Do you have what it takes to be BHG

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Sharp looking uniforms, well shined shoes, white gloves and silver-edged Air Force Service Caps accompanied by crisp movements, flawless military bearing and dedication all embody one of the Air Forces oldest traditions.

The men and women that make up Air Force honor guard units throughout the world can be traced back to 1948 and carry on the same tradition it began with; to ensure the legacy of Airmen, promote the mission, protect the standards, perfect the image and preserve the heritage.

While the professional Airmen of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and their history began at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters Command at Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C., it became apparent that each installation would benefit from having their own base honor guard made up of dedicated volunteers.

"To me, the honor guard is all about honor, integrity, tradition and representation," said Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bowman, Laughlin Base Honor Guard NCO in charge. "We are ceremonial guardsmen who provide color guards for many events and they are all important. My most gratifying moments however are when our well trained members flawlessly execute the three-volley salute, followed by a perfect fold of the flag. Then present that perfectly folded flag to the wife, husband, mother, father, son or daughter of the deceased. At that moment, I feel completely fulfilled in my duties as an Airman."

Even though Bowman has only been with the base honor guard here for about two years, he knew it was his calling at a young age.

"I was a Navy brat growing up," he said. "My dad was a Vietnam vet and my hero. I grew up knowing that my destiny was in the military. I remember the military funeral honors that were provided by the Navy Honor Guard at my father's funeral. I remember feeling very inspired by their crisp, sharp execution and how well they represented the military."

Honor guard's primary roles include posting the colors at awards ceremonies, retreat, retirement and change of command ceremonies, participating in community parades and ceremonies while always completing its number one duty: funeral services.

"I remember growing up and seeing the honor guard on TV as they performed their task, whether it be a color guard team for a special event or providing military funeral honors for a fallen member," said Airman 1st Class Evens Perjuste, 47th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering journeyman and honor guard member. "I wanted to be able to pay my respect to those who paid the ultimate price before us that provided us our freedom today."

Bowman went on to explain how being a part of the elite group takes a special person with dedication, drive and pride in what they do for the Air Force.

"It is one of the greatest honors and privileges that you can experience and I take full pride in doing it," Perjuste said. "This means a lot because it gives us a chance to represent the Air force and pay respect to the flag while allowing us to be there and say good bye to a fallen member and render that last salute."

The base honor guard here tries to maintain a 25-member team to provide a full-honors funeral detail which involves 21 members and averages 10-to-20 details per month.

"By having a team of 25 trained members, we can handle that workload without it being a problem to the member's unit," Bowman said. "But when we only have 14 members, it becomes more of a burden to the shops that are allowing their Airmen to participate and would not be able to provide a full-honors funeral without being augmented by Lackland."

While permanent changes in station and fluctuation in manning are ever changing, Bowman said he encourages motivated Airmen to join and experience what it is like to be an Air Force guardsman.

Those who are interested should contact Bowman at 298-5159. The honor guard slot is a one year commitment and potential members need to be in good standing and have solid dress and appearance. All potential candidates must get approval from their supervisor, first sergeant and commander.