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"We are all brothers in arms," said Col. Calvin Williams, 75th Air Base Wing vice commander, as he talked about the first daytime dignified transfer for another armed service conducted Oct. 29 at Hill Air Force Base. Private 1st Class Kimble A. Han was killed in Afghanistan after the vehicle he was in was hit by an improvised explosive device and surrounded by insurgents. Han's family who lives near Lehi requested that his remains be sent to Utah. His remains were escorted by a uniformed member of the U.S. Army to Hill Air Force Base. Han's family was given a military escort and honors in response to a request by the Department of Defense.
Col. Williams noted Team Hill responded readily to the short notice request for the dignified transfer. The dignified transfer is a solemn movement that is conducted for every U.S. member who dies while in service in a theater of war.
Col. Williams greeted the family and offered words of condolence from the base as its representative, "On behalf of Maj. Gen. (Andrew) Busch, we offer our deepest condolences to the
family in their loss. Some people will say he was a hero, but he is a hero and will always be one. We ask that you as a family will always be aware of that fact."
The 388th Fighter Wing observed a quiet time on the flightline with no aircraft flying to show appropriate honor and dignity for the transfer. Military and civilian Airmen rendered a final salute to show support and honor as the motorcade passed.
The Patriot Guard Riders also showed support by participating in the procession. The organization supports those who risk their lives for America's freedom and security.
"As part of the Patriot Guard Riders, I have participated in more of these than I care to think about -- although I won't allow myself to forget a single one -- and this will be one of the most memorable, due to the great show of support from the base and the 75th Air Base Wing," said Gary Yocum, Utah State Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders who led the motorcade.
"It was such a great sight to see all the men and women in uniform as well as the civilians who joined them as we came around each curve along the route," he said.
Many military and civilian members stood at attention and saluted as appropriate as the motorcade made its way off the base.
"We're all one team, one fight and that was brought home as everyone gathered around this Army family," Williams said.
