ALASKA AIRLINES -

FALLEN SOLDIER PROGRAM

PROCESS

FALLEN SOLDIER PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Mission Statement and ProtocolsPg. 3-4
  1. Origination ProcessPg. 5-7
  1. Inbound ProcessPg. 8-10
  1. Outbound ProcessPg. 11-13
  1. Final Destination ProcessPg. 14-16
  1. Military Escort(s) with cremated remains processPg. 17-19

MISSION STATEMENT AND PROTOCOLS

“Helping our soldiers, their families, and Military Escort (s) arrive at their final destination in a safe, respectful, and dignified manner”, that’s what the Fallen Soldier Program is all about! Our employees have developed this program to ensure Military Protocols are followed when a Fallen Soldier is transported on our airline to their final resting place. This program will provide an outline of a basic plan when a Fallen Soldier arrives at your station. The most important thing to remember while handling a Fallen Soldier is “things will change and adapt to the unexpected”. No branch of service does things exactly the same way especially when it comes to the Honor Guard. The Military Honor Guard and/or the Military Escort (s) “will have final say”, on how to handle the transfer. This is why the Team Huddle is so important “work out the details before the load/offload takes place”. At all times be respectful of the Fallen Soldier, the Military Escort (s), and the family.

A lot of research has gone in developing the Fallen soldier Program and the load/offload Huddle Checklist. The following are the protocols and some key informational points that should get extra attention while transferring a Fallen Soldier.

  1. The Fallen Soldier could be an active duty member or a veteran whose family has requested full honors from the Military

NOTE: We provide this service to all Military Service Members whether they were killed in combat or not!

