Epitomizing excellence in all we do

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  It was a cold, overcast afternoon; tombstones lined the land as far as one could see. The only sound to break the silence was a family saying prayers to their loved one. Two figures dressed in ceremonial blues stand beside the fallen veteran's casket, which is draped with the flag of the United States of America.

The two Honor Guardsmen swiftly but carefully pick up the flag from the casket and ceremoniously fold it before handing it to the family of the deceased, whose prayers turned into silent weeping before thanking the guardsman.

"The weight of how much a funeral service for a veteran doesn't really weigh on you until you get down on one knee, hand the flag to the family and render a salute," said Airman 1st Class John Whittaker, 14th Operations Support Squadron and Honor Guard member for three months. "That moment is such an honor to me."

The Columbus Air Force Base Honor Guard travels all over the state of Mississippi to honor the veterans who came before them.

"The Honor Guard represents the President, the United States Air Force, and the deceased member at military funerals," said Tech. Sgt. Jeri Catus, 14th Flying Training Wing Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. "They represent Columbus AFB at local parades, banquets and other functions and they represent commanders, retirees and all units here on Columbus at change of command ceremonies, retirements and awards ceremonies. Put simply, they represent with honor and dignity."

The 19 Airmen, who epitomize the core value of service before self, practice every Wednesday to maintain perfect form and military bearing.

"From the moment I expressed interest in taking a part of this meticulous, elite team, I knew my duty would transform into something bigger" said Senior Airman Dennisse Mallari, 14th Comptroller Squadron and Honor Guard member since 2011. "Honor Guard is a distinguished reminder that we are living by our core values. As a young Senior Airman, I get to train other members. To witness each individual perform brings an uplifting feeling. The bond formed in our group is a great incentive enough; we learn from each other. During practice and ceremonies, the camaraderie is present, but one can tell we are not here for ourselves-we perform to render services and honor our fallen comrades."

Becoming a member of the team takes more than initiative and an inclination to do so. Catus said that it takes drive and motivation to meet the precision and demands of the Honor Guard.

Individual BLAZE members represent their sections, units, base and country at wing level showing unit and base pride at all times.
"There is truly no better way to honor those who came before us," said Catus.

The officer in charge of the Honor Guard program, 1st Lt. Sharon Elliott, said that it is an incredible privilege to lead the team, alongside Catus, as they represent Columbus AFB and bring credit to, not only, the United States Air Force, but to every member of our great service who has died for God and country. She added that to her, there is no greater mission.

"Our Guardsmen embody the epitome of professionalism - both on and off duty; exceptionally high standards of conduct; and, exude selfless dedication in all they do," said Elliott.

Columbus AFB Honor Guard averages two military ceremonies and five to seven military funerals each week. Ceremonies average three to eight hours for each event and are often after-duty hours during the week and during the weekend.

"It sounds like a lot of hard work and off-duty time for each individual, however, with over 15 BLAZE members assigned to the team, the details are spread out enough to reduce the impact on individual members and duty sections," said Catus.

So with all that work and all those off-duty hours, are there any advantages to serving on the Honor Guard?

The incentives are many and continue to grow. Beyond the obvious enlisted performance report bullets and great additions to any Below-the-Zone and awards packages, there is also the opportunity to earn an achievement medal for each 30 details professionally accomplished on the team. Each month internally and each quarter Honor Guard members have the opportunity to earn Honor Guard quarterly awards. Additionally, BLAZE members receive a full set of ceremonial uniforms they may keep (after 1 year on the team) after leaving the team.

Catus said that she feels the biggest and most important reward a person can receive is the personal gratification and pride when serving others as an Honor Guard member.

"I've personally seen the emotions of the families that have received our national colors from our professionals," said Catus. "What it means to them is indescribable and what it means to the proud ceremonial guardsman is truly immeasurable."

If you're interested in joining the Columbus AFB Honor Guard please call 434-2316.