Help wanted: Homestead Honor Guard recruits new members

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lou Burton
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Standing over an iron casket, draped with the American flag, the sermon for the day is not on the joys and sorrows of life and death. The parishioners are not grieving and there are no tears to be seen. Instead, the captivated audience is gathering all the information the speaker can provide and concentrating on being able to put the instructions into practice. It is clear this is not a funeral at all; rather it is the training class for the Homestead Air Reserve Base Honor Guard. 

The casket is empty, but the room is alive with learning as Airmen from all ranks and career fields come together to represent the Air Force Reserve at official ceremonies and veterans funerals on Aug. 7.

"Honor Guard is not an AFSC, so everyone has an opportunity to participate," said Master Sgt Francisco Navarro, Honor Guard superintendent. That means regardless of rank or career field, everyone can help represent the Air Force Reserve. 

The graduating class of five reservists trained for 40 hours on the basic principles of Honor Guard procedure. This is just an introductory training; most of their knowledge will come from participating in the ceremonies and funerals, said Navarro. 

They begin with an easier role in the ceremonies and as their skill level increases, so does the role they play in the Honor Guard. 

Currently the Honor Guard is looking for sharp Airmen to participate. 

"We would like to have at least 24 traditional reservists participating in the Honor Guard 
program. Right now we have eight," said Navarro. 

There is plenty of space available for reservist from any career field to take on this special duty assignment. 

The training received does not require the reservist to quit working in their assigned shop, nor is it a requirement to attended all ceremonies and funerals. The basic need for the reservist in the honor guard program is to be able to help out when there are multiple taskings. The honor guard reservists are never forced to participate in any of the events, but are asked to assist based on their availability. 

"It is an honor for us to be able to represent the Air Force Reserve [to the family in their hour of need]," said Navarro. 

The Honor Guard's ceremonious ritual is an extraordinary display of concentration and fluid movement. 

The Honor guard has its own language. Members communicate with one another in movements and eye gestures, he said. 

Qualifications for entering into the program require the meeting of physical and performance-based evaluations. There is a requirement to be able to stand at attention for at least 45 minutes, along with qualifying physical fitness scores and performance evaluations. The honor guard is looking for dedicated Airmen to help represent the Air Force reserve in a very public capacity. 

"I have been in the Honor Guard since 2006. I recommend everyone to try it," said Staff Sgt. Tara Austin, Honor Guard member. 

To find out more information on the program or to apply, please visit www.homestead-services.com and click on the Honor Guard tab.