  1. There may be more than one Military Escort (s) and he/she is often a relative or close friend
  2. Accommodations need to be made for the Military Escort (s) to include a comfortable private place in full view of the Fallen Soldier. Food, drink, computer, and phone should also be provided
  3. Family members of the Fallen Soldier may also be on the same flight
  4. If possible accommodations should be made for family members in the terminal (example: MVP/Gold Members Board Room)
  1. The Fallen Soldierhas to be the LAST to be loaded and the FIRST to be offloaded (this includes checked bags) the casket has to beFIRST off the aircraft
  2. The Fallen Soldier has to exit the cargo pit FEET FIRST and loaded into the transfer cart/hearse with HEAD AFT AND FEET FWD
  3. Do not proceed with the load/offload unless the Military Escort (s) is planeside and has GIVEN PERMISSIONto proceed
  4. The Military Escort (s) and/or Honor Guard may direct you to remove cardboard box and drape U.S. Flag with union “stars” OVER THE HEART
  5. Under no circumstances are bags to be loaded on top the Fallen Soldier
  6. Always default to Military Escort (s) and/or Honor Guard wishes
  7. Absolutely NO pictures or video unless requested by the family
    FALLEN SOLDIER ORIGINATION PROCESS
  1. This process will be followed when the Fallen Soldiers journey begins at your station and you will have to meet the Military Escort (s) at the applicable cargo facility
  1. All applicable work groups will be notified that there are Military Human remains (HR) that will be onboard the aircraft (Customer Service Agents, MaintenanceEngineering, Alaska Cargo personnel (or equivalent), Menzies Aviation (or equivalent), and Manager on Duty (MOD)
  2. Fallen Soldier Global Email notification will be sent out to all AMFA technicians and those who have requested to be on the Global email list
  3. The email will include a screen snapshot that will identify Fallen Soldiers name, Military Escort (s) name (s), flight #, flight date, special handling, origination city, destination city, funeral home, and contact #
  4. Flight crew will be notified by their Base Chief Pilot via the Fallen Soldier Global Email that there will be a Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) on board their flight
  5. Team Lead will assign escort duty for Military Escort (s)
  6. Team Lead will contact Airport Police & Fire Dept’s and ask if they would like too pay their respects
  7. If there is a hearse the police will escort it to planeside
  8. Seattle only- POS Police Duty Sergeant @ 206-787-5401
  9. Seattle only- POS Fire Dept Chief @ 206-787-5045
  10. The Team Lead will assign a team member to meet face-to-face with workgroups handling the flight (Flight Crew, Flight Attendants, Customer Service Agent)
  11. Flight Crews and Flight Attendants prefer face-to-face notification versus dispatch release
  12. Remind Flight Crews of the program on their I-pads
  13. The MOD will contact Central Load Planning to determine pit location the Fallen Soldier will be placed
  14. The MOD will contact TSA requesting a private screening of the Military Escort (s) prior to boarding (most likely jet way, never on the ramp)
  15. The MOD will contact Catering & Lavatory service to have acft serviced early so there will be no interference with the load of the Fallen Soldier
  16. Team Lead will contact MOD to find out departure gate, pit location, and possible first class upgrade for the Military Escort
  17. Seattle only- MOD @ 29041 or 206-392-9041
  18. Pit 4 is preferred location for Fallen Soldier but pit 3 is suitable as well
  19. If Fallen Soldier is to be loaded in pit 6 then the head end needs to face the tail of the aircraft
  20. 35 minutes prior to scheduled departure time have a team huddle (very important)
  1. Team members and Ramp Lead will attend the huddle (Honor Guard if present)
  2. Discuss roles and responsibilities for each team member using assignment worksheet
  3. Team Lead will confirm pit location the Fallen Soldier will be placed through Ramp Leads load sheet
  1. Take Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) to departure gate @ D35
  1. Fallen Soldier may or may not be transported by hearse (Be Flexible)
  2. We will have to provide Alaska Airlines transport vehicle (van) for team member and Military Escort (s)
  3. Seattle only-this will be trainer van 5038 keys will be kept in Line Managers Safe
  4. There may or may not be a Police escort (Be Flexible)
  1. Load of Fallen Soldier
  1. If load is in pit 4 or 6 Team Lead will ask Captain NOT to start the APU until load is complete
  2. Team Lead verifies verbally with Ramp Lead that last bag has been loaded and aft/fwd pit door closed
  3. Positioning and responsibilities of each Team Member will be assigned and discussed during the huddle and assignment worksheet
  4. Team Member will perform final height adjustment of belt loader to ensure smooth transition from belt loader to pit
  5. 4-6 Team Members work together to position Fallen Soldier onto belt loader head first
  6. One Team Member operates belt drive
  7. 2-3 Team Members work together inside pit to position Fallen Soldier Head first facing nose of aircraft for a pit 3 & 4 load--Head faces tail of aircraft for a pit 6 load
  8. Team Members may or may not have to secure casket with blue tie down straps (P/N 2550001-1)
  9. Team Members will hang up the nets and lower belt loader to full down position
  10. Ramp Lead verifies Fallen Soldier and nets are secure and closes pit door
  11. Team Member escort will accompany Military Escort (s) to jet way or private area for final TSA screening (never on the ramp)
  12. After aircraft pushes Team Lead will coordinate with MOD to notify down line station supervisor of Fallen Soldier’s arrival at there station
  13. Inform station supervisor of all pertinent information that will ensure a dignified arrival at there station(Fallen Soldier Program and training video on Alaskasworld.com under Manuals/Forms tab)

FALLEN SOLDIER INBOUND TRANSFER PROCESS

  1. This process will be followed when there is a Fallen Soldier inbound to your station on an Alaska Airlines aircraft. The Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) will have a layover before departing outbound on an Alaska Airlines aircraft
  1. If arriving on another airline have MOD contact applicable airline to see if we can take possession @ their gate
  1. All applicable work groups will be notified that there are Military Human Remains (HR) on an inbound transfer flight (Customer Service Agents, MaintenanceEngineering, Alaska Cargo Personnel (or equivalent), Menzies Aviation (or equivalent), and Manager on Duty (MOD)
  1. Fallen Soldier Global Email notification will be sent out to all AMFA technicians and those who have requested to be on the Global Email list
  2. The email will include a screen snap shot that will identify the Fallen Soldiers name, Military Escort (s) name (s), flight #, flight date, special handling, origination city, destination city, funeral home, and contact #
  1. Flight Crew will be notified by the Base Chief Pilot via the Fallen Soldier Global Email that there will be a Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) on board their flight
  2. Flight Crew will make a PA announcement for all PAX to remain seated while the Military Escort (s) exit the aircraft
  3. Team Lead will assign escort duty for the Military Escort (s)
  4. Team Member will be posted in the jet way prior to arrival
  5. Team Lead will contact Airport Police and Fire Departments and ask if they wish to pay their respects
  6. Seattle only- POS Police Duty Sergeant @ 206-787-5401
  7. Seattle only- POS Fire Dept Chief @ 206-787-5045
  8. The MOD will contact Central Load Planning to determine pit location the Fallen Soldier will be placed
  9. Team Lead will contact MOD to find out departure gate, pit location, and possible first class upgrade for the Military Escort
  10. Seattle only- MOD @ 29041 or 206-392-9041

