GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Goodfellow Air Force Base Honor Guard Flight 24-C celebrated their graduation at the Powell Event Center, Nov. 1.
The Honor Guard team maintains the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, customs, courtesies and overall appearance.
The Airmen who make up the team are assigned to the honor guard for a year, during which they acquire all the drill and ceremonial skills necessary to fulfill their mission. This includes maintaining ceremonial uniforms, performing pallbearing duties, executing precise flag and rifle movements and serving as part of the firing party.
“Confidence is the biggest thing I’ve gained from my time at Honor Guard,” said Airman Knickolas Reider, GAFB Honor Guard Flight 24-C guardsman. “I’ve gained leadership skills that have led to that confidence, and I use that wherever I go. My training experience allowed me to lock in and fully focus, giving me the privilege of representing the Honor Guard, which was very fulfilling.”
The Honor Guard’s largest mission is to provide military honors at funerals. In addition, the honor guard supports the 17th Training Wing, its partners, and the local community by participating in events and providing ceremonial services such as color presentations, retirements, change of command ceremonies, promotions, flag-folding demonstrations and other formal ceremonies. Their goal is to honor and preserve the dignity and traditions of their service.
The Goodfellow Base Honor Guard serves 28 counties across West Texas, covering an area of 36,000 square miles.
At local events, such as the Angelo State University Military Appreciation Game, the Honor Guard showcases their pristine attention to detail to the community of San Angelo, where they exhibit their strong foundation of drill movements and honor those who came before them.
Becoming a member of the Honor Guard allows Airmen of all types to build discipline and join an elite team committed to upholding tradition, showcasing precision and serving with pride at ceremonial events and special occasions.
“If it’s something you’re considering, do it,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Ramos, GAFB Honor Guard Flight 24-C guardsman, “It gives you a different perspective and allows you to network with people from different units. We all come from different careers and units to work as one team.”
Being an Honor Guard member offers numerous benefits, from recognition in performance reports and award packages to earning medals, all while being part of something greater.
For more details on how to apply, including the prerequisites and the process for submission, please contact your unit First Sergeant/Shirt or contact the Base Honor Guard Program Manager at (17trw.goodfellow.basehonorguard@us.af.mil).