Honor guard symbolizes professionalism, commitment

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Michael Williams
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Travis it's Friday and what a gorgeous day; the sun is shining with a hint of delta breeze in the air and Old Glory is flailing proudly in the wind. 

This is the season for retirements, PCS's and Change of Commands. We will lose our vice commander, Colonel Crowhurst, and his family next week. Team Travis, our loss is McConnell AFB gain, as he heads off to begin a new chapter as McConnell's Wing Commander. It was indeed a pleasure and an awesome experience to serve with such a great American; we wish him and his family the best. 

Last weekend Charlene and I attended Master Sgt. James D. Barber's retirement ceremony where we witnessed the honor guard perform their sobering but highly coveted flag ceremony. If you've never seen our team of elite professionals perform that particular ceremony, I encourage you to attend a retirement ceremony; it will certainly tug at your emotions and remind you why you serve. 

I've observed that ceremony countless times, watched in awe as it evolved over the years into what we see today and yet, each time is like the first; I'm overwhelmed with emotions. The dignity and grace our remarkable Airmen exhibit during this and every ceremony is priceless. 

We're all examples of the freedom that defines our nation; however, our honor guard serves as guardians of the colors and therefore, we only select the most highly motivated individuals that epitomize integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do to serve on this team of proud professionals. 

The honor guard is infused in our official ceremonies adding dignity and honor to the event. They're what we refer to as high demand, low density assets and sometimes they're stretched at the seams trying desperately to accommodate the multitude of requests they receive. 

Each time they don their impeccable looking uniforms and lace up their mirror-like shined like boots, they pay homage to our fallen comrades who gave their last breath answering the call of freedom. In fact, their primary purpose is to provide funeral honors for our fallen comrades. I've sat motionless with water filled eyes gazing as they've presented our most sacred emblem to family, friends, comrades and utter those poignant words: on behalf of a grateful nation ... 

This nation has been at war for over a decade and a half, and we still have a lot of mission to accomplish. Nevertheless, this is one undertaking, funeral details, where we can't allow any shortcomings. Besides, we owe our fallen comrades and their families nothing less than to render them our highest honors for all they've sacrificed. 

Commanders, thank you for allowing your Airmen to volunteer and serve on this prestigious team. Travis honor guard members; you represent our Air Force, Team Travis and our fallen comrades well.

 I'm incredibly proud of your professionalism and commitment! Team Travis have a great weekend and as always: be safe make responsible choices and I'll see you around campus.