7.The MOD will contact catering & lavatory service to delay their service until after the offload of the Fallen Soldier is complete

  1. 35 minutes prior to arrival have a team huddle (very important)
  2. Team Members, Ramp Lead, and Alaska Cargo (or equivalent) will attend team huddle
  3. Discuss roles and responsibilities for each Team Member using assignment worksheet
  4. Team Lead will confirm exact location the Fallen Soldier will be located through Ramp Leads load plan sheet
  5. Military Transfer Cart and Transfer vehicle (Bobtail)
  6. Staged by Alaska Cargo A45 out of safety zone and adjacent to applicable cargo pit with curtains closed
  7. Team Members will also stage an Alaska Airlines transport vehicle (van) to provide transportation for the Military Escort (s)
  8. Seattle only- This van will be the trainer van 5038 keys will be kept in the Line Managers office safe
  9. Unload of Fallen Soldier
  10. Team Lead will ask MOD to contact Flight Crew and ask them NOT to operate the APU until unload is complete
  11. Team Member positions belt loader to applicable pit door and makes final height adjustment to ensure smooth transition into pit
  12. Team Lead will marshal bobtail with Military Transfer Cart into final position approximately 15-20 ft away from end of belt loader
  13. 2-3 Team Members will enter pit, remove nets, and unstrap casket if applicable
  14. Team Members inside pit will notify Team Lead if there is an incorrect load for example:
  15. Fallen Soldier backwards (head wrong direction)
  16. Casket is buried with bags unable to move Fallen Soldier to pit door

NOTE: For all incorrect loads refer to incorrect load process in huddle checklist

  1. 1 Team Member will operate the belt drive
  2. Team Lead will stop the offload at this point and await the Military Escort (s) arrival planeside
  3. Team Lead will then get authorization from Military Escort (s) to proceed
  4. 2-3 Team Members work together inside pit to position Fallen Soldier @ door exit feet first
  5. 4-6 Team Members will spot/guide Fallen Soldier down to end of belt loader
  6. 4-6 Team Members will carry Fallen Soldier to Military Transfer Cart and put the casket in feet first head aft
  7. Team Members will close and latch curtains
  8. Team Lead will communicate verbally to Ramp Lead that the rest of the acft can be offloaded
  1. Take Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) to private quiet area
  2. Seattle only- This will be the Sheet Metal Shop at the hangar
  3. Team Member Escort and Military Escort (s) will follow bobtail in Alaska Airlines transport vehicle (van)
  4. Team Member Escort provides care for Military Escort (s)
  5. Every reasonable effort should be made to provide an office with access to a phone, computer, and close proximity to a bathroom
  6. Seattle only- This will be the Sheet Metal Leads office
  7. Food will be provided
  8. Seattle only- Take money from Fallen Soldier Fund kept in Line Managers office safe
  9. At a minimum a card table and chair will be provided for the Military Escort (s)
  10. Seattle only- Card table, chairs, and Fallen Soldier vests are kept in D7 trainers
  11. Team Member POC will be MOD Seattle only- MOD @ 29041

