LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Just a few minutes into the Langley Honor Guard graduation ceremony Feb. 21, all in attendance rise and stand poised for the National Anthem.
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Revell, honor guard manager, sings the anthem a cappella. His voice fills the building and all stand still, listening to the words.
It's an event that repeats itself every month-and-a-half as new Airmen replace graduates.
"Being a part of the honor guard gives Airmen a better appreciation of the military and its traditions," said Staff Sgt. Leina Perez, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the honor guard.
The honor guard is an essential part of every military branch. Its duties include rendering honors for retirements, weddings, promotions, change-of-command ceremonies and most importantly, funerals.
Funerals are top priority and are taken very seriously because they serve as a family's farewell to their loved one, said Sergeant Perez.
"We're often the only impression of the military that some families see," said Sergeant Revell. "We get to show people that the military cares."
For Airman 1st Class Jennifer Endes, a Combat Air Force Logistics Support Center allowance and authorization apprentice and Ceremonial Guardsman for January 2008, funerals have given her a new perspective.
"I've learned to have an appreciation for life," said Airman Endes.
One particular moment Airman Endes remembers is a veteran's funeral in Washington, D.C.
"When I handed the folded flag to the veteran's wife, I looked into her eyes and could see how grateful she was. The military was able to give her one last honorary moment for her husband. I couldn't help but cry afterward," she said.
Professionalism is an important quality that Airmen in the program must maintain. During the two-week training process, Airmen, grades E-1 through E-5, learn color guard, pall bearing, flag folding and firing parties. Because training can be strenuous, Airmen on medical waivers are ineligible for honor guard.
One of the challenges of being in the honor guard is how different each detail is, said Senior Airman Erik Seastrand, a 1st Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft armament systems journeyman and honor guard graduate.
"You learn to improvise and remember to keep your military bearing," said Airman Seastrand.
The graduating class consists of twelve members.
"The best thing about this class is their personality," said Sergeant Revell. "They are all hard workers."
It is obvious to those attending the ceremony that the Airmen are one big family.
"One of the best parts of the program is that Airmen can meet people from different squadrons. They learn to work together," said Sergeant Perez.
"Every time I do a retirement or funeral, I feel like we're kind of keeping order. Everyone takes it seriously, and it makes me feel good," said Airman Seastrand.
Even though the training is difficult and takes a lot of dedication, the Airmen said being a part of the honor guard program is a privilege.
"This was one of my favorite experiences in the Air Force; everyone should try it," said Airman Seastrand.