From Airmen to Honor Guardsmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Each year the base Honor Guard serves the nation with complete professionalism and integrity while rendering proper respects and honoring the men and women who have volunteered to protect this nation. It takes a strong individual to meet the challenges Honor Guardsmen have ahead of them.

Such a feat is easier done with Airmen who desire to represent themselves and their Air Force in the highest of standards. With only two Honor Guard teams in all of Alaska, Eielson Honor Guard bears a great responsibility for making sure that every event the team participates in is performed to perfection.

Volunteers soon understand the commitment required and discover the meaning behind what it means to be an Honor Guardsman at Eielson.

"I enjoy being part of something bigger than myself and always look forward to giving back to those who have served our nation," said Staff Sgt. Joel Peace, 354th Medical Operations Squadron dental technician and Eielson Honor Guard flight sergeant. "I stress this to our Honor Guardsmen."

Although most Airmen who put on the uniform understand who they are and what they do, it is entirely different to take time to prepare for a funeral service with full military honors.

Base Honor Guardsmen practice for several hours every week and depending on the event, must sacrifice time away from family and friend as events can take place after duty-hours including weekends. Plus with only 2 teams in Alaska, the Eielson Honor Guard can perform at events more than 250 miles away.

"Until they've experienced a military funeral with full military honors, Airmen do not fully understand the meaning behind being an Honor Guardsman," said Peace. "As an Honor Guardsman you strive to maintain your military bearing and the professional image that comes with being an Airman."

According to Peace, Honor Guardsmen make every effort to maintain military bearing and refrain from letting their emotions get the best of them.

"No matter how many times you perform at a military funeral the feelings are the same," said Peace. "It can be an emotional experience, but we do our best to keep our composure."

Honor Guardsmen have an opportunity to showcase professionalism as well military tradition, an essential part of the Honor Guard team and the Air Force. More importantly, being part of the Honor Guard can provide a sense of accomplishment and give new energy to an Air Force career.

"Joining the Honor Guard has helped me grow in my level of professionalism, military discipline and leadership," said Peace. "And ultimately, I am here for the team."