FALLEN SOLDIER OUTBOUND TRANSFER PROCESS

  1. This process will be followed when there is a Fallen Soldier that will be departing outbound on an Alaska Airlines flight. If departing on another airline have MOD contact applicable airline too see when they want to take possession of the Fallen Soldier
  2. All applicable work groups will be notified that there will be Military Human Remains (HR) on an outbound transfer flight (Customer Service Agent, MaintenanceEngineering, Alaska Cargo Personnel (or equivalent), Menzies (or equivalent), Manager on Duty (MOD)
  1. Fallen Soldier Global Email notification will be sent out to all AMFA technicians and those who have requested to be on the Global Email list
  2. The email will include a screen snap shot that will identify the Fallen Soldiers name, Military Escort (s) name, flight #, flight date, special handling, origination city, destination city, funeral home, and contact number
  3. Flight Crew will be notified by their Base Chief Pilot via the Fallen Soldier Global Email that there will be a Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) on board their flight
  4. Team Lead will assign escort duty for Military Escort (s) if not already done
  5. Team Lead will contact Airport Police and Fire departments and ask if they would like to pay their respects
  6. Seattle only- POS Police Duty Sergeant @ 206-787-5401
  7. Seattle only- POS Fire Dept Chief @ 206-787-5045
  8. The Team Lead will assign a Team Member to meet face-to-face with workgroups handling the flight (Pilots, Flight attendants, Customer Service Agent)
  9. Flight Crew and Flight Attendants prefer face-to-face notification versus dispatch release
  10. Remind Flight Crews of the program on their Ipads
  11. The Manager on Duty (MOD) will contact central load planning to determine exact location the Fallen Soldier will be placed
  12. The MOD will contact TSA requesting a private screening of the Military Escort (s) prior to boarding (most likely jet way, never on the ramp)
  13. The MOD will contact Catering & Lavatory service to have acft serviced early so there will be no interference with the load of the Fallen Soldier
  14. Team Lead will contact MOD to find out departure gate, pit location, and possible first class upgrade for Military Escort (s)
  15. Pit 4 is preferred location for Fallen Soldier but Pit 3 is suitable as well
  16. If Fallen Soldier is to be loaded in Pit 6 the head needs to face tail of aircraft
  17. Seattle only- MOD @ 29041 or 206-392-9041
  1. 35 minutes prior to scheduled departure time have a team huddle (very important)
  2. Team Members and Ramp Lead will attend the huddle
  3. Discuss roles and responsibilities for each Team Member using assignment worksheet
  4. Team Lead will confirm exact location the Fallen Soldier will be placed through Ramp Leads load sheet
  5. Take Fallen Soldier and Military Escort (s) to departure gate @ D35
  6. Seattle only- This will be done by Alaska Cargo Personnel
  7. Team Member Escort and Military Escort (s) will follow bobtail in Alaska Airlines vehicle (van)
  8. Seattle only- This will be van 5038 keys will be kept in Line Managers office safe
  9. Load of the Fallen Soldier
  10. If load is pit 4 or pit 6 Team Lead will ask Captain NOT to start APU until load is complete
  11. Team Lead verifies verbally with Ramp Lead that last bag has been loaded and AFT/FWD pit door closed
  12. Positioning and roles of each Team Member will be assigned and discussed during the huddle and assignment worksheet
  13. Team Member will perform final height adjustment to ensure smooth transition from belt loader to pit
  14. 4-6 Team Members work together to position Fallen Soldier onto belt loader head first
  1. One Team Member operates belt drive
  1. 2-3 Team Members work together inside pit to position Fallen Soldier Head first facing nose of aircraft for a pit 3 & 4 load--Head faces tail of aircraft for a pit 6 load
  2. Team Members may or may not have to secure casket with blue tie down straps (P/N 2550001-1)
  1. Team Member will hang up the nets and lower belt loader to full down position
  2. Ramp Lead verifies nets and Fallen Soldier are secure and closes pit door
  1. Team Member Escort will accompany Military Escort (s) to jet way or private area for final TSA screening (never on the ramp)
  2. After aircraft pushes Team Lead will coordinate with MOD to notify down line station supervisor of Fallen Soldier’s arrival at there station
  3. Inform station supervisor of all pertinent information that will ensure a dignified arrival at there station (Fallen Soldier Program and training video on Alaskasworld.com under Manuals/Forms tab)

FALLEN SOLDIER FINAL DESTINATION PROCESS