Do you have what it takes to be Air Force Honor Guard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Eight members from the Air Force's Honor Guard will demonstrate their skills July 16 at 9 a.m. in a performance at Laughlin's Heritage Park.

The performance is open to everyone but designed to draw attention to the Air Force Honor Guard's recruitment efforts as they seek out new airmen to represent the Air Force in ceremonies, special events and performances across the nation and around the world.

"Our purpose in visiting Laughlin is to encourage and inspire airmen interested in becoming the face of the Air Force by trying out and sending in an application to join the Air Force's Honor Guard," said Staff Sgt. William Overton, U. S. Honor Guard Drill Team NCO in charge of plans and programs.

Airmen of all ranks are eligible to join and encouraged to apply, but the team's recruitment efforts are geared toward staff sergeants and technical sergeants interested in serving in leadership positions such as NCOs in charge or element leaders, said Overton. Noncommissioned officers help ensure ceremonial guardsmen maintain mission readiness and will have immediate supervision of five to 10 airmen.

"We are looking for airmen who are strong leaders, are well-spoken and personable," said Overton. "Applicants must have high physical training scores and embody professionalism."

"Being a part of the Air Force's Honor Guard is a special duty that will place interested airmen into leadership positions early and help them become better leaders and airmen," said Overton.

For additional information on the honor guard program, eligibility requirements and links to applications, go to www.honorguard.af.mil/recruiting/. Following the drill demonstration, the ceremonial guardsmen will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the program.

"Our team is excited to visit Laughlin and to perform," said Overton. "Most of the team has not been in the service for more than four years and are eager to show their skills to Laughlin and to show what is possible with hard work and dedication."