President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Dover Air Force Base today to pay their respects to the three American service members who were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. This event, known as a dignified transfer, is a somber tradition that has become less frequent as the United States has withdrawn from overseas conflicts in recent years.
At Dover, the Bidens will participate in the transfer of the fallen troops’ remains as they return to U.S. soil. They will be joined by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Prior to the dignified transfer, the Bidens will meet privately with the grieving families.
The three service members who lost their lives in the Sunday assault were all from Georgia: Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross, and Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah. Sanders and Moffett were posthumously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
These tragic deaths mark the first U.S. fatalities attributed to Iran-backed militia groups, which have escalated their attacks on American forces in the region following the Israel-Hamas conflict last October. In addition to these three soldiers, two Navy SEALs also lost their lives earlier this year during a mission to intercept a ship carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons.
President Biden praised the fallen service members for their bravery, duty, and unwavering commitment to the country. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism will continue and that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
The grieving families have been devastated by the loss of their loved ones. Sanders’ father expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support and the kindness shown to his family during this difficult time. He also shared the pain of reliving the nightmare of his daughter’s death.
Sgt. Rivers, Sgt. Sanders, and Sgt. Moffett were all part of the same company of Army engineers based at Fort Moore. Although they came from different parts of Georgia, they formed a tight bond and were close friends. Sanders and Moffett often spoke with their families back home, and their presence will be deeply missed.
Sgt. Moffett, who had just turned 23, had been serving in the Army Reserves since 2019. She was also employed by a home care provider, where she dedicated her time to assist people with disabilities.
Sgt. Sanders, 24, worked at a pharmacy while pursuing her dream of becoming an X-ray technician. She also coached children’s soccer and basketball. Her parents revealed that she volunteered for this deployment because she wanted to experience different parts of the world.
Sgt. Rivers, 46, joined the Army Reserve in New Jersey in 2011 and completed a nine-month tour in Iraq in 2018.
This is the second dignified transfer that President Biden has attended since taking office. The first was in August 2021 when he paid his respects to the 13 service members who died in the Kabul suicide bombing. As Vice President, Biden attended a transfer in 2016 for two soldiers killed in a suicide blast in Afghanistan. In 2008, he also participated in a dignified transfer as a senator, following a family’s request and approval from the Pentagon.
The U.S. government has attributed the Sunday drone attack to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah. While the Biden administration does not seek a broader war with Iran, officials have warned that the response to this attack will not be isolated.
In addition to the three soldiers who lost their lives, over 40 others were injured in the drone attack at Tower 22, a discreet U.S. military outpost that facilitates infiltration and departures from Syria.
President Biden’s participation in this dignified transfer highlights the significance placed on honoring and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The visit to Dover serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks faced by American service members and their continued dedication to protecting the nation and its allies.
