CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
It takes special dedication to stand for hours without moving a muscle. But it's what the Charleston Air Force Base honor guard endures to pay tribute to their fallen comrades.
More than 70 base Airmen are on the honor guard's roster and they all take their turn providing military ceremonies on the base and in areas of South Carolina and Georgia.
"Each Airman is handpicked to serve by their first sergeant for their level of professionalism and their standards of conduct," said Staff Sgt. Jim Holt, 437th Services Squadron honor guard NCO in charge. "Each Airman enjoys knowing they are providing a shining example to their fellow man and the community by their superior military bearing and their unquestionable dedication to duty."
Each Airman goes through a rigorous week-long training program to prepare them for service. During the training, the Airmen cover basic facing movements, pall bearing, flag folding, funeral and firing party sequences, and color guard maneuvers.
For a final test the Airmen conduct a mock funeral where they can demonstrate all aspect of their knowledge, said Senior Airman Ronald Bishop, 437 SVS assistant honor guard NCO in charge.
Having just finished his training Airman 1st Class Kelly Koshinski is ready.
"I feel confident I can execute my details flawlessly," Airman Koshinski said.
Most Air Force members see the honor guard at retirements and changes of command but they do a lot of work in the local community as well.
"We provide outstanding support to the military and local community by performing funeral honors, parades, color guards and other military customs and courtesies," said Airman Bishop. "We represent every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force."
The honor guard has six flights with 10 members each. They rotate with every flight "standing guard" for a month every six months. The flights also are on standby for 15 days after and 15 days before their month in case they're needed, said Sergeant Holt.
The most common service the base honor guard performs are funerals for retirees. The honor guard is responsible for a geographic area consisting of 25 counties in South Carolina and Georgia so they often have to travel long distances to get to the funeral.
A funeral detail can begin up to five hours before the actual funeral takes place. The honor guard members arrive at the honor guard office an hour prior to their departure to prepare themselves and their uniforms and to ensure they have all their equipment. They leave the base and give themselves enough time to arrive at the cemetery an hour before the funeral is to start so they can practice their sequences.
When the family of the retiree arrives their work begins. They act as pall bearers, play taps, perform a 21-gun salute, fold the flag and present the flag to the next of kin.
They then have to pack up all their equipment and return home.
What motivates these Airmen to provide this service?
"A desire to give back to the community and especially to give something back to those who came before me," said Airman Bishop.