Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 4/2/2009

Question
Col Howell,I have been a funeral director/embalmer for many years. While I know this is my calling in life, I have always felt there is something much more that I am destined to do. Being a military "Brat" for 16 years of my life (my dad retired after 25 years), I am once again being "called". I want to be there for the military men and women that have lost their lives protecting and serving our country.  I want to help bring them back home to their families and preparing them to see their family one last time while on the face of this earth. While I am a female, I have always been able to remain detached emotionally in order to carry out my duties. Who should I contact to get any information available for civil service state side or overseas? Please advise

Answer
Dianne,
Last week I had a very similar question from another mortician wishing to serve his country, so you're not alone.
Because of your age and experience it would be in your best interest to enter via government Civil Service.  As you already know, an independent funeral director has a lot of expenses…equipment, insurance, and hired help is not exactly easy to find in your business.  You have a good idea of putting your skills to good use for the military.  Most mortuary affairs in the military are 90% + civilian, and the services are combining into "Joint" mortuary affairs operations.  For example, the new "Port Mortuary" at Dover AFB in Delaware processes the bodies of ALL deceased service members returning from overseas, regardless of which branch of the Service they were in.

The Depart of Defense has several schools they'll send you to, so you may learn things unique to the military such as Mass Casualty operations, Search & Recovery Mobile training, and Mortuary Affairs Specialist Advanced Individual Training.  Most of these are short 2-week courses taught at the Joint Mortuary Affairs Center (JMAC),  in Fort Lee, Virginia

My wife used to be the Secretary for the Director of all Mortuary Affairs for the Air Force.  They are headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.  Mr. Mark Blair runs that office (which is all civilian, all licensed morticians from private practice like you.)  I defer to his superior knowledge on this matter and I suggest you talk to him.  His direct phone number is (210) 652-5806 and ask for Mr. Blair.  (Actually anyone in that office could probably assist you.)  Be sure to tell them that Colonel Howell (Linda Howell's husband) referred you.
Good Luck, and thanks for wanting to serve your country.
  Colonel H