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Grand Slam honor guard keeps tradition of commitment alive

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joel Mease
  • 379th AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Pride, somber moments, love for country, attention to detail and doing it 'till it's done right - these are just a few of the things people think of when the words honor guard are mentioned.

The 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Honor guard; while all those things, is unique in that any U.S. Service member, enlisted through company grade officer, are welcome to join.

"All you have to do is join us during practice time, which are Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30 - 8 p.m.," said Master Sgt. Joseph Delarosa, 379th AEW Honor Guard NCOIC. "The first time you show up we'll take your information, and put you in training right away - no experience necessary."

Delarosa, whose job is to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly, only requires new members to take on this task with a sense of urgency.

"Anyone who joins the honor guard should take it seriously with pride and dignity," Delarosa said. "Try to attend the practice at least six times a month and learn the process as quickly as possible to get certified. Once you pass the certification, you earn the privilege to wear the honor guard black rope while in (your everyday) uniform."

To achieve that level of detail, a certain amount of dedication is required, however, it won't come at the expense of your primary mission responsibility, said Staff Sgt. Fernando Reyes, 379th AEW Honor Guard member.

"We practice twice a week to accommodate everybody's work schedule," Reyes said. "Having two practices per week, gives me the flexibility to attend at least once or twice if my everyday job gets busy. My supervision is fully aware of how important every detail is and knows the honor guard has a mission to support, same as every other mission that directly impacts the base."

For other members the history of high standards and discipline are the reasons for being a part of the team.

"Being a member gives me the opportunity to be part of continuing this long history and tradition," Reyes said. "It's also a way for me to honor all members, past and present of the armed forces, including our coalition partners and host nation."

This simple but highly rewarding service provides a legacy for the recipient, and leaves a memory of pride and commitment with the service member.

"I encourage supervisors to support their service member to join the honor guard so they can continue the legacy of those who have served and continue to provide honors to all personnel and coalition members past and present," Delarosa said.

For more information on the honor guard e-mail the NCOIC at joseph.delarosa@auab.afcent.af.mil.