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Stand tall, be proud: Military heritage continues with AF honor guards

By CMSgt. Marco Aldaz
67th IW
Kelly AFB, Texas

Several weeks ago, during a TDY to Hickam AFB, Hawaii, I was privileged to witness one of the most solemn of military ceremonies, the repatriation of six U.S. military members killed in action from the Vietnam War.

It was a clear morning, sun shining brightly, as the C-130 taxied onto the runway. General officers stood in formation with enlisted.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed as the Hickam AFB Honor Guard Flag Detail began to march our national and service flags to the center of the tarmac. Simultaneously, three teams of honor guard pallbearers each slowly advanced to an Army Central Identification Laboratory bus located at the end of the runway. All were polished and professional. They moved with razor precision, so proud to be given this honor.

As the back door ramp of the C-130 was opened, a lone Marine honor guard member respectfully marched onto the runway to inspect for danger, ever so slowly turning his head from side to side. All at once this recruiting-poster image Marine officer, saber in hand, loudly ordered “Present Arms,” as a pallbearer team carried out the first, flag-draped casket.

It’s at these times that even the strongest feel a lump in the back of the throat, knowing that these brave warriors are truly “not forgotten.” One by one, the six caskets were solemnly moved to the bus. U.S. Army forensic specialists would now begin the work of identifying whose son or daughter paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Yet, we’re in danger of losing the ability to perform such a tribute. I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors. You’ve seen the articles in the base papers and read letters from various commanders. Our honor guard membership is dangerously low. In fact, across the Air Force, some of our fallen comrades might not get an honor guard at their funeral. Some retirees may miss the honor of having a flag detail at the end of their 20-plus years of service.

As I watched the repatriation ceremony, I was saddened at the thought that some moment like this in the future might occur without full military honors.

Unfortunately, just as our honor guard numbers are dwindling, the need is rising. Recently, the remains of two Marine pilots, Capt. John Lavoo and his navigator, Capt. Robert Holt, were identified and returned home for burial. The remains were uncovered by U.S. and Vietnamese investigators and were repatriated in September 1994. Both men were buried with full military honors at Arlington Cemetery.

Further, new legislation just passed by Congress mandates military honors for each eligible retiree or veteran beginning Jan. 1, 2000. As a minimum, a ceremonial flag folding, presentation to next of kin and playing of Taps will be required.

Also, even though military personnel strength is decreasing, demand for funeral honors is increasing. Between 1989 and 1997, veterans deaths increased by 18 percent. By the year 2002, veteran deaths are expected to increase another 25 percent.

These trends are forcing some bases to look to local Guard and Reserve units for honor guard augmentation. Even so, unless the current low membership drift changes, our honor guard professionals will be pushed to the breaking point.

The honor guard needs your help. As a member of the honor guard, you touch the lives of many. There is no greater feeling than to present the flag of freedom to a spouse or mother at the end of a military funeral. Retirement and promotion ceremonies, flag details and other military functions are also times when you can stand tall and be proud. Besides the intrinsic value, there are also benefits such as free honor guard specialty items and a unique decorations program. Don’t allow this time-honored tradition to wither away. It’s part of our military heritage.

Honor the honor guard and become a member today.