Thunderbolt named 2012 AETC Honor Guard Member

by Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/31/2013 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Honor guard members are seen at various events on and off base. Their work may seem commonplace but one particular Thunderbolt has set himself above the rest as the Air Education and Training Command's 2012 Honor Guard Member of the Year.

Senior Airman Kyle Wisecarver, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, recently earned AETC's award for his work during his year-long tenure with the base honor guard.

Luke's honor guard is comprised of 42 Airmen from every squadron across the wing. Members serve on the honor guard one month on and one month off through the course of a year.

During his time as an honor guard member, Wisecarver performed in more than 170 ceremonies and led a six-member team during 23 events including retirement ceremonies, flag ceremonies and change-of-command ceremonies.

"I had a great supervisor, Staff Sgt. Eddie Isom from the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who pushed me to excel in all I do including honor guard," Wisecarver said.

Mentoring was also an important aspect in Wisecarver's daily routine. He trained 28 junior members, helping to sharpen their honor guard skills and appearance, and briefed honor guard customs and courtesies to First Term Airman Center students and Civil Air Patrol members on separate occasions. Wisecarver also trained 16 local firefighters and police members on flag folding, helping to foster military precision in the local community's civil servants. Eight chief master sergeants also benefitted from Wisecarver's expertise when they learned how to perform a sword cordon to honor other chiefs.

Although Wisecarver volunteered to join Luke's honor guard, he continued to find other volunteer opportunities. He organized a Habitat for Humanity project and led a 17-member team in providing homes to those in need. Wisecarver rallied 10 of his fellow honor guard members in preparing food pallets for St. Mary's Food Bank, contributing to local Thanksgiving meals.

Wisecarver said he's honored to be selected as AETC's top honor guard member but will continue to strive for excellence.

"I really enjoyed my time with the base honor guard but I'm not resting on my laurels," he said. "I'm still learning."

Wisecarver advises other Airmen to consider joining Luke's honor guard.

"I really encourage all Airmen to join and be part of something that stretches across the entire wing," Wisecarver said.