USAF Honor Guard trains McConnell Airmen
By Senior Airman Abigail Klein, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
/ Published May 10, 2011
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McConnell Honor Guard members practice proper flag folding sequences during a mock active duty funeral as part of the honor guard training program April 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Following eight days of specialized training by four members of the U. S. Air Force Honor Guard, McConnell Honor Guard members staged a 20-man mock active duty funeral during their graduation ceremony May 4. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin)
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Tech. Sgt. Jean Todd, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team member, observes as McConnell Honor Guard members perform firing party movements as part of the base honor guard training program April 29, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. USAF Honor Guard instructors from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., spent 65 hours training the honor guard members on military funeral honors. Following eight days of specialized training, honor guard members staged a 20-man mock active duty funeral during a graduation ceremony May 4, 2011. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin)
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McConnell Honor Guard members stand at ease during a 20-man mock active duty funeral as part of their graduation ceremony from the base honor guard training program May 4, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The base honor guard training program performs in ceremonies that are standard Air Force-wide. Following eight days of specialized training, McConnell Honor Guard members staged a 20-man mock active duty funeral during a graduation ceremony May 4, 2011. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin)
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McConnell Honor Guard members perform a 20-man mock active duty funeral during their graduation ceremony May 4, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. Four members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., spent 65 hours training the honor guard members on military funeral honors. Training for an active duty funeral included responsibilities and requirements for the NCOIC, pallbearers and the firing party; the proper flag folding sequence; presenting the colors and the significance of Taps. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin)
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McConnell Honor Guard members prepare to graduate from the base honor guard training program May 4, 2011, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. U.S. Air Force Honor Guard instructors from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., spent 65 hours training the honor guard members on military funeral honors. While at McConnell, USAF Honor Guard instructors answered questions about the honor guard manual, which is updated annually. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin)
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --
For Airmen assigned to McConnell's Honor Guard, perfection isn't a goal, it's a requirement.
This trait was emphasized when four instructors from the United States Air Force Honor Guard from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., recently visited McConnell for the first time in more than five years.
"It takes a lot be in the honor guard," said Capt. Tiffany Stone, USAF Honor Guard standardization and evaluations commander. "It relies on the individual, no one can make you do it, you have to step up and say, 'What can I do to volunteer for my country.'"
While here, the instructors observed and trained twenty-one new members of McConnell's Honor Guard on drill and other ceremonies, particularly military funerals, which are typically part of McConnell's Honor Guard training.
All Air Force Honor Guard members are required to complete more than 65 hours of training on these sequences, which will be performed regularly in marching parades, public events and funerals.
The instructors were also able to clarify and compliment the Airmen's training.
"Changes were made to the wear and maintenance of the uniform and they were able to explain changes to the honor guard training guide, which is updated yearly," said Tech. Sgt. Ralph Ortiz, 22nd Force Support Squadron Honor Guard NCOIC. "They also went more in depth on weapons handling and movements, how to carry a casket, and to stand at attention [which is different for honor guard members].
The presence of the USAF Honor Guard instructors was also encouraging for the Airmen.
"Having them come here really meant a lot," said Nyrika Davis, 22nd Logistics Readiness Supply journeyman and one of twenty-one Airmen trained by the USAF Honor Guard. "We got to learn more about the history and meaning behind the honor guard."
The instructors were even present at the graduation ceremony for the new Honor Guard members on May 4, 2011, which featured a display of a traditional military funeral performed by the graduates.
There are two ways to join the USAF Honor Guard. Airmen can sign up while in Basic Military Training and head to Bolling right after graduation or Airmen already in the Air Force can simply go to the unit's website, www.honorguard.af.mil, fill out a package and wait to see if they are selected. Upon selection, Airmen will go to Bolling for an eight-week technical training course.