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Honor Guard impresses local children

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandria Mosness
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The Shaw Honor Guard broke away from their normal tasks to do something a little different--a flag folding presentation for more than 100 children Aug. 2, at the Sumter, S.C., YMCA.

"We wanted to teach the children proper flag etiquette, tell them what it symbolizes and make sure they know how to treat the flag," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Van Dusen, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft metals technologist.

This was Van Dusen's first time performing a flag presentation for school- age children, but he enjoyed the opportunity.

"It is great to give them a taste of what the military is doing for them," he said.
 
"I've really enjoyed being in the Honor Guard," said Van Dusen, the Fort Hood, Texas native. "It is a proud and humbling feeling to be able to give a proper and honorable military funeral."

After the YMCA director of youth development, Kelly Sexton introduced the Shaw Honor Guard, she told the children, who ranged from 3-14 years old, they were in for a show.

The rambunctious crowd quickly quieted down as three honor guard members marched in formation in front of them.

""They were absolutely mesmerized when the Airmen came marching in," Sexton said. "I haven't had this group this quiet all summer. They were definitely impressed."

For some kids, this was the first time interacting with the military, but it doesn't seem to be the last.

During the Q-and-A part of the presentation one child zealously asked, "How do you sign up for the Honor Guard?"

We do have some individuals who have family at Shaw, but for many this is the first time they were able to see military members up close and personal, Sexton said.

"Our counselors have been doing a flag raising ceremony all summer at the facility camp, but never knew the proper procedures," Sexton said. "Now, they can take back what they have learned and put it to use."

When the group of counselors and children were dismissed, Sexton exclaimed she even saw some of the older children marching on the way out of the gym.

This is just one more tie between the Shaw and Sumter community, she said.

"Thank you Shaw Honor Guard for giving these children a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Sexton said.