Honor guard members perform essential service

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nathaniel Roesler
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  Goodfellow Air Force Base Honor Guard members volunteer to work extended hours, weekends and cover an area of responsibility that extends over 36,000 sq. mi., but the impact they make goes even further.

Recently, Staff Sgt. Mark Richards, 316th Training Squadron cryptologic language analyst instructor, and Airman 1st Class Alberto Trevino, 17th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, provided funeral honors for Lynwood G. Landbeck, a deceased veteran, making a lasting impression on his family.

On Saturday morning, August 30, 2014, two young gentlemen with the GAFB Honor Guard performed the Flag Presentation Ceremony at my father's graveside service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. TAPS was played by one of the young men and it was done beautifully at the close of this ceremony.

Their presence at my father's service and the honor they bestowed on my father and his family won't be forgotten.

My 17 year old nephew and only grandson of my father was the recipient of the US flag and it moved him to tears. He was very touched and very honored to receive the US Flag in his granddad's honor.

Everyone that was present on this hot morning were very moved by this presentation and I just wanted to profusely thank these young men as I did not get their names.

Our dad lived a good Christian life and we are so proud to have him honored with this special and meaningful ceremony by the Honor Guard.

On behalf of the family of Lynwood G. Landbeck, THANK YOU to these fine young men for providing this honor and our further thanks to all of men and women in uniform across the world for keeping us safe.

If you are able, please pass this note of thanks on to them and to their commander.

Bonnie Lancaster and David Landbeck, daughter and son of Lynwood G. Landbeck

It's not uncommon for the honor guard to receive letters like this, according to Thomas Baker, 17th Force Support Squadron chief of readiness and plans.

"Several times a year, we get similar letters from family and clergy thanking the Air Force honor guard for their participation," said Baker.

This is the only interaction many members of the community get of the military, so it's a very important and meaningful position to be in, said Baker.

Interested Airmen of all ranks can apply; they must first receive their supervisor, first sergeant and commander's approval. Volunteers should email 17th FSS Readiness.