CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Name: Senior Airman Joseph Truesdale
Hometown: Pageland, S.C.
Squadron and job title: 437th Operations Support Squadron aviation resource manager
Time in the Air Force: four-and-a-half years
Time in the Honor Guard: three years and seven months
What inspired you to join the Honor Guard? I started out by being volunteered at my last base; however, after my very first rotation, it made me more appreciative of the veterans who've served before us and made me want to stay in the Honor Guard. Joining has shown me how to be more patient as a person and it helped to improve my character as a man. It also helped me become a better team player and leader.
What is your favorite aspect of the Honor Guard? My favorite aspects of Honor Guard are the camaraderie, the hard work and dedication of my fellow honor guardsmen and women; and the appreciation we receive from families of the deceased.
What is your most memorable moment in Honor Guard? A colors detail in June of this year where Airmen 1st Class Hunt, Mitchell, Cousins and I had to post and retire the colors at the Embassy Suites. It was a veteran's appreciation event and there was a Medal of Honor recipient present. At the end of our detail, we walked to the stage, stood four-a-breast and I saluted the Medal of Honor recipient. As we looked around the crowd, there was a standing ovation. Afterward, he gave each of us his card and he also took photos with us.
What are your future career goals? To finish my degree in nursing and to get accepted in to Officer Training School.