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Staff Sgt. Joshua Vanderbeck, Air Force Honor Guard, shows members of Scott Air Force Honor Guard a technique to help the flag keep its shape after it has been folded Nov. 29. The Air Force Honor Guard guided the members of Team Scott’s Honor Guard on some of the smaller, unseen details of the ceremonies they perform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt)
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Air Force Honor Guard advises local honor guard
Posted 12/5/2012 Updated 12/5/2012
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by Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
12/5/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The first honor guard stood up at Bolling Field in 1972, and today, derivatives of the same unit joined with Team Scott's Honor Guard. To keep the team's performances as crisp and sharp as possible, the Air Force Honor Guard visited Scott and provided some training and tips from Nov. 28-29.
"They already know what they need to know," said Tech. Sgt. Kelly McKinley, Air Force Honor Guard NCOIC. "We are here to help them out if they need it.
"We all represent the Air Force."
The Air Force Honor Guard was here to perform during the Order of the Sword ceremony, but when they visit a different base they like to visit the honor guard to help in any way they can.
"Our primary mission isn't to instruct them, but we do like to stop by the honor guards wherever we go to give them pointers," he said. "We want to help them become sharper and crisper. We are here to say thanks for what they do and maybe inspire them to join the Air Force Honor Guard."
They began training at 7:30 a.m., by watching how Team Scott performs their drills, then instructed them on what details of the performances most honor guard units have changed. They guided the members of Team Scott's Honor Guard on some of the smaller, unseen details of the ceremonies they perform.
"I think the most helpful thing the Air Force Honor Guard taught us was a few techniques to help us look sharper when moving the casket without using as much energy," said Airman 1st Class Johnathan Kim, Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard trainer.
Kim has been a part of many honor guard ceremonies and has seen the effect it has on the attendees.
"I have done over 120 details and every one of them was very special," Kim said. "I believe that the families and audience notice the sharpness and integrity that has been further instilled in us because of the training, and they will take greater pride and appreciation in their loved ones and country."
Learning from the Air Force Honor Guard was a rare opportunity, and Scott's team didn't take it for granted according to Kim.
"It was a great honor and privilege to learn from the Air Force Honor Guard," he said. "To be able to see how Airman like us who do this as their regular job is inspiring."
Although it isn't a part of their job, the Air Force Honor Guard didn't take the opportunity to teach for granted either.
"I was personally on the base honor guard for many years prior to joining the Air Force Honor Guard, and I look it as we are all one big team," said McKinley. "We are all ceremonial guardsman. We are all representing the Air Force and our fallen servicemembers." |
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