CAT I [Emergency]
These flights are a top priority and involve transporting family members of Active Duty Special Operations military personnel critically injured to be with their loved one at the hospital.
CAT II [Dover AFB]
Cat II flights involve transporting the immediate family of the deceased directly from their nearest airport to Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of remains. All service members killed overseas are brought back to Dover AFB.
Note: The Department of Defense's method for moving grieving families involves purchasing commercial coach class tickets, navigating public spaces, dealing with TSA, connecting flights, landing in Philadelphia PA, awaiting baggage, taking a shuttle bus, waiting in rental car lines, and driving 1.5 hours to Dover, Delaware. This is DOD SOP.
CAT III [Funeral Support]
Cat III flights often entail transporting active-duty service members who served with the fallen to the funeral site to support the fallen family. About half of all Raider Air flights have been CAT III flights. DOD does not pay unit members to travel to services, so each member must use their vacation time and spend their own funds to attend services.
A personal message to those we assist:
At Raider Air, our expertise lies in facilitating the movement of individuals following tragic incidents. In order for us to extend our support to you and, more significantly, to your families, we kindly request some essential information as soon as possible (rest assured, no PII is necessary). We fully recognize the importance of operational security and the proper channels for notifications. However, while those processes are underway, Raider Air can proactively work behind the scenes to secure support in advance. The quicker we receive details about your departure city/state, the greater the likelihood that we can swiftly mobilize aircraft in your support!
Beyond our air support capabilities, the Raider Air team excels in providing guidance to casualty officers. We understand that, for these officers, this may be their first experience in an active role supporting a grieving family. They may be unaware of certain aspects. Having dealt with everything from collaborating with funeral directors to coordinating with local authorities, we are well-equipped to navigate these challenging situations. Our unwavering goal is to make a difficult time a bit more manageable for the family.
Semper Fi,
Steve Reichert
Director, Raider Air
At Raider Air, our expertise lies in facilitating the movement of individuals following tragic incidents. In order for us to extend our support to you and, more significantly, to your families, we kindly request some essential information as soon as possible (rest assured, no PII is necessary). We fully recognize the importance of operational security and the proper channels for notifications. However, while those processes are underway, Raider Air can proactively work behind the scenes to secure support in advance. The quicker we receive details about your departure city/state, the greater the likelihood that we can swiftly mobilize aircraft in your support!
Beyond our air support capabilities, the Raider Air team excels in providing guidance to casualty officers. We understand that, for these officers, this may be their first experience in an active role supporting a grieving family. They may be unaware of certain aspects. Having dealt with everything from collaborating with funeral directors to coordinating with local authorities, we are well-equipped to navigate these challenging situations. Our unwavering goal is to make a difficult time a bit more manageable for the family.
Semper Fi,
Steve Reichert
Director, Raider Air