Deployed Airmen serve with honor, uphold a military tradition

Photo By Master Sgt. Evelyn Chavez | U.S. Air Force Honor guardsmen from Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, review their spacing for a change of command ceremony May 9, 2014. The Airmen are part of Bagram’s honor guard. As honor guardsmen, they must demonstrate dedication, commitment and precision, as well as skillfull execution of ceremonial drills. (U.S. Air Force by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez/Released)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

05.11.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez 

455th Air Expeditionary Wing   

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - A select group of Airmen at Bagram demonstrate dedication and commitment as they carry on a tradition of honor. About twenty Airmen serve in the base honor guard, supporting ceremonial requests for the airfield here where they continue, despite their location, to “honor with dignity.”

Volunteers comprise the honor guard, who even with their busy schedule, find the time to contribute to the team.

“Being part of the honor guard gives me a sense of pride,” said Senior Airman Adrian Whitehurst, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Squadron, currently deployed from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and a native of Chesapeake, Va.

While most would think that working 12-15 hour days is enough, these Airmen have made a commitment, and given up personal time to be part of Bagram’s honor guard. The guardsmen practice for an hour a week and are on-call whenever needed.

“Anything that is requested of us, we support,” said Staff Sgt. Bryant Brown, 455th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, currently deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and a native of Baltimore, Md. “From changes of command to possible dignified transfers… It is somewhat different because of where we are but how we do it is still the same.”

As they may be called upon to transfer a brother or sister in arms who have given the ultimate sacrifice, the honor guard also supports events such as changes of command, honoring distinguished guests and official ceremonies.

Because of the high visibility and recognition of these Airmen, they must demonstrate high standards of dress and appearance, as well as flawless execution of ceremonial drills even in the deployed environment.

“The honor guard contributes to all core values, we represent everything the Air Force stands for,” said Brown.

Although these honor guardsmen are miles away from home, they continue to contribute to the tradition of rendering honors to the people who are serving and have served.

“We want to keep the tradition going, even in the deployed environment,” said Brown. “It feels good to be able to help and provide details for ceremonies here.”

• Date Taken: 05.11.2014
• Date Posted: 05.11.2014 08:25
• Story ID: 129467
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF