Team Dyess performs mass retreat ceremony April 3

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. A.C. Eggman
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Bomb Wing will hold a retreat ceremony April 3 at 4 p.m. at the base parade grounds. This is the first wing retreat ceremony involving all groups including the 317th Airlift Group in nearly a year. 

More than 100 Airmen are expected to render respect to the flag during the retreat ceremony. The base hasn't been able to perform a retreat ceremony of this magnitude due to high ops tempo and the operational readiness inspections.

Retreat ceremonies serve a twofold purpose. They signal the ending of the official duty day and serve to pay respect to the flag and those who serve it.

"Wing retreats have been part of our Air Force way of life since 1947," said Col. Robert Gass, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "I want to make sure Dyess AFB keeps in touch with Air Force heritage and in step with our joint partners at military installations across the globe."

Retreat ceremonies are steeped in history, and are a time for all to stop and show their respect. Retreat was first used by the French Army and dates back to the Crusades. The American Army has used this bugle call since the Revolutionary War.

Anyone who wishes to watch the retreat ceremony can watch from the parade grounds or the chapel parking lot. Attendees and spectators are encouraged to park near the base theater, and in the commissary and base exchange parking lots. 

Security Forces Airmen will begin redirecting traffic as early as 3:15 p.m. on the roads leading to the circle. The groups will form up at 3:45 p.m. and the traffic circle will be partially closed at that time. The traffic circle will be completely closed by 3:50 p.m. 

"People should be careful when crossing the roads," said Capt. Janice McDowell, 7th Medical Group Public Health Flight deputy chief and project officer. "Spectators can be behind the formations and move closer once the formations take their positions in the traffic circle." 

The retreat ceremony will also include a B-1 fly over. 

Like any official ceremony, there are protocols that apply to everyone on base, civilian and military personnel alike. 

Retreat is played on Dyess at 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is immediately followed by the playing of the national anthem.

The following are guidelines to follow during retreat:
In uniform:
Upon hearing the first note of retreat, military members should face the flag if visible or face the music if the flag is not visible and assume the position of parade rest. At the start of the national anthem, military members in uniform should come to attention and salute until the anthem has ended. 

Not in uniform:
When not in uniform, servicemembers and veterans can salute. However, it is not mandatory. At a minimum, servicemembers and veterans should come to attention and place their right hand over their heart. They should also remove their hats with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder while their right hand is over the heart until the anthem has ended.

Drivers:
On the first note of the national anthem, drivers should bring their moving vehicle to a complete stop and put it in park. Personnel are required to turn off any music playing in the vehicle. Everyone inside the vehicle, including the driver, should remain seated at attention.

Once again, this protocol applies to all personnel on base to include non-military and visitors. 

"Team Dyess will perform formal wing retreats once a quarter. And we'll do it right," said Colonel Gass.