USAF Honor Guard trains McConnell Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Abigail Klein
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
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.