Base honor guard in search of volunteers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  For Airmen seeking a challenging volunteer opportunity, the 36th Wing's Honor Guard program offers sharp Airmen a shot to honor with dignity.

The Honor Guard consists of 19 volunteers throughout the wing. Staff Sgt. Doug Kesler, NCO-in-charge of the honor guard, aspires for more volunteers in 2010.

"The more members we have, the higher quality product we can showcase to the base and local communities during our details," Sergeant Kelser said. "I would be happy if we could get 40 members because it gives us an opportunity to field our best members and increase competition within the team."

Team members conduct all color details, changes of command and funerals for active duty Airmen, retirees and veterans. The team is most visible in its details performed during Linebacker II, Tops in Blue, Operation Christmas Drop, Liberation Day, awards banquets and other high-profile events happening around Guam.

Volunteers must receive permission from appropriate channels to participate. Volunteers cannot be on waivers and must reflect the Air Force standards and core values.

Team Andersen Airmen volunteers for Honor Guard sign one year contracts obligating their service to Honor Guard . The team practices every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. in the old teen center gymnasium. Every detail throughout the course of the contract is voluntary.

"Volunteers for a detail must be able to perform every position on the detail and call all commands without flaws," Sergeant Kesler said. "Airmen spend an average of a month training before becoming eligible for details."

Sergeant Kesler has established a standard for his team members.

"They have to be a true leader, above all," Sergeant Kesler said. "In honor guard, an individual stands out because of the uniform - they have to have their uniform looking good at all times, regardless of their career field. They have to have a mentality of being able to correct something on someone if it's wrong, whether it's the uniform or customs and courtesies."