This article is part of Ground Support Worldwide’s “Handling with Compassion” series, which looks at the respectful transportation of human remains, including military human remains.
When a hearse is not part of a military human remains (MHR) transfer on the airfield, Alaska Airlines uses a Fallen Soldier Cart.
A total of 15 stations served by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Airlines are equipped with Fallen Soldier Carts owned and operated by Alaska Airlines.
When Alaska team members deliver a cart, Kevin Kruse, an Alaska Airlines technician on-the-job-training instructor and Fallen Soldier Program founder and volunteer, says, “We make it known that it is available for any other airline to use.”
A 16th cart is being delivered to Nashville at the end of June.
“We have been trying to deliver two a year, this year we will only do one,” says Kruse.
Putting a number on how many carts are needed is difficult, he explains, because the airline has been growing and adding stations.
“The carts are the same as the day-to-day carts you see on the ramp,” he says, noting however that Fallen Soldier Carts are not used in regular service.
Painted navy blue and decorated in a dignified manner, Kruse says they are used only to transport MHR.
When the Fallen Soldier Carts are not being used, he says they are stored and covered to stay clean and ready for service.
