Airman earns Honor Guard award

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  An Airman with the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, ID., recently set himself above the rest earning the prestigious Air Force Ceremonial Honor Guardsman of the year award.

Senior Airman Kurtis Brown achieved this honor through many hours of dedication and sacrifice.

"Brown volunteered for every ceremony or drill he could get a chance to lead," said Tech. Sgt. Chad Thome, 366th CES electric systems section chief. "He has always been chosen to lead the way because he displays perfection in everything he does and never stops learning until he knows every aspect of what he is doing. He is the top trainer for all current and new flights."

The award is only given to those with the highest level of impact in the base Honor Guard program.

"This award has made me feel extremely proud," said Brown. "I have worked three years in the base Honor Guard program and feel as though my hard work has finally paid off. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share this special time with my family and friends."

On top of making his shop proud, Brown sees this as an opportunity to accelerate his future Air Force goals.

"I am currently in the process of applying for the Air Force Honor Guard program," Brown said. "Unfortunately I don't meet the height requirement, but I hope to make the cut anyhow. It has always been a dream of mine to be in the Air Force Honor Guard, and I just hope this is my ticket in."

Brown winning an award of this magnitude comes as little surprise to members of his shop who attest to his strong character.

"I am blessed and honored to be the supervisor of such a dedicated and highly motivated person who has achieved the highest level of professionalism," Thome said. "The Air Force is in great hands with individuals such as Kurtis Brown leading the way."

Brown remains humble, considering his achievements to be obtained primarily through the support of his family and co-workers.

"I would like to thank my wife for continuing to push and drive me in the right direction to stay in the Honor Guard and become the best I could," Brown said. "Without the support of my wife I never would have made it as far as I have. I would also like to thank my shop as well as my squadron for allowing me to serve the Honor Guard for so long."