Thirteen folds

Laughlin Air Force Base Honor Guardsmen ceremoniously fold the installation flag at a Sept. 11 remembrance retreat ceremony on Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 11, 2014. The flag is carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence, and the red and white stripes are wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Steven R. Doty)(Released)

Base honor guard seeks new members for team

Published Nov. 3, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Laughlin's Honor Guard preserves and honors the Air Force's traditions through a commitment to duty honor and valor, and they are looking for new members to join their ranks.

The small team of 15 Airmen is responsible for 14 counties and an area of 35,000 square miles across southern Texas. The team needs a minimum of 20 honor guardsmen to meet the area's needs.

"The honor guard is a select group of people who have the unique opportunity to render a final salute to those who have served their country," said Staff Sgt. Richard Bates, NCO in charge of Laughlin's Honor Guard. "We represent the Air Force to the community and are expected to be the sharpest Airmen on base. We must strive for perfection in everything we do."

Laughlin's Honor Guard members provide military honors at dozens of funerals each year, and perform color details at wing and community events ranging from graduations, retirements, promotion ceremonies, holiday events and more, explained Bates.

"This is a big commitment," Bates said. "Honor guard asks a lot of your time and takes a lot of coordination with offices, but if you are looking for a unique experience and a chance to see a different piece of the Air Force, join. There is nothing harder than giving a folded flag to a grieving widow without crying, it's why I joined."

The base honor guard is open to enlisted members from airman basic to technical sergeant and officers up to the rank of captain. Those interested in joining must be in good standing with their unit, have a passing physical training score, and be recommended by their leadership. Joining is a one-year commitment. Practices are held twice a week from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the base gym and members can expect to perform in five events each month.

"We are looking for those who want to be a part of the team and want to take ownership of the program and make it special," Bates said. "If you are looking for something to take pride in, then the best way is through the honor guard."

For more information on the base honor guard, and information on joining, contact Bates at 298-5159

"I don't do this for myself," said Senior Airman Adaultha Lewis, a member of Laughlin's Honor Guard. "I do this for those who served, past and present. Being in the base honor guard is a great experience and gives you new perspective on dress and appearance and military bearing. I highly recommend joining."