Andersen AFB Honor Guard is First Class

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AFB, Guam --  Airmen became a part of history here Sept. 1 as the first graduating Base Honor Guard class on Andersen Air Force Base.

Base Honor Guard training was developed to standardize how ceremonies are performed geared to the specific base's preference for military ceremonial support.

Beginning more than two weeks ago the Honor Guard began to accept applications for Airmen throughout the base to join. An addition to the existing members was overdue.

"Last year we only had about 15 people for details around Guam," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Beck, Base Honor Guard trainer.

Training here on Andersen is a two-week course. Members trained every day to prepare the newest graduates as soon as possible. Working together, Airmen from every organization were given a chance to bond as a team and accomplish their mission as ceremonial guardsmen.

"The most difficult part of the training was learning to break bad habits, but we worked through it," said Airman 1st Class Stephen Mannion, Honor Guard volunteer.

Having less than 20 members the past year has made it difficult to ensure the details were fully manned. After the graduation, there are now more than 30 members.

"This was a great class, they were all eager to learn and it shows," said Sergeant. Beck.

The Andersen Air Force Base Honor Guard is still actively encouraging Airmen to join. Weekly practices are held on base at the Hot Spot. For more information contact Staff Sgt. Roy Silva, Base Honor Guard Non Commissioned Officer in Charge, at 366-2492.