22 July 2009

Dignified Transfers of the Military Dead

U.S Marine (L) and U.S. Army carry team members salute at the conclusion of a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 21, 2009. Reuters

Members of a U.S. Army carry team move the remains of a soldier on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base July 21, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. One U.S. Marine killed in Iraq and four U.S. Army Soldiers killed in Afghanistan where flown to Dover for the dignified transfer. Getty

Members of a U.S. Army carry team move the remains of a soldier on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base July 21, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. One U.S. Marine killed in Iraq and four U.S. Army Soldiers killed in Afghanistan where flown to Dover for the dignified transfer. Getty

A U.S. Army carry team moves the transfer case containing the body of Army sergeant Gregory Owens, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 21, 2009. Reuters

U.S. Marines carry the remains of Brandon T. Lara on July 21, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Lara, 20, died July 19, 2009 while supporting combat operations in Iraq's Anbar province. The remains of one U.S. Marine in Iraq and four U.S. Army soldiers killed in Afghanistan where flown to Dover for the dignified transfer. Getty

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. James David Wertish Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Wertish, 20, of Olivia, Minn. died July 16 in Basra, Iraq. AP

An Army carry teams loads into a transfer vehicle a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. Daniel Paul Drevnick Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury, Minn. died July 16 in Basra, Iraq of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit. AP

A Marine Corps carry team lifts a transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Heede as a transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David S. Spicer sits on a K-loader Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Heede, of Edgewood, Md. , and Spicer, of Olney, Md. , died while serving in Afghanistan. AP

An Air Force carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. Carlos E. Wilcox Saturday, July 18, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Wilcox, 27, of Cottage Grove, Minn. died July 16 in Basra, Iraq. AP

A U.S. Air Force carry team places the transfer case containing the body of Army specialist Andrew J. Roughton next to the case containing Army private first class Dennis Joseph Pratt, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 21, 2009. Reuters

A Marine Corps carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Heede Jr., 22, as a transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David S. Spicer, 33, sits on the end of a K-loader Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Heede, of Edgewood, Md. , and Spicer, of Olney, Md. died while serving in Helmand province in Afghanistan. AP

Members of a U.S. Army carry team move the remains of a soldier on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base July 21, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. One U.S. Marine killed in Iraq and four U.S. Army Soldiers killed in Afghanistan where flown to Dover for the dignified transfer. Getty

A Marine Corps carry team lifts a transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Michael C. Roy Friday July 10, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Roy, of North Fort Myers, Fla. , died July 8 in Nimroz province, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

An Army carry team follows a transfer vehicle containing the remains of U.S. Army Spc. Christopher M. Talbert, 24, of Galesburg, Ill. , during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Thursday, July 9, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Talbert, died July 7 in Shindad, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. AP

Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Michael Mullen (C) salutes as a U.S. Army carry team transports the transfer case of Private First Class Nicholas Gideon during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base July 8, 2009 in Dover Deleware. Gideon who was from Murrieta, Ca. was in killed in Afghanistan earlier this week. Getty

An Airman stands near a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. Joshua Farris Friday July 10, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Farris, of La Grange, Texas, died while supported Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

A Marine Corps carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David S. Spicer, 33, Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Spicer, of Olney, Md. died while serving in Helmand province in Afghanistan. AP

An airman stands near transfer cases containing the remains of Army Spc. Lucas Bregg, left, of Wright City, Mo. , and Army Spc. Gregory Missman, right, of Batavia, Ohio Friday July 10, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Bregg died while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Missman died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

U.S. Adm. Michael Mullen, left, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. James Shannon, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael T. Harrison Sr. and U.S. Air Force Col. Manson Morris salute the coffin of a fallen service member during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., July 8, 2009. All fallen service members are transferred directly from theater to the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operation Center at Dover Air Force Base. (DoD photo by Benjamin Faske/Released) Date Posted: 7/10/2009

A member of the U.S. Navy waits for a Navy carry team to carry the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Navy Airman Darren Ethan Tate, 21, of Canyon, Texas, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Thursday, July 9, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Tate, died of non-hostile causes July 8 at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. AP

