Handpicked to serve

Published Jan. 20, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Andrea F. Liechti
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Respect, dedication and pride are just a few words that describe the Barksdale Honor Guard.

The Honor Guard Airmen train hard on a daily basis to ensure every movement they make is precise. They perform various details including funerals, promotions, change of command ceremonies, retirements and retreats.

"Honor Guard Airmen are the best of the best," said Tech. Sgt. Kennith Shea, Barksdale Honor Guard NCO in-charge. "They are hand-picked from each squadron to represent Barksdale and the Air Force."

The moment they are selected and approved, the new Honor Guard Airmen prepare to complete rigorous training. Each member must successfully complete 142 task evaluations.

"Every move we make is slightly different," Shea said. "For example, there are three different types of 'about-faces' the Airmen need to know. They are tested for proficiency on all of them."

It takes anywhere from four to six weeks for new Airmen to become fully Honor Guard qualified. Once trained, they receive their full uniforms and are then eligible to begin performing on details.

"To divide details effectively among all of the Honor Guard Airmen, the Airmen are divided into three different flights," Shea said. "The flights are then rotated through a six-week cycle."

The first two weeks, the flight is active. This means those Airmen are fulfilling as many of the details as they possibly can and are practicing during any free time.

The second two-week period is called the inactive period. During this time the Airmen are back at their regular shops performing their normal duties. However, they are still available as a last resort for any details during this time.

The third two-week period rounds out the six-week cycle with a standby period. Standby Airmen are back at their regular shops but are readily available for Honor Guard details should the need arise. Usually they are called up when the active flight has too many duties to fulfill and can't get to them all, Shea said.

Each of these flights is made up of approximately 14 Airmen. Currently there are 51 Barksdale Airmen supporting the Honor Guard's mission.

Senior Airman Princeton Drake, Barksdale Honor Guard Bravo Flight leader, is proud of his flight.

"They work hard every day to make their movements look sharp and professional," he said. "They have to maintain bearing to properly represent the Air Force image."

The passion evident in Drake's eyes shows how inspired he is by his flight and the details they execute with proficiency.

Drake got down on one knee, imaginary flag in-hand, to demonstrate the most memorable part of the funerals his flight performs. He simulated passing the flag off to a next-of-kin member with the strong, military bearing for which Honor Guard members are known.

"It's not your place to cry," he said. "Handing the flag off is a privilege. You are the last person that family member will remember. It is our job to show him or her how appreciative the United States Air Force is for the service their loved one provided."