McConnell's Honor Guard members earn Black Hat
Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Horn, 22nd Air Refueling Wing command chief, places a black hat on Airman 1st Class John Gaters, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron electrical system apprentice, during a black hat ceremony held in the base honor guard facility May 28, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The ceremony presents a black hat, certificate, coin and a t-shirt to distinguished Airmen within the honor guard. Honor guard members must accomplish at least three months of honor guard duty, 20 details, six details in a leadership position, complete a practical test given by three black hat recipients, pass a written test with an 80 percent or better and have the NCOIC of honor guard recommendation to receive the black hat. McConnell currently has 12 honor guard members who are honored with the black hat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Maria Ruiz)