Wanted: A few great Airmen

  • Published
  • By MSgt. Darrell Habisch
  • 934th Airlift Wing
Minneapolis-St. Paul --  MUST HAVE:
High motivation and commitment.
Desire to excel and honor those who have passed on

BENEFITS:
Huge job satisfaction.
Becoming a part of a 'special' family

These are just a few aspects of being a member of the 934 AW Base Honor Guard. Formed in 1999, according to Technical Sgt. Mary Miller, one of the original members and a 934 OSF Aviation Resource Management journeyman, the Honor Guard primarily pays respect to fallen comrades. The Honor Guard provides military funeral honors for active-duty, retired and veterans who served honorably in the United States Air Force or the Army Air Corps. 

"We have a lot of pride in what we do," commented Miller. "The families deserve that."
The Honor Guard travels throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Tasked with assisting the active-duty Honor Guard at Grand Forks AFB, N.D., the 934 AW Honor Guard receives the call to duty, gathers the team and military vehicles, arranges lodging and prepares to represent the people of the United States of America in paying their final respects. 

"We are like a family," said Sergeant Miller. "We spend a lot of time together traveling and talking. This is great opportunity to get to know each other."
Commitment, dedication and an understanding employer are extremely important, according to Sergeant Miller. 

Everyone involved signs on to the commitment, including the member's first sergeant, supervisor and commander. "After six months of training, the new member is awarded their 'ceremonials,' the ceremonial uniform worn only by members of an Air Force Honor Guard," she explained. 

Attending the funeral is not usually a part of Honor Guards duties, but "sometimes the family will ask that we attend," Sergeant Miller said. "Maintaining a military bearing is the hardest part. When a son or daughter talks about their parent, the tears occasionally roll down my face. All funerals are emotional but the families are so appreciative, it's more than worth it." 

While funerals are the Honor Guard's number one responsibility, they also perform many other ceremonial details. Color Guard duties are performed at Officer and NCO induction ceremonies, as well as retirements and other functions, such as professional sporting events and parades. "There is nothing better than representing the United States Air Force at civic events and honoring those who have served. I love being a part of the Honor Guard," she said. 

Currently there are fifteen members of the Honor Guard, seven of whom are deployed. According to Sergeant Miller, the ideal number is twenty members. For more information about becoming a member of this elite squad, contact the Honor Guard office at 612-713-1647.