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Honor guardsmen: tradition, legacy, valor

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Maldonado
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Dressed in their crisp ceremonial garb, honor guardsmen stand at the position of attention and wait for the lead guardsmen to fold an American flag in honor of an individual who gave everything they had for their country.

The Air Force concepts of tradition, legacy and valor give life to the honor guardsmen and provide a boost of motivation that helps them perform in the numerous ceremonies and services they have sworn to support with excellence.

The Honor Guard Charge, which epitomizes these concepts, traces its roots to the Airman’s Creed and the ideals of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

“Honor guardsmen must maintain a standard of conduct and level of professionalism above reproach, for they represent all others in their service,” said Staff Sgt. Nathan Lawson, 20th Force Support Squadron Honor Guard assistant non-commissioned officer in charge.

Maintaining a high level of professionalism helps the honor guardsmen of today preserve the legacy and honor those who have served in the past.

“The honor guard’s professionalism is a symbol that we are a strong country, a strong military,” said Master Sgt. David Brier, 20th FSS Honor Guard superintendent.

Maintaining proper dress and appearance is important to members in the military as well as remaining physically fit and ensuring grooming and appearance standards are met.

The sense of pride when wearing the uniform and performing ceremonies effectively is the legacy left behind by past honor guardsmen.

Ensuring that uniforms are worn sharply and crisply is imperative in the honor guard, but being trained to act effectively in high-pressure situations is what makes it the rewarding duty that it is.

The Honor Guard Charge states “never will I allow my performance to be dictated by the type of ceremony, severity of the temperature, or the size of the crowd. I will remain superbly conditioned to perfect all movements in every drill and ceremony.”

“As a member of the Honor Guard, or the Air Force in general, it is important that you maintain your focus and not be intimidated by circumstances,” said Lawson. “Not by the job or the people you work with.”

In addition to maintaining a high level of professionalism under stressful, high-visibility conditions, honor guardsmen are expected to be ready to demonstrate this professionalism at a moment’s notice.

Ceremonies may come up with limited preparation time, to include funeral details, base promotion ceremonies and retirements, said Lawson.

Honor guardsmen show respect to the men and women in uniform who valiantly put everything on the line the day they raised their right hands and swore to uphold the laws and challenges of their respective services.

“In terms of valor, bravery goes right along with it; having courage to do something hard, such as jumping out of your comfort zone and taking a step away from your career field,” said Brier.

Honor guardsmen are aware of the challenges they may face when they take their oath to represent Shaw on base and in neighboring cities and states.

Upon swearing in to the base honor guard, honor guardsmen put their primary careers on hold for a six month temporary duty assignment. For the first two weeks, the new honor guardsmen train for various ceremonies, and their attention to detail is taken to the next level.

“The honor guard brings new experiences, not many get to encounter,” said Justin Martinez, 20th FSS honor guardsman. “It’s such a special moment once you get to hand off the flag to the next of kin, it is a moment I will never forget.”

As the honor guardsmen stand sharp, crisp, and motionless, they focus on the ceremony at hand, honoring the legacy of those who have come before and lead the way for those coming in after, while remembering in the end that it is all about honoring with dignity.