Scott Honor Guard serves near and far with dignity

by Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- 

"Handpicked to serve as a member of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard, my standards of conduct and level of professionalism must be above reproach, for I represent all others in my service."

 

Each weekday, the ceremonial guardsmen of the Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard practice for any type of detail which might occur: they practice flag folding, rifles, and colors.

 

"Being able to provide closure to the families, to anyone who's been in the Air Force for that matter, I think helps with the grieving process and provides honor to the fallen," said Tech. Sgt. Thomas Diehl, 375th Force Support Squadron, Honor Guard NCOIC.

 

Every member of the United States military, past or present, can be afforded military funeral honors of some sort. The Scott Honor Guard renders honors for Air Force and Army Air Corps members in a six state radius. Honor Guard members travel to Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Kentucky.

 

Having such a large area of responsibility means that members of the honor guard can travel up to 7.5 hours from Scott or 500 miles each way.

 

Recently, the Scott Honor Guard traveled to Elwood, Indiana, for a unique dignified arrival and funeral.

 

The remains of 17 military members were recovered recently in Alaska from a C-124 Globemaster II crash site from 1952.  One of those servicemembers, Airman 3rd Class Howard Martin, was returned home to Elwood for burial with military honors provided by Scott's Honor Guard unit.

 

"It truly is an honor to be a part of the Scott AFB Honor Guard," said Tech. Sgt. James McBride, 375th FSS ceremonial guardsman. "Every ceremony we participate in basically 're-blues' me and continues to show me inside why I do the job that I do."

 

Military members who pass away while on active duty are afforded full honors.

 

Full honors includes: a colors presentation by a four-person team with the American and Air Force flags; a seven-person pallbearer team which carries the flag-draped casket and folds the American flag; presentation of the flag to the next-of-kin; an eight-person rifle team which shoots off three sets of seven volleys; and "Taps" played by a bugler.

 

Each member of the Scott Honor Guard is a volunteer. At any given time, there are approximately 35-40 members of honor guard.

 

"I volunteered for the challenge, the number of Airmen I get to mentor and influence, and for the families of all who have served," said Diehl.

 

Members of the honor guard may all have their own reasons for serving, but they all honor those who have fallen with dignity.

 

"Representing every member, past and present of the United States Air Force, I vow to stand sharp, crisp, motionless ... for I am a ceremonial guardsman."