JPED returns cherished items

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Susan Stout
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Photos of a soldier's family, a wedding band of a Marine, a bible of a Defense Department civilian -- items left behind of those killed in action. 

These are items regularly seen at the Joint Personal Effects Depot, which is three warehouses on a U.S. Army post just northeast of Baltimore. 

Maj. John Nuttall, 944th Services Flight commander, is just one of the 200 personnel working at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. An Air Force reservist, Major Nuttall works side-by-side with Army, Marine Corps and other Air Force members. Together, this team of active-duty and reservists process all the personal belongings of servicemembers killed and wounded in support of the war on terrorism. 

Serving at the JPED since February, Major Nuttall said he wasn't prepared for what he'd encounter. 

"The only thing that can remotely prepare you for working here is if you are from a unit which has an active or reserve role in mortuary affairs," he said. "I've had the distinct privilege of working with some of our nation's finest. There truly is one fight and one mission. It's great to see the total force in action." 

As the night shift officer in charge, Major Nuttall often works a 10- to 16-hour day and said he often wakes up wondering if he had taken care of a case properly or if he could have had his teams handle a case differently. 

Major Nuttall admits the job isn't for everyone, but said he is constantly in awe of the compassion displayed by the staff on a daily basis. 

"The most rewarding part of working here, by far, has been receiving appreciation from the various cases we have processed -- from loved ones of those killed inaction or wounded soldiers or Airmen -- and gratitude for receiving the personal effects intact," he said. 

Major Nuttall described experiences where he glanced over personal pictures or got a glimpse of a letter that is associated with a case only to learn that the member had just returned from the United States from getting married or just a couple of weeks away from going home. 

"Their personal effects are in front of you," he said. "You imagine many things while working in this operation, but one thing is for certain, these folks gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me to be free." 

Major Nuttall is doing great things for JPED and is truly dedicated to their mission, according to Col. Sharon Sounhein, 944th Mission Support Group commander. 

"He's had a big impact on their operation, and was requested by the Army to extend his tour after only three weeks. We're very proud of his contributions to this very important mission and the service he provides to the families of our fallen comrades."