Honoring Our Fallen Soldiers

Memorial Day is a day set aside to commemorate those U.S. soldiers who have lost their lives while serving their country. Sky Harbor understands the importance of honoring these men and women and works closely with the military in making sure that when fallen soldiers return home all of the arrangements are handled exactly as they should be.

Recently, a dignified transfer of remains took place at the Air National Guard at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. A dignified transfer is the solemn movement of the remains of a fallen member of the military from the aircraft to a waiting vehicle and then to the mortuary. Though dignified transfers are not open to the public, the family of Specialist Dustin James Feldhaus, who was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in March, did allow a friend of the family at the Phoenix Aviation Department as well as a few other staff members to take photos and document the ceremony in honor of their son. Dustin, a Deer Valley High School graduate, was a decorated member of the Army. He received several awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Above and to the right, photo courtesy of Dustin’s mother, Niki Etchells.

Top photo taken by Aviation Department staff member Dustin Loftis.

Published: May 23, 2011