The night sky looked calm and tranquil from a gently soaring aircraft, miles above the Eastern seaboard towns below. However, there was nothing tranquil or calm in the hearts of one family on board that craft, traveling here to witness the dignified transfer of their son's remains.

Charleston Air Force Base C-17 Globemaster III aircrews flew the most precious of cargo April 7 -- the remains of a fallen hero.

An Airman irons the long sleeved shirt, giving it sharp military creases. A Soldier and a Marine spend hours building ribbon racks, making sure every ribbon is correct and that the devices are equally polished and bright. A Sailor looks over the jacket, pants and shirt, ensuring all excess strings are cut, before steaming them one last time.