The Air Force on Wednesday opened a new center on the grounds of Dover AFB, Del., for families of fallen warfighters who travel to the base to witness the return of their loved ones’ remains. Dover hosts the sole US military mortuary in the continental US where military personnel who die overseas are returned home. “I do believe it is remarkable what happened here and I have to give unqualified compliments to the team that designed and renovated this facility,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz at the dedication ceremony. The Associated Press reported Wednesday (via USA Today) that the 6,000-square-foot building, known as the Center for Families of the Fallen, will be staffed by counselors and support specialists for the families. It is about twice the size of the “spiritual operations center” used until now.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.