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    JBER honor guard makes impression

    JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, UNITED STATES

    06.01.2018

    Story by Senior Airman Javier Alvarez 

    Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs   

    The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson honor guard area of operation is significantly larger than their namesake would suggest. From Attu to Ketchikan to just south of Denali, they travel to diverse and desolate locations in support of the red, white and blue.

    Funerals, change of command ceremonies, joint ceremonies – wherever the Air Force yellow and ultramarine blue are requested, they are there.

    “Sometimes at a funeral for a retiree or veteran, the next of kin are all civilian,” said Airman 1st Class Giana Koce with the 301st Intelligence Squadron. “That might be their last interaction with the Air Force. We really have to make it a lasting impression. You have to be able to perform under that kind of pressure, which can be difficult for some.”

    Each quarter, 14 determined candidates ranging from Airman Basic to Technical Sergeant, are selected and trained, keeping the member number at a constant 42.

    “Every base has a different program format for honor guard,” said Staff Sgt. Walter Pittman, JBER honor guard noncommissioned officer in charge. “Here we do a week and a half of intense training for the selection process.”

    Following the qualification training, selectees commit to one year of service, where every Monday a refresher course ensures their moves remain razor sharp.

    Two nonconsecutive months are spent at honor guard full time, Pittman said. Two months are also spent on call should the opportunity arise.

    “If you’re thinking about joining, know it’s not going to be easy,” said Staff Sgt. William Reid, a 301st Intelligence Squadron network technician. “But if you come in with an open mind and are ready to train you’ll be set for success. We have good trainer who take the time to teach you the necessary moves.

    “I wanted to be part of a team. I wanted to get out of my career field and do something different. Not only that, I think it’s a great opportunity for Airmen to help develop their confidence. It also exposes you to different career fields.”

    Base honor guard is a great opportunity for someone brand new to the Air Force, Pittman said.

    “I don’t think anything can affect your career more,” he said. “When Airmen come here, normally they’re the only one from their career field. In turn, they look good compared to their peers back at their unit.”

    To sign up for Air Force honor guard, Airmen first have to let their supervisors know, Pittman said. Quarterly, email requests are sent where leadership make recommendations.

    To request JBER honor guard for your event, visit www.jber.jb.mil.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 06.01.2018
    Date Posted: 06.22.2018 17:57
    Story ID: 282034
    Location: JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, AK, US

    Web Views: 42
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN