CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Staff Sgt. Jim Holt is the NCO in charge of the Charleston Air Force Base Honor Guard and has been stationed here for five years.
As the NCOIC for the base honor guard, he oversees the entire program involving more than 80 Airmen. He is responsible for maintaining the budget, recruiting Airmen, training and outfitting for the unit. Military funeral honors are the primary mission for the honor guard. They also support base and local civic functions.
"It is an honor to be a member of the Charleston AFB Honor Guard," said Sergeant Holt. "We are the last impression the family remembers of the military and it's important we honor those members of the military who have come before us. It is imperative that we demonstrate professionalism, and attention to detail for all on-base and civic functions ... it is very satisfying when someone stops by and says with pride and sincerity, 'Thank you for a job well done.'"
This "warrior of the week" came to Charleston AFB from Newton, Ga., and joined the Air Force to get some discipline. The events of Sept. 11 were also an important part of his decision to join.
"Joining the Air Force was the best thing I have ever done in my life," said Sergeant Holt. "It showed me what I can accomplish when I put my mind to it. It also instilled in me discipline and how to accomplish tasks."
Aside from his normal duties, Sergeant Holt is a volunteer for Airmen Against Drunk Driving and Habitat for Humanity. He will be transitioning to civilian life in the near future and will pursue a career in real estate investment because he wants to be able to spend more time with his daughters, Kaitlin and Latayvia.
"Sergeant Holt is the picture and test of military image, professionalism and dedication to duty," said Capt. Michael McGrath, 437th Services Squadron executive officer. "Armed with unmatched knowledge of honor guard and military protocol, he has expertly led and trained more than 100 members who conducted 900 details totaling 30,000 hours. He truly bleeds Air Force blue and captured more than $100,000 for operational costs to bring the Charleston Air Force Base Honor program to new heights."