LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Seven Airmen gained the official delegation to be called honor guard members yesterday at Heritage Park, July 10.
In order to officially complete their training, graduates were required to showcase some of their duties during a simulated mock funeral, which consisted of a firing party, flag folding, and rendition of Taps.
According to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Bailey Jr, honor guard NCO in charge, the countless hours that the Airmen endure is required in order to meet the charge mandated by Congress.
“This graduation congratulates and identifies the hard work honor guard members have accomplished for their training,” said Bailey. “It’s to let their work centers know they’ve accomplished this task and [openly accept] their additional duty.”
As stated in the honor guard’s creed, “no matter the conditions, size of the crowd, or how many details need to be performed” these guardsmen will stand to represent the United States Air Force and the Airmen that have served, are currently serving, or fallen.
“Laughlin’s honor guard performed 105 details in 2015, and 106 details in 2016,” said Bailey. “This year alone, we’ve already performed 56 details.”
The honor guard provides support to various events that not only directly impact the military community, families and friends, but the communities surrounding the base. These appearances allow the Airmen to not only display professionalism, but also instill a sense of patriotism in the community.
For Airman 1st Class Devin Coate, 47th Operational Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment apprentice, the honor guard program helps him give back to those that support the military.
“I’ve always been a patriotic person,” said Coate. “Being a member of the Honor Guard allows me an opportunity to display my patriotism through our ceremonies and drills.”
Upon graduation, honor guard members agree to a year-long, two-week rotating commitment of performing drills and ceremonies, representing Laughlin’s sharpest and disciplined Airmen.