Well its been a while since I flew, but it was common practice for a Military person to escort the fallen members of our fighting forces enroute home---quite possibly, you just missed seeing them or with the sercurity these days(or lack of ) they couldn't get down on the ramp. But it does sound like the time honored practice of unloading the body FIRST was accomplished. The airport fire department salute is awsome to see and does bring back memories.Up here it isn't practiced as much.

Jerry