Eielson honor guard upholds tradition, honors heritage

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachelle Coleman
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  It's a time-honored tradition for armed forces around the world to honor those who have served. It's a way to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedom and future.

The Eielson Honor Guard serves as ambassadors to the public, presenting a positive image of Eielson and the entire Air Force.

"It shows Airmen heritage and makes them a better Airman by teaching them discipline," said Tech. Sgt. Robert Hammack, Honor Guard flight NCO in charge. "Honor Guard promotes the Air Forces' best and brightest."

Honor guardsmen are individuals with good reputations; who have integrity, conduct themselves ethically, and exhibit standards which deserve respect. They are responsible for protecting and overseeing the maintenance of standards on and off duty. It is truly an occupation which requires outstanding devotion and commitment to duty.

While the honor guard here mainly performs color guard duties, they are one of two honor guards that perform Air Force veterans' funerals for the state of Alaska and have one of the largest areas of responsibility for a base honor guard.

"The fallen heroes should always be represented," said Senior Airman Brandon Harris-Miller, the lead trainer for the Eielson Honor Guard. "We should never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. "

Airmen also participate in a variety of local functions including Fairbanks Grizzlies football games, Ice Dogs Hockey games, as well as Annual Awards, local military celebrations downtown, and other ceremonies on base.

Being in the honor guard is a rewarding and challenging experience, but is not something to be taken lightly.

"You need to have pride in what you're doing," said Airman Harris-Miller. "We have a lot of really great Airmen in the Honor Guard right now; the other trainers are doing a really great job teaching the new recruits and the recruits are picking up on everything quickly."

Members of the honor guard sign a contract for a year-long commitment. They practice once a week for three hours and are responsible for maintaining their uniform.

"It's a fun experience. There are a lot of TDY opportunities as well as getting a chance to train with the Air Force Honor Guard," said Airman Harris-Miller. "It's been such a good experience and a challenge - I didn't know if I was even good enough to join."

The base honor guard is continually in need of new recruits due to permanent change of station moves, deployments, and temporary duties. For information on joining the Eielson honor guard, call 388-3158 or email honorguard@eielson.af.mil.