All of us who live in Delaware take great pride in the Dover Air Force Base and take seriously that the remains of our fallen heroes must be handled with the greatest care and dignity by the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center. My office was contacted at the end of 2009 regarding concerns raised about the actions of some employees within the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center. My office immediately contacted the Department of Defense Inspector General who, in turn, contacted the Air Force Inspector General and a multi-agency investigation was initiated. My office has maintained ongoing contact for the past 24 months with the Department of Air Force to make sure the investigation progressed appropriately. My office acted as a conduit, ensuring that these concerns were promptly conveyed to the leadership of the Air Force and the appropriate authorities, and that an investigation into these serious concerns was initiated. The resulting investigation was led by the Department of Defense and Air Force. As a veteran and a Delawarean, I appreciate that these concerns have been thoroughly and carefully investigated and corrective steps have already been taken to address the concerns raised over the course of this investigation. Everything I do, I know I can do better, and that is also true for the Mortuary Affairs Operations Center which has improved its operations as a result of this investigation. Moving forward, I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress, the Administration, our military leadership, and the military community here in Dover and throughout the United States so we can continue to be absolutely confident in the integrity of the hallowed work done by the men and women who serve at the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations Center.

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Families of fallen service members may contact the Air Force toll free at 1-855-637-2583 or e-mail dover.pm@pentagon.af.mil if they have questions about this investigation or Air Force mortuary operations. For additional information, media should contact Air Force Public Affairs at (703) 695-0640 or after hours at (202) 528-4929.