Members of a Navy carry team salutes the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Navy Airman Darren Ethan Tate, 21, of Canyon, Texas, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Thursday, July 9, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Tate, died of non-hostile causes July 8 at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. AP

An Army carry team loads into a transfer vehicle a transfer case containing the remains of 2nd Lt. Derwin I. Williams at Dover Air Force Base, Del. on Wednesday July 8, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Williams, of Glenwood, Ill. , died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

Tech. Sgt Benjamin J. Matwey salutes as a US Army carry team transports the transfer case of US Army Sgt. Brock H. Chavers during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base July 8, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Chavers, who was from Bulloch, Georgia was killed in Afghanistan earlier this week. Getty

A US Navy carry team stands by after loading the transfer case of US Navy Petty Officer Second Class, Tony Michael Randolph during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base July 8, 2009 in Dover Deleware. Randolph who was from Henryetta, Ok. Was in killed in Afghanistan earlier this week. Getty

U.S. Air Force Airman Mercedes McCoy-Garrett closes the door of a mortuary vehicle containing U.S. Army soldiers that were killed in action, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base July 8, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Six U.S. Army Soldiers and one U.S. Navy that were killed in Afghanistan where flown to Dover for the dignified transfer. Getty

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Issac L. Johnson as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, right, salutes Wednesday July 8, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Johnson, of Columbus, Ga. , died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

A carry team brings a transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sergeant Justin J. Duffy Thursday, June 4, 2009 out of a plane at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Duffy, of Cozad, Neb. , died Tuesday in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. AP

U.S. Air Force Airman Mercedes McCoy- Garrett closes the door of a transfer vehicle containing the remains of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale, Ga. , U.S. Army Maj. Rocco Barnes, of Los Angeles, Calif. , and U.S. Army Maj. Kevin M. Jenrette, 37, of Lula, Ga. , during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Saturday, June 6, 2009. AP

Airman Mercedes McCoy-Garrett, right, closes a door on a transfer vehicle holding a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Roberto Hernandez Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Hernandez, of Far Rockaway, N.Y. , died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

Airman Mercedes McCoy-Garrett closes a door on a transfer vehicle holding a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Roberto Hernandez Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Hernandez, of Far Rockaway, N.Y. , died while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

An Army carry team, center, waits to carry a transfer case, right, containing the remains of Spc. Chad A. Edmundson Friday, May 29, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Edmundson, of Williamsburg, Pa. , was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Marko M. Samson Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Samson, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 31 in Tikrit, Iraq of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

An Army carry team stands near a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Chad A. Edmundson Friday, May 29, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Edmundson, of Williamsburg, Pa. , was killed by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

An Air Force transfer team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Senior Airman Ashton Lynn Marie Goodman past military officials including Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, right, early Thursday, May 28 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Goodman, of Indianapolis, Ind. , was killed by an improvised explosive device near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

An Army carry team carries a transfer case containing the remains of Pvt. Thomas Lee III, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Lee, of Dalton, Ga. , was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade in Mosul, Iraq while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, left, stands near transfer cases containing the remains of Army 1st Sgt. Blue C. Rowe, left, and Senior Airman Ashton Lynn Marie Goodman, right, early Thursday, May 28, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Goodman, of Indianapolis, Ind. , was killed by an improvised explosive device near Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Rowe, of Summers, Ark. , was also killed while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. AP

A U.S. Army carry team places a transfer case with the remains of Sergeant Paul Brooks, of Joplin, Missouri, next to one with the remains of Sergeant 1st Class Brian Naseman, of Bremen, Ohio, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base May 24, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. The remains of Sergeant 1st Class Brian Naseman, of Bremen, Ohio, and Sergeant Paul Brooks, of Joplin, Missouri, were returned to the United States after they lost their lives while serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Getty

