CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Name: Senior Airman David Verde
Hometown: Buena Vista, Va.
Unit and job title: 437th Aerial Port Squadron passenger service agent
Time in the Air Force: five years
Time in the honor guard: I'm currently on my first rotation and have been a member for two months.
What inspired you to join the honor guard? I've always been passionate about military traditions and structure, and I feel the honor guard represents the Air Force to the highest standards. I've always wanted to be a part of that.
What is your favorite aspect of the honor guard? I personally enjoy posting colors at events or marching in parades. It's a great way to showcase the honor guard's military bearing and displays a positive image of the Air Force in the local community. Also, it gives respect our nation's flag with honor.
What are your future career goals? It has been a hard decision. I've always wanted to be a music teacher, so I have decided to separate at the end of my enlistment to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the fall to pursue my degree in music education.
Who is your role model and why? My role model is my former music teacher Mr. Humphries because of his ability to inspire students not only to be passionate about music, but to aspire to be the best person one could be. He was a leader of leaders, and most importantly, he set a great example as a husband and father. I hope to be more like him in all my endeavors.
What is your most memorable moment in honor guard? I'd have to say it was the first time I presented the American flag at a funeral to the next of kin. I was extremely nervous, but after offering the flag, she looked at it and said slowly, "Thank you." I knew then what we offer to our veterans and their families. It is the Air Forces' way to say thank you to them as well for what they did before us.