AF Honor Guard displays discipline, precision at Dyess

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Every individual that has worn a military uniform has accepted the opportunity to represent their country and branch of service. For a select few, it is precisely their mission.

The Air Force Honor Guard presented a four-rifle routine here July 15, to gain interest amongst Dyess Airmen to join their ranks.

The four-rifle routine is the most elite performance the drill team provides. After an eight week technical school, honor guardsman are placed into one of the three primary elements of the unit. Once proficient in their tasks, they can apply to be a part of the drill team. Only the best of the drill team are selected to move on to the four-rifle routine.

Enlisted Airmen and officers from more than 200 Air Force career fields, volunteer to be a part of this elite ceremonial unit, and uphold the impeccable standards of professionalism and discipline the honor guard requires.

The men and women of the Air Force Honor Guard represent every member, past and present, who have served in the Air Force. On behalf of the Air Force chief of staff, the unit acts as the face of the Air Force to American and foreign publics.

"Being able to represent the Air Force is one of the most amazing things I've been able to do in my career," said 1st Lt. Michael Lemorie, Air Force Honor Guard drill team flight commander. "Being in the honor guard is a humbling experience; it drives me to excel by representing the Air Force in the most positive light possible."

"I get to represent everything the Air Force has to offer," added Staff Sgt. Andrew Winders, Air Force Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman. "The intricate parts of our drill routines reflect the precision that many of the jobs in the Air Force require."

The honor guard provides opportunities for Airmen to improve in several aspects of their lives and careers by being a part of the many flights the honor guard has control over. The colors flight, drill team, firing party, training flight and body bearers, each provide their own distinctive service, in order to accomplish the unit's mission.

"The experience you gain from being here shapes and molds you into a better Airman and leader." Lemorie said. "Whether its presenting an American flag to next of kin or performing in front the electrifying cheers of an audience, these experiences make the pain and suffering you go through to make it this far worth it."

Dyess Airmen are highly encouraged to volunteer for the Air Force Honor Guard if they feel it is their calling.

According the Air Force Honor Guard's website, the Air Force Honor Guard looks for sharp Airmen with a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication. For those who want to have a memorable and rewarding assignment; if they exhibit the highest professional military standards; if they look forward to the challenge of leading Airmen and representing all others serving their nation, then they are exactly the Airmen the Air Force Honor Guard is looking for.

"I wake up every morning excited to go to work," Winders said. "There aren't many jobs where you put on the uniform displaying the highest standards of discipline, precision and professionalism. Having that feeling daily is just amazing."

For more information about the Air Force Honor Guard, visit their website at http://www.honorguard.af.mil or Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USAFHonorGuard.