Airman Mercedes McCoy-Garrett closes a door on a transfer vehicle holding a transfer case containing the remains of Spc. Marko M. Samson Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Samson, of Columbus, Ohio, died May 31 in Tikrit, Iraq of injuries suffered from a non-combat related incident while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A U.S. Army carry team moves the remains of Sergeant 1st Class Brian Naseman, of Bremen, Ohio, from a 747 cargo aircraft during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base May 24, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. The remains of Sergeant 1st Class Brian Naseman, of Bremen, Ohio, and Sergeant Paul Brooks, of Joplin, Missouri, were returned to the United States after they lost their lives while serving in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte, of St. Louis, Mo. , rests on a K-loader during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Friday, May 22, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Schulte died during Operation Enduring Freedom on May 20 near Kabul, Afghanistan of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. AP

An Army Corps carry team holds the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Paul F. Brooks, 34, of Joplin, Mo. , during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. on Sunday, May 24, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Brooks was one of three soldiers killed May 21 near Baghdad from wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. AP

An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Chief Warrant Officer Three Brent Cole Saturday, May 23, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Cole, of Linden, N.C. , was killed in a helicopter incident while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. AP

A carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte, of St. Louis, Mo. , during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Friday, May 22, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Schulte died during Operation Enduring Freedom on May 20 near Kabul, Afghanistan of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. AP

The transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. Carlie M. Lee III, is seen as Staff Sgt. Robert Fekken closes the door of a mortuary transport vehicle at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Sunday, May 17, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Lee, of Birmingham, Ala. , was killed in Afghanistan. AP

A k-loader lowers The transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. David A. Schaefer Jr. , 27, of Belleville, Ill. during a dignified transfer ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2009 upon his arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense Spc. David A. Schaefer Jr. , 27, of Belleville, Ill. , died May 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Schweinfurt, Germany. AP

A member of the U.S. Air Force directs an approaching vehicle as transfer cases with the remains of Maj. Matthew P. Houseal, of Amarillo, Texas; Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos, of Paterson, New Jersey and Pvt. 1st Class Michael E. Yates, of Federalsburg, Maryland can be seen at Dover Air Force Base May 13, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. The remains Houseal, Bueno-Galdos, and Yates were returned to the U.S. after they, and three others, were killed by Sgt. John Russell, of Sherman, Texas, during a shooting at Camp Liberty in Iraq, according to Army officials. Getty

A carry team enters a Boeing 747 used to transport the remains of Army Cpl. Ryan C. McGhee, of Fredericksburg, Va. , during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del. , Thursday, May 15, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, McGhee was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A carry team prepares to carry the transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Wednesday, May 13, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Bueno-Galdos,of Paterson, N.J. , was killed in Iraq. AP

A carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Major Matthew P. Houseal, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Wednesday, May 13, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Houseal,of Amarillo, Texas, was killed in Iraq. At right, facing away is Adm. Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. AP

Members of a US Army carry team transport a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of a US Army Specialist Omar Albrack, of Chicago, Illinios, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, May 12, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Specialist Albrack was killed while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Getty

A carry team prepares to off load the transfer cases containing the remains of Army PFC Michael E. Yates, towards the transfer cases of Major Matthew P. Houseal and Sgt. Christian E. Bueno-Galdos, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Wednesday, May 13, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Houseal,of Amarillo, Texas, Bueno-Galdos,of Paterson, N.J. , and Yates,of Federalsburg, Md.were killed in Iraq. AP

Adm. Michael Mullen, right, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stands with his head bowed as a carry team prepares to carry the transfer case containing the remains of Army Pfc. Michael E. Yates, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Wednesday, May 13, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Yates,of Federalsburg, Md. , was killed in Iraq. AP

Members of a US Army carry team transport a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of a US Army Specialist Omar Albrack, of Chicago, Illinios, during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, May 12, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Specialist Albrack was killed while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Getty

Members of a U.S. Air Force carry team carry a flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Specialist Lukasz Saczek of Lake in the Hills, Ill. from a C-17 to a vehicle during a dignified transfer on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base May 12, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry, Saczek was killed in Afghanistan May 10 in a non-combat related incident. Getty

