The Delicate And Draining Task Of Tending To America's Fallen Troops
Sgt. 1st Class A.G. Shaw has been a military mortician throughout America's long wars. Now he says it's time for him to move on. "It's not like the movies. We don't die pretty," he says.
Every time a U.S. service member is killed, it's followed by a choreographed ritual — that requires a very human touch — to return the dead to their families. It's part of war the public rarely sees.
But for Army Sgt. 1st Class A.G. Shaw, this work has been his life for 25 years. He's a "92 Mike" – that's military-speak for a specialist in mortuary affairs.
The job requires reverence and discretion. Thanks and recognition are rare. Shaw's comfort came from a supportive grandmother.
"In her estimation, you're doing God's work, because you're bringing closure
