Shortly thereafter, my position presented a unique opportunity to join with local partners through the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and its Leadership Central Delaware program. Within just a few months of arriving to Dover, we were thrust into a group of community leaders who not only represented the best of their particular organization, but also had a thirst to learn about the base, our mission, and find ways to help support our Airmen. Their near-constant barrage of questions about all things Air Force was matched only by their desire to serve and support our Airmen any way they could. The “something” was more than on base, and it was more apparent.

Many folks may read this and think “well, I’ve seen bases come together before, Dover isn’t any different.” But only those of us who have lived here know the intangibles this community brings to the fight. There were countless “meal trains” in support of families with newborns, illnesses, or the unfortunate loss of a family member. I could always tell when a Dignified Transfer notice had been released, as neighborhoods would rally with fresh baked goods for the families of our fallen and somehow things “just came together…as they always do.” The selfless volunteers at our USO--who already give so much of themselves during every Dignified Transfer mission—emblazoned their commitment to the base and the community through a myriad of support programs focused on our deployers and their families. Our amazing community partners opened their homes to our Airmen, guaranteeing everyone had a home for the holidays…there’s something about Dover.

The list could easily continue, and I’m confident I could fill an entire paper with examples of how truly supportive, compassionate and dedicated this base and this community collectively are. But all that really needs to be said is, “There’s something about Dover.” My son would be disappointed if I didn’t somehow tie this back to a movie quote (yes, I’m that predictable), so here it goes. In 1991, Billy Crystal starred alongside the late great Jack Palance in the hit movie “City Slickers”, in which Crystal’s character (Mitch) has hit his mid-life crisis, and ends up on a dude ranch searching for the meaning of life. Palance’s character (Curly) tells him it’s “one thing”…but it’s up to him to figure out. I’ve come to the conclusion that same mantra applies when one says “there’s something about Dover. Whether it’s the people, the community, the mission or a combination thereof, it’s up to each of us to find it. After three years I have no doubt there is indeed “something about Dover”, and I’m sure you’d agree.