A member of the U.S. Air Force Mortuary Affairs team closes the door of a vehicle carrying the flag-draped transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Specialist Lukasz Saczek of Lake in the Hills, Ill. , during a dignified transfer on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base May 12, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry, Saczek was killed in Afghanistan May 10 in a non-combat related incident. Getty

An Army carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Sgt. James D. Pirtle, of Colorado Springs, Colo. during a dignified transfer ceremony Sunday, May 3, 2009 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Pirtle and two other Americans were killed Friday, May 1, 2009 in Afghanistan as they were attacked with rocket-propelled grenades. Pirtle, stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. AP

The transfer case containing the remains of Army Corps Sgt. James D. Pirtle, of Colorado Springs, Colo. waits during a dignified transfer ceremony on Sunday, May 3, 2009 upon its arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Pirtle and two other Americans were killed on Friday in Afghanistan as they were attacked with rocket-propelled grenades. Sgt. Pirtle was stationed out of Fort Hood in Texas and was scheduled to return from duty in Operation Enduring Freedom in June. Pirtle's family is planning his burial at the Fort Logan Military Cemetery in Denver. He is survived by his mother Patricia Pirtle and his aunt, Pam Ashworth who lives in Texas. AP

Army Staff Sgt. John Cabral, closes the doors of a transfer vehicle containing a transfer case containing the remains of Army Spc. Shawn D. Sykes Friday, May 8, 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Sykes of Portsmouth, Va. , was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A Marine Corps carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Mark A. Wojciechowski, of Cincinnati, Ohio, on Friday, May 1, 2009 upon his arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Wojciechowski, 25, was assigned to 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He died April 30 while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. AP

A Marine Corps' carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Cpl. William C. Comstock, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Comstock of Van Buren, Ark. , was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Sergeant Leroy O. Webster, of Sioux Falls, SD, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Del. Sunday, April 26, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Webster, was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A Navy carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Tyler J. Trahan of Freetown, Mass. on Friday, May 1, 2009 upon his arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler J. Trahan, 22, of East Freetown, Mass. died on April 30 while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq. Trahan was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit Twelve in Norfolk, Va. , and was deployed with an East Coast based Navy SEAL team. AP

From left: Army Captain Scott Howell, Chaplain Lt. Col. George Ortiz-Guzman, and Army Maj. Mike Navarro salute as a carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Sergeant Leroy O. Webster, of Sioux Falls, SD, during a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base Dover, Del. , Sunday, April 26, 2009. According to the Department of Defense, Webster, was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates walks away after attending a burial service for US Air Force Staff Sergeant Phillip A. Myers of Hopewell, Va, at Arlington Cemetery, April 27, 2009 in Arlington Virginia. Force Staff Sergeant Myers was killed on April 4 by an improvised explosive devise in Afghanistan and was the first casualty be covered by the media upon his return to Dover Air Force Base after the 18-year coverage ban was lifted. Getty

Kaiden Myers looks up at his mother Aimee Myers during a burial service for his father US Air Force Staff Sergeant Phillip A. Myers of Hopewell, Va, at Arlington Cemetery, April 27, 2009 in Arlington Virginia. Force Staff Sergeant Myers was killed on April 4 by an improvised explosive devise in Afghanistan and was the first casualty be covered by the media upon his return to Dover Air Force Base after the 18-year coverage ban was lifted. Getty

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del., places a transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ray A. Spencer of Los Angeles, into a waiting mortuary transport vehicle, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Spencer died in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A Marine Corps' carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Cpl. William C. Comstock, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. According to the Department of Defense, Comstock of Van Buren, Ark. , was killed while supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , marches in formation after loading the transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Raul Moncada into a mortuary transport vehicle, Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Moncada, 29, of Madera, Calif. , died April 13 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle. AP

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , carries the transfer case containing the remains of Sgt. Raul Moncada, Wednesday, April 15, 2009. Moncada, 29, of Madera, Calif. , died April 13 near Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an explosive device detonated near his vehicle. AP

