CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Name: Senior Airman Stephen Harper
Unit and job title: 437th Aerial Port Squadron, air transportation cargo services journeyman
Time in the Air Force: three years, six months
Time in the honor guard: two years, six months
What inspired you to join the honor guard? Ever since I saw the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team in Washington, D.C., I knew it was the path for me.
What is your favorite aspect of the honor guard? It is presenting the American flag to the next of kin. There is no greater test of selflessness and honor than that.
What are your future career goals? I plan to finish my Community College of the Air Force degree and then go into the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. After 20 years of service, I'll go on to be a high school teacher.
Who is your role model and why? A prior chief master sergeant named Jose Silva. He helped me realize that it's not about me. It's about how I serve, who I serve and the manner in which I serve.
What is your most memorable moment in the honor guard? It was when I gave the American flag to a wife of a retired master sergeant who passed away. As I handed her the flag, she embraced me, and with tears in her eyes, she said, "Thank you."