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***image1***Tap… tap… tap, clicked their boots against the ground. Each movement crisp and exact, each step resonates from the hardwood floor inside their training facility.
While their routine is technically silent, the sounds of precision reflect hard work.
The job is even more impressive because these Airmen are all volunteers. As members of the Ramstein Honor Guard, these Airmen are responsible for more than 250 ceremonies a year – supporting funerals, memorials, retirements, change of commands and retreats.
The 43 Airmen that make up the honor guard at Ramstein, to include a 10-person drill team, are responsible for a 400,000 square-mile distance – including Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and North Africa. To do so, the team members must be on their game, which includes lots of practice.
And the practice has paid off – the team’s history includes receipt of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Honor Guard program manager of the year award and the drill team was also invited to the International Military Bands Festival. But for many, it’s not just about providing honor guard support to official military ceremonies; they are also filling a vital role as ambassadors for the Air Force.
“They are the face of our Air Force,” said Chief Master. Sgt. Mitchell Stippel, 435th Air Base Wing command chief, during a recent visit to the team’s practice. “Every time they go out in public in front of German Nationals and the local community, they see the Ramstein Honor Guard team. That is how they picture the U.S. Air Force because it’s the first image many see.”
And it’s a role that many of them don’t take lightly.
“Usually I’m nervous in the beginning, but once we are more into the detail I take pride because we’re on point and we look sharp and we’re letting that retiree leave with a memory,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Eigenmann, USAFE Commander Support Staff Enterprise service desk technician.
“I would recommend it to anybody because it’s a good way to get a feel for the military.”
***image2***Sergeant Eigenmann decided to join the honor guard when he was deployed in Kuwait in 2005 and has been in the group for 22 months. Currently working the night shift, he still manages to balance his job and the honor guard. He is now working on meeting the requirements to apply for the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.
“It makes me feel proud to be able to represent the Air Force,” said Airman 1st Class Tyrone Flores, USAFE Commander Support Staff Enterprise service desk technician “It reminds me why it is important to honor the traditions and live by them.”
For those interested in a unique way to volunteer, the honor guard is always looking for sharp Airmen to join the team. Airmen must not only have approval from their chain of command, but must ensure they meet dress and appearance requirements – to include no visible tattoos when in uniform. Practices are held every Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m., as well as the third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.
“I want to thank our honor guard so much for their professionalism,” Chief Stippel said. “You can see why they volunteer to do it, because they are proud to put on that uniform every day and they are proud to be Airmen.”