A member of a carry team Dover Air Force Base, Del. , places a transfer case containing the remains of U.S. Army Private First Class Richard A. Dewater of Topeka, Kan. , next to another containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Ray A. Spencer of Los Angeles, on the lift on the tarmac, Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Dover, Del. Spencer and Dewater died in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

Army and Marine personnel at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , prepare to carry the two American Flag draped transfer cases containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ray A. Spencer of Los Angeles, and U.S. Army Private First Class Richard A. Dewater of Topeka, Kan. , to a waiting mortuary transport vehicle, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Spencer and Dewater died in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. AP

A U.S. Army carry team moves the transfer case with the remains of Army Specialist Michael Anaya, of Crestview, FL at Dover Air Force Base April 14, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Spc. Anaya died April 12, 2009 in Bayji, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Getty

A U.S. Army carry team moves the transfer case with the remains of Army Specialist Michael Anaya, of Crestview, FL at Dover Air Force Base April 14, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Spc. Anaya died April 12, 2009 in Bayji, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Getty

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , stands by transfer cases containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods, Jr. of Lebanon Junction, Ky. , Army Pvt. Second Class Bryce E. Gautier, of Cypress, Ca. , Army Cpl. Jason G. Pautsch, of Davenport, Iowa. , Army Sgt. Edward W. Forrest, Jr. , of St. Louis, Mo. , Army Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Hall, Elk Grove, Ca. , on Sunday, April 12, 2009. The five died April 10, 2009 when their military vehicle was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq. AP

The advance team salutes the transfer case containing the body of Marine lance corporal Blaise A. Oleski at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 9, 2009. Marine Lance corporal Blaise A. Oleski from Holland Patent, New York, died while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. AP

A team of airmen moves the transfer case containing the body of Army Staff Sergeant Bryan E. Hall at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, April 12, 2009. Staff Sergeant Bryan E. Hall is from Elk Grove, California and was killed while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Reuters

This Jan. 2009, family-supplied photo shows U.S.Army Cpl. Jason Pautsch in front of his MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle Patrol Base Howell, in Iraq. Pautsch, 20, from Davenport, Iowa, was one of five soldiers killed by a truck bomb on April 10, 2009. The bodies of the men were returned to Dover Air Force on Sunday night, April 12, 2009. Patrol Base Howell, January 2009. AP

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , moves the transfer case containing the remains of Army Staff Sgt. Gary L. Woods Jr. , 24, of Lebanon Junction, Ky, on Sunday, April 12, 2009. Woods died with four other soldiers April 10, 2009 when their military vehicle was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in Mosul Iraq. AP

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , carries the transfer case containing the remains of Staff Sgt. Bryan E. Hall, 25, of Elk Grove, Calif. ; , on Sunday, April 12, 2009. Hall died with four other soldiers April 10, 2009, when their military vehicle was struck by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in Mosul, Iraq. AP

A U.S. Marine Corps carry team transfers the remains of Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski April 9, 2009, at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Oleski was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Randle/Released) Date Posted: 4/10/2009

U.S. Marines prepare transport a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski, of Holland Patent, New York at Dover Air Force Base, April 9, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Oleski was killed on April 8 while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. A new policy overturned an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead, giving families a choice of whether to admit the media to these events. Getty

U.S. Air Force Capt. Shannon Collins salutes as Marines load a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski, of Holland Patent, New York. Into a mortuary transport vehicle during a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base, April 9, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Oleski was killed on April 8 while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. A new policy overturned an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead, giving families a choice of whether to admit the media to these events. Getty

U.S. Marines descend after loading the flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski, of Holland Patent, New York on a transport lift at Dover Air Force Base, April 9, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Oleski was killed on April 8 while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. A new policy overturned an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead, giving families a choice of whether to admit the media to these events. Getty

Members of the media watch as U.S. Marines transport a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of U.S. Marine Lance Cpl Blaise A. Oleski, of Holland Patent, New York at Dover Air Force Base, April 9, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Oleski was killed on April 8 while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. A new policy overturned an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead, giving families a choice of whether to admit the media to these events. Getty

