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Air Force Honor Guard visits Shaw

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Destani K. Matheny
  • 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A team of 20 Shaw Airmen graduated from 20th Force Support Squadron Honor Guard training, May 22.

This 80-hour course teaches Airmen to perform colors ceremonies, rifle training and how to maintain and wear the ceremonial uniform with excellence.

Three Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard helped teach trainees of Shaw Honor Guard that same excellence.

The graduates will now carry on the professional image of all Air Force specialty codes into the local community, said Senior Airman Tyler Hardbarger, USAF Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman.

“We represent, as the Honor Guard, all the other AFSCs,” said Hardbarger. “We are the image of the Air Force to a lot of people.”

Shaw Honor Guardsmen render military funeral honors for active duty, retired and veteran funerals in select counties in South Carolina and surrounding states.

Senior Airman Jeremy Sherman, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron “Tigers” F-16 CMViper tactical aircraft maintainer, said it was an incredible honor to be trained by the Air Force Honor Guard because of their professionalism and experience.

“When I found out about the opportunity to join Honor Guard, I thought it was a good way to give back, not just to others who have served before me but to their families as well,” said Sherman.

On the day of graduation, the trainees must first pass an open ranks service dress inspection. After the inspection, the Airmen perform a mock military funeral. Some Airmen are assigned to the six-man flag fold, where the Airmen work together in unity and precision to fold the flag that will subsequently be presented to the next of kin. Other Airmen serve as part of the firing party or colors presentation team.



“Because of the funerals we go to, this is a lot of families’ only glimpse into the military, said Airman 1st Class Caleb Johnson, 20th Operational Weather Squadron weather forecaster. “It’s important to look professional, proper and proud to send people off the right way.”