Honor Guard looking for a few good Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airmen Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Since May 1948, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard has represented all Airmen to the American public and the world by showcasing their skills at various functions from funerals to retirement ceremonies.

With current operation tempos and Airmen moving onto new assignments, it can be difficult to find enough volunteers.

"In order for the base Honor Guard program to function properly, a minimum of 35 Airmen are needed," said Senior Airman Luis Porras Vargas, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Mountain Home Air Force Base Honor Guard. "As of right now, the Honor Guard has 33 members on contract, but only 23 of them are available due to deployments and temporary-duty assignments."

The Air Force Honor Guard is a special duty with a minimum tour of three years; however, each base has its own Honor Guard unit and tour length Airmen can volunteer for. Potential Honor Guardsmen are required to participate in an open try-out, in which Airmen are expected to adequately display their ability to represent the Air Force by properly wearing their uniforms and memorizing ceremonial steps and movements.

According to Airman 1st Class Nathan Lewis, base Honor Guard member from the 366th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, members must pick-up all steps in five days.

"They need to know that you can catch on quick," he said "the movements are hard to memorize at first, but once it comes, it's like riding a bike."

Aside from multiple unique perks, Honor Guardsmen also have the privilege of saying "good-bye" to their deceased comrades.

"The Honor Guard is one of the most important programs because we are the ones who provide that final salute to our fallen members. We show their families we continue to care for our people even after they're gone," Airman Porras Vargas said.

With a vision to promote the mission, protect the standards, perfect the image and preserve the heritage, members of the Honor Guard embody the words honor and respect.

"Honor guard is a great opportunity to advance your career, and it instills self-motivation, which in my opinion makes you a better person," Airman Lewis said.

Airman Porras Vargas agrees.

"Being an Honor Guard member is more than just putting on a uniform and folding a flag. It involves being the best you can be and being able to perform in ceremonies with high numbers of people watching your every step," Airman Porras Vargas said. "It involves being able to keep your composure while looking straight into the eyes of a fallen Airman' s family member, but most important, is being able to learn, adapt and overcome any situation thrown at you."