HILL AIR FORCE BASE – Paying respect to the men and women who served before, Hill’s Honor Guard stands ready to serve them now.
Honor guard Airmen are charged with selflessly, namelessly and flawlessly representing the U.S. Air Force and its members, both past and present to the American public and the world.
The volunteer ranks of Hill’s ceremonial guardsmen execute that duty primarily as pall bearers, color guards and firing parties in ceremonial uniforms, without nametags, across a 169,000 square mile area in four states.
“There is a sense of pride in knowing that we are there representing the US Air Force and are there for the families of our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Staff Sergeant Nicholas Walters, lead trainer and assistant NCO in charge of Hill’s Honor Guard.
Experts in military drill, ceremonies and protocol, Hill’s two honor guard flights specialize in a particular ceremonial element. However, all members are trained and capable of performing all duties.
Volunteers for honor guard duty come from Team Hill’s active duty and reserve Airmen.
Active-duty members serve rotations of two weeks on duty and four weeks back at their units for the duration of a year. Reservists often serve on a 179-day contract, but that’s not always guaranteed.
Honor guard members also provide proffer and usher services when required, but primarily participate in funeral ceremonies.
“My favorite part about serving in the honor guard is knowing that the mission we do is a no-fail mission where I can see the amount of pride family members experience when they receive a flag,” Walters said. “I believe Airmen want to be a part of the honor guard to truly represent what it says to leave no Airman behind.”
Volunteers typically receive an Achievement Medal upon completion of their honor guard contract.
Airmen interested in serving on the base honor guard can contact them at 801-777-3967 or Hill.Honorguard@us.af.mil.