The best send-off Published Oct. 30, 2008 By Brandice Armstrong Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- To say Staff Sgt. Chynita Morgan-Davis is just doing her job, is an understatement. To the families she assists, she is among the most important people in the Air Force. Sergeant Morgan-Davis is Tinker's mortuary technician. She is responsible for returning a deceased member's remains to the family. She is also the liaison for the family, should they have any questions or concerns about the deceased member's military affairs. "It's an honor to get military members home to their families with dignity," said the sergeant, who officially works for the 72nd Force Support Squadron's Sustainment Flight. "And I have to remember that even in the worst case, there's a mother on the other end." In her two-year Tinker assignment, Sergeant Morgan-Davis, a wife and mother of two, said she has returned 11 military members and six dependents to their loved ones. Her job begins when she is notified of a death. From that moment, she has 72 hours to get that person home - even if it means working long nights and early mornings. In that time, she will train, oversee and assist the Family Liaison Officer and Summary Court Officer. Both positions are appointed by Col. Allen Jamerson, Tinker installation commander, via the affected unit's commander. Both members will follow the case for an entire year. The FLO, a master sergeant or above, is the contact person between the family and the military. Should a family member request grief counseling services, for example, the FLO can set that up. The SCO, an officer, wraps up any loose ends the deceased member has with the military or personal affairs, such as completing paperwork and cancelling credit cards. Sergeant Morgan-Davis also assists Daniel Bell, 72nd FSS director and mortuary officer, with paperwork or additional duties. "The mortuary technician is the vital link between the family and the Air Force," said Mr. Bell. "Long after their loved one is put to rest, the mortuary technician continues working with the family to ensure all the administrative paperwork is complete. "Sergeant Morgan-Davis has the expertise and demeanor that is required for a mortuary technician," Mr. Bell said. "Working with grieving families requires an incredible amount of compassion and understanding." As the FLO, SCO, and Mr. Bell execute their duties, Sergeant Morgan-Davis plans a funeral, talks with the deceased member's family to fulfill their military-oriented needs. The Air Force pays for a portion of the funeral costs and also pays to fly immediate family members -- siblings, parents and step-parents -- to the funeral. If a family member wants a 21-gun salute, Sergeant Morgan-Davis arranges it. If the family wants an Air Force-designated casket, or the member to be buried in the dress uniform, Sergeant Morgan-Davis makes sure those requests happen. "I take pride in getting members home," Sergeant Morgan-Davis said. "I make sure their clothes are on correct, their ribbons are on right and their clothes are pressed. I personally dress them and assist with their makeup." Sergeant Morgan-Davis also arranges for someone from the affected unit, military or civilian, to fly with the remains. That person ensures the body is never alone. The escort's transportation and hotel accommodations are also paid for by the Air Force. James Wright, Sergeant Morgan-Davis's replacement when she changes duty stations at the end of November, said continuity is the key to his transition. Mr. Wright is also a family man. He is a husband, father of four grown children, has four grandchildren, and a government career that expands more than 30 years. "Sergeant Morgan-Davis has run a top-notch program here," he said. "Respect for families is absolutely imperative for success." Mr. Bell agreed and said that is part of the reason he hired Mr. Wright for the position. "Jim brings the same compassion and demeanor that we are looking for in a mortuary technician," Mr. Bell said. "His 20-plus years in the military make him uniquely qualified for the task." After all, Sergeant Morgan-Davis and Mr. Wright are responsible for sending someone's child home. "We take good care of each and every one of our Airmen," said Sergeant Morgan-Davis. "They are getting the 'Cadillac' service home; a very good, great, send-off."