A carry team at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , carries the transfer case containing the remains of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Blaise A. Oleski on Thursday, April 9, 2009. Oleski, 22, of Floyd, N.Y. , died Wednesday while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan. AP

The transfer case containing the remains of Army Specialist Israel Candelaria Mejias of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, who died in Iraq, are loaded on to a transport vehicle during the dignified transfer event at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Tuesday, April 7, 2009. AP

A carry team carries the transfer case containing the remains of Army Specialist Israel Candelaria Mejias of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, who died in Iraq, during the dignified transfer event at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Tuesday, April 7, 2009. AP

U.S. Soldiers carry the remains of U.S. Army Spc. Israel Candelaria Mejias during a transfer ceremony on Dover Air Force Base, Del., April 7, 2009. Mejias died in Baghdad, Iraq, April 5, 2009, of wounds sustained from a mine detonation during combat operations. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment and attached to a task force with 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 172nd Brigade Combat Team out of Grafenwöehr, Germany. (DoD photo by Roland Balik, U.S. Air Force/Released) Date Posted: 4/9/2009

A carry team boards the plane to carry the transfer case containing the remains of Army Specialist Israel Candelaria Mejias of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, who died in Iraq, off of the plane during the dignified transfer event at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Tuesday, April 7, 2009. AP

The transfer case containing the remains of Army Specialist Israel Candelaria Mejias of San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, who died in Operation Iraqi Freedom, waits to be unloaded during the dignified transfer event at Dover Air Force Base, Del. , Tuesday, April 7, 2009. AP

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jonathon Riley (R) stands watch over the media before the remains of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers of Hopewell, Va. are off loaded from an aircraft during an arrival ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, April 5, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers was killed on April 4 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. A new policy that overturns an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead gives families a choice of whether to admit the media to ceremonies at the Air Force Base. Getty

Members of the U.S. Air Force stand watch before the remains of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers of Hopewell, Va. are off loaded from an aircraft during an arrival ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, April 5, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers was killed on April 4 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. A new policy that overturns an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead gives families a choice of whether to admit the media to ceremonies at the Air Force Base. Getty

FILE -- This April 5, 2009 file photo shows a carry team removing the transfer case containing the remains of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers, of Hopewell, Va. , who was killed Afghanistan on April 4 at Dover Air Force Base, Del. Myers was the first casualty to be observed arriving at Dover since the ban on media news coverage of returning war dead was put in place 18 years ago. AP

Members of the U.S. Air Force carry team off load a flag-draped transfer case holding the remains of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers of Hopewell, Va. during an arrival ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, April 5, 2009 in Dover, Delaware. Staff Sgt. Phillip Meyers was killed on April 4 by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. A new policy that overturns an 18-year ban on news coverage of returning war dead gives families a choice of whether to admit the media to ceremonies at the Air Force Base. Getty

Air Force personal salute the casket of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers, of Hopewell, Va. , from the cargo hold of a plane as he is carried by an honor guard on Sunday, April 5, 2009 in Dover Air Force Base, Del. After receiving permission from the family, Myers is the first casualty to be observed arriving at Dover since the ban on media news coverage of returning war dead was put in place 18 years ago. Myers was killed Afghanistan on Saturday. AP

The body of Air Force Staff Sgt. Phillip Myers is carried by a transfer team upon his return to the U.S. at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware April 5, 2009. Myers, of Hopewell, Virginia, died April 4 near Helmand province, Afghanistan of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device. Myers was the first U.S. war dead whose return is covered by the media since a 1991 ban was lifted, allowing families to decide whether to allow photos and television footage of the flag-draped coffins of their loved ones. AP

This undated handout photo originally provided by the U.S. Air Force and posted on www.thememoryhole. org, shows flag-draped coffins of U.S. casualties from Iraq being offloaded by a military honor guard from a cargo plane in Dover, Delaware. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced February 26, 2009 that the family's of U.S. war dead will be able to decide whether their loved one's casket can be photographed by the media upon the arrival at Dover Air Force base in Deleware. A ban has been in place since 1991. Getty