The Department of Defense announced the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Resolute Support. The following Marines died April 8, 2019 while conducting combat operations in Parwan province, Afghanistan. Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, New York. Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, of York, Pennsylvania. Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Slutman, 43, of Newark, Delaware. These Marines were assigned to 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.

Dover considers all returning service members as "believed to be" until they can be confirmed through finger prints, dental records and/or DNA.

Marine carry team carries transfer case of "believed to be" Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman to the mortuary transfer vehicle.

Dignified transfer officer orders “Present, Arms” (slow movement salute)

All returning service members are considered as "believed to be" until they can
be confirmed through finger prints, dental records and/or DNA. After a service member has been identified and prepared for return to their families, they are placed in a casket and transported to their final resting place. This process is a Solemn event; not a ceremony.

Carry team moves transfer case into the mortuary transfer vehicle

Dignified transfer officer orders “Order, Arms” (slow movement salute)

Official Party: Delaware Governor John Carney, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Ronald Green, Commandant of the Marine Corps General Robert Neller, Acting Secretery of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan, Air Force Lt. Col. Brooks Wilkerson, Deputy Commander, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George Smith.

Transfer vehicle guide Senior Airman Electa Hazenstab closes the doors to transfer vehicle.

Carry team follows (by walking) transfer vehicle, with the transfer vehicle guide walking behind the carry team. Dignified transfer officer and senior ranking officer follow (walking) behind the transfer vehicle guide, ending the dignified transfer

The Department of Defense announced the death of three Marines who were supporting Operation Resolute Support. The following Marines died April 8, 2019 while conducting combat operations in Parwan province, Afghanistan. Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley, New York. Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, of York, Pennsylvania. Staff Sgt. Christopher A. Slutman, 43, of Newark, Delaware. These Marines were assigned to 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve.
News media coverage is subject to approval by the surviving designated family member.
NO audio recording is permitted.
NO media was present for the dignified transfers of Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines or Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks.