A Call to Honor

  • Published
  • By Staff. Sgt. Roy Lynch
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Fighter Wing Honor Guard held an all-call here, Sept. 9, 2014, in order to push out information about the benefits and opportunities of being a part of the MHAFB Honor Guard.
"The purpose of the base Honor Guard all-call is to bring the whole Honor Guard team together," said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Mackey, NCO in charge of the Honor Guard. "Also, to recognize our superior performers from last quarter, to practice the 20-man full military funeral honors and promote the base honor guard program to interested Airmen, supervisors, and wing leadership."

Mackey expects to gain flight camaraderie, teamwork, togetherness, mentorship and leadership from each of the ceremonial Guardsmen during the all-call.

"We also hope to gain critical manpower from the base," included Mackey. "We are looking for interested professional Airmen who will make our team stronger."

The honor guard represents the nation, Air Force, and the 366th Fighter Wing by rendering well-executed military funeral honors for Active Duty, retired, and veteran members who have served our nation honorably. Additionally, the Honor Guard is dedicated to supporting the ceremonial needs of the 366th FW and the surrounding communities by proudly performing as professional representatives of the United States Air Force.

"I have done 48 details in ten months," said Senior Airman Christian Palmer, 366th Logistics Readiness Squadron flight service center journeyman. "I love to honor our troops either past, present or future."

If you wish to become a member of the MHAFB Honor Guard, follow these steps:

1. Eligibility- Any and all good-standing Airmen, enlisted or officer, assigned to MHAFB to include tenant units.
2. Application- Fill out an application and have it signed by your supervisor and commander.
3. Submit your application to the Honor Guard OIC or NCOIC.
4. Commitment- Once you have joined the honor guard, you will be required to sign an agreement committing yourself for one year to serve with the MHAFB Honor Guard.
5. Qualification- A short qualification sequence covering different aspects of military bearing and performance is given prior to officially becoming a member of this elite team.
6. Equipment Issue- Following the completion of all the application procedures you will be issued your honor guard uniform and associated equipment.

"I already have a package in with the honor guard," said Airman 1st Class Cynthia Nguyen, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron aerospace propulsion craftsman. "I've always been interested in honor guard; I even have some experience with it back in high school."

Mackey ensures all members always remember what and who they represent.

"We represent every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force," said Mackey. "Our standards of conduct and level of professionalism are above reproach. We are the epitome of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. We are Ceremonial Guardsmen."