Subscribe
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. – The COVID-19 pandemic left many with uncertainty regarding their careers, including Airman 1st Class Kylie Kirkaldie, 319th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller.
Due to social distancing requirements, her training was placed on hold and she was forced to reevaluate her personal and professional goals.
Kirkaldie, however, wasn’t going to let this set her back, choosing in the meantime to serve in the 319th Reconnaissance Wing Honor Guard.
While she was excited for this new chapter in her life, she had little knowledge on what her new job would entail.
“I was totally unprepared for what I was getting myself into,” said Kirkaldie. “I had no idea what Honor Guard was about.”
After serving over six months with the unit, she is confident she made the right choice.
Describing her experience, Kirkaldie said, “It’s been unlike anything I’ve ever done, especially in the Air Force. It’s not your typical nine to five job, but it’s all worth it. Handing a flag off to a family member who’s lost someone who had previously served is very impactful.”
Kirkaldie’s fellow honor guardsmen, Airman 1st Class Jesica Yuma, can testify to her commitment to the job.
“She was my partner through the four months we were active and honestly I don’t think I would have made it without her,” said Yuma. “We kept each other centered, especially when it would be too cold to feel your hands. We just had to remind ourselves that we were doing it for the families, to help them get closure. It was a humbling experience, and I had such an amazing partner through the whole thing.”
Upon completing her time with the base Honor Guard, Kirkaldie resumed her position as an air traffic controller, but says she’ll never forget her time in Honor Guard.
“Even if it is temporary, Honor Guard is a great purpose for anybody in the Air Force. It’s a great way to spend a couple months and it really changes your mindset,” said Kirkaldie. “This is what the Air Force is all about; serving others and their families.”
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2021 11:33 |
| Story ID: | 407920 |
| Location: | GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 34 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Grand Forks Airman finds new ways to excel despite COVID-19, by SrA Brody Katka, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
