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Honoring with dignity

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  From under the brim of a taintless hat, out looks a polished honor guardsman with an impeccable uniform, unscathed shoes and an unwavering sense of self-discipline and military bearing. With pride and precision, Airmen from the Shaw honor guard perform ceremonial details here and in the local area.

Every three months, Airmen at Shaw volunteer or are selected by their squadron to be a part of the base honor guard, where they perform honor guard duties for three consecutive months. After serving three months on the team, Airmen are required to take a three month break and are then able to serve an additional three months, not to exceed a year.

During the commencement of their duty, the honor guard trainees or "gloves" must learn and execute all of the tasks which they perform during the first two weeks. Some of these tasks include funerals, firing party, colors and a next of kin speech.

When the Shaw honor guard is not performing a detail they are training. Training leaders such as Airman 1st Class Nathanael Burgess, honor guard head trainer, instill discipline and stress the importance of attention to detail.

"I've learned a lot from training the new guys," said Burgess. "I've learned a lot of patience and to be a leader and teacher."

Airmen are on duty seven days a week during their three month rotation.

Most Airmen make a large adjustment when going from their everyday career fields into a much more stringent environment. According to some of the honor guardsmen, many of them previously worked in a much more casual setting, contrary to the honor guard where military etiquette is held at a high standard.

"Training is intense, (but it is worth it)," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Holton, Shaw honor guardsmen. "It is a great feeling when you are a lasting impression of the Air Force for a loved one of someone who served their country."

According to Burgess, not only does being in the honor guard offer an opportunity to grow as a team, but it also gives many Airmen a deep sense of pride in holding such a position.

"Soon after my first few details, I realized what an absolute honor it is to do what I do," said Burgess. "When I hand that flag off to the next of kin, whoever it is, whether it is a widow, a cousin, a daughter or a son, looking into their eyes and reciting the next of kin speech hits home with me because I am the lasting impression they have of the military."