Honor guard pays tribute to fallen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane M. Phipps
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Since the 1800s, every year on the final Monday of May, the nation remembers its sons and daughters who gave the ultimate sacrifice, observing a holiday known as Memorial Day.

Keeping their tradition of valor intact, members of the MHAFB honor guard seized the opportunity to support the 10th annual Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony in Hailey, Idaho, on May 27.

"They are an absolute vital part of this event, providing a color guard, our flag raisers and a firing party," said Maggie Springer, Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony event coordinator. "In the six years we've worked with them, they have been nothing short of sheer precision and respect."

For the distinguished members of the honor guard, the event has proven to be worthwhile over the years.

"I feel extremely honored to be part of an event like this because a lot of people don't appreciate and realize what the meaning of the day really is," said Senior Airman Jennifer Bradshaw, 366th Operation Support Squadron air traffic controller. "People enjoy the day off, but often don't even take a second to honor the people who have passed protecting our country."

Over the years, the honor guard has made a habit of exhibiting the highest level of Air Force core values for spectators at the ceremony.

"To be honest, it makes me feel great they have supported us for six years in a row," said Springer. "The connection we've been able to build with them has been amazing. We know they are in high demand so the fact they have come to appreciate our ceremony as much as we appreciate them has been wonderful."

Springer's appreciation of the honor guard's consistent and topnotch support couldn't be emphasized more.

"I just want to thank them for supporting us and being able to honor our more than 400 servicemembers who have fallen," she said. "Without them, we wouldn't be able to have a decent ceremony."

The feeling is mutual for the members of this prestigious guard who put in countless hours of dedicated practice, all for events like this.

"Coming out and representing not only the base, but the Air Force, is an unreal experience," said Senior Airman Camron Wheeler, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator. "It's events like this that remind me why I wanted to be in the honor guard in the first place."