Grissom welcomes new Honor Guard manager

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jami Lancette
  • 434 ARW Public Affairs
With stoic expressions they move in unison. Their eyes are rock-solid, staring unwaveringly ahead, careful as they hold the American flag in the position of honor.

With precision, they pull the cloth taught until the red stripes are hidden beneath the blue and the white stars. Careful not to bend their wrist, their biceps slowly becomes parallel with the ground as their elbows and un-cupped hands form a straight line, saluting the Colors.

For over 70 years, the Air Force Honor Guard has served as a representation of all Air Force service members – both past and present – to the American public and world. Through the execution of historical Air Force ceremonies and coordinated moves rooted in a tradition of discipline and integrity, being a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard requires exceeding the Air Force standards.

For one Grissom Airman, the honor of representing Grissom compelled her to take the role of Honor Guard program manager.

“I really like the idea of bringing people together for something that’s supportive for the wing,” said Staff Sgt. Janette Arnold, Honor Guard program manager.

Arnold, who had been with Grissom’s honor guard for three years, felt compelled to do something greater.

“I liked the integrity that Grissom’s Honor Guard brought and I felt like I could bring a lot to it as a leader,” said Arnold. “Throughout my years I have developed a lot of training and experience, and I feel prepared for the position,” she added.

As the new program manager, she envisions the positive impact that she plans to make going forward.

“I want to revamp the face of the organization and take it to a whole new level,” said Arnold. “I want to use everything I’ve learned and put it toward what I feel is more productive as well as helping other people grow.”

Seeing the bigger picture, Arnold enjoys not only the challenge but also the selflessness.

“The respect that you develop from the job every time is a reminder that you’re doing something greater than yourself, said Arnold. “It challenges you, and its something that’s definitely challenged me.

“It’s unquestionably something that’s made me see things differently,” said Arnold.

For questions regarding Grissom’s honor guard contact Arnold at 765-688-3937.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.