Honor guard needs model Airmen

Since the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard’s inception in 1948, the honor guard has sought those Airmen who go above and beyond their daily duty. The honor guard here is very proud of its tradition and heritage, recruiting only the top, most dedicated Airmen.

The Ramstein Honor Guard is seeking to find this particular Airman — the Airman who is enthusiastic, dedicated and physically fit.

“Only those persons who are highly motivated and maintain an exceptionally high standard of appearance, conduct and aptitude for ceremonial duty are considered,” said Senior Master Sgt. Manny Pineiro, 3rd Air Force first sergeant.

These attributes make the list of candidates for honor guard a short one; however, these individuals are a very meticulous, tight-knit group. The members spend a lot of their free time practicing and performing details both locally and on temporary duty.

In addition to Wednesday and Saturday practice, each member of the team must make time for their regular careers. Being successful in both the honor guard and the operational Air Force is nothing short of a juggling act.

Though it seems honor guard members are constantly busy, it is a labor of love.
“The benefits definitely outweigh the cost. We do all of this to render services and honor our fallen comrades,” said Senior Airman Gabriel A. Rosa, 1st Combat Communication Squadron communication focal point technician. “We are simply living by one of our core values — service before self.”

Along with that core value, honor guard is also about giving back to those who have paved the way.

“As leaders, it is our obligation to give back to those who have served faithfully and honorably,” Sergeant Pineiro said. “Their personal and professional sacrifices give us a chance to pay our final respect to their dedication to this grateful nation. My time with these professionals has also kept me inspired to pay it forward. As leaders, this is our obligation.”

Although there are several challenges to being an honor guardsman, there are many benefits to being part of the elite group.

“The honor guard is fun because you get the opportunity to go on unique TDYs. Recently we had a group go to Paris,” said Tech. Sgt. Damian R. Mair, Ramstein Honor Guard NCOIC. “Often, members are rewarded with coins, base-level awards and letters of appreciation from deligates, generals, etc. Also, the honor guard has their own category for awards.”

Not only do the benefits look great for promotion, but the bond between members is a really great benefit, Sergeant Mair said.

“I like the bond of our close-knit group,” Airman Rosa said. “I am just a senior Airman, but I am also a trainer. I get to mold myself and other individuals here in the honor guard, whereas maybe at my job, I might not get that experience.”
The bond the guardsmen share is unlike any other; however, the honor of serving seems to be the common satisfaction between the members.

“When we are at practice, or participating in a ceremony, the camaraderie is there, but it is clear that we aren’t doing it for ourselves or each other, but for our fallen comrades,” Airman Rosa said.

“I am sure that I could speak for many of you who have worn that badge of honor when I say that the honor guard has and continues to change my life,” said Sergeant Pineiro.

Being a member of the honor guard for the last 22 years has given Sergeant Pineiro the opportunity to give back to those who have served faithfully.
“I promise you that if and when you decide to join your base honor guard, it will transform your allegiance into something that will eventually become bigger than you,” Sergeant Pineiro said.

Within the Air Force, there are two types of honor guard: base level and Air Force level. Every base has an honor guard, offering base level opportunities to those interested. The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard is permanently assigned to Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.

Those interested in joining the Ramstein Honor Guard should contact Sergeant Mair at 480-5968.