8 Grissom Airmen join Honor Guard

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dakota Bergl
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
Eight Grissom Airmen graduated from Honor Guard training during a ceremony July 15, 2016 at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.

After a week-long training session the Airmen demonstrated the skills that they perfected for family, friends and coworkers who gathered for their graduation ceremony.

The new Honor Guard members are:

Master Sgt. Mark Magajne, 434th Security Forces Squadron

Staff Sgt. Brandie Bucinski, 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Staff Sgt. Derecka Guest, 434th Force Support Squadron

Staff Sgt. Paul Harrington, 434th Communications Squadron

Staff Sgt. Bernard Johnson, 434th Financial Managment

Staff Sgt. Jasmine Ware, 434th Operation Support Squadron

Senior Airman Ryan Ware, 434th Aerial Port Squadron

Airman First Class Aaron Adrian, 434th FSS

During the training Airmen learn to properly fold the American flag, carry a casket, fire the M14 rifle and learn new marching styles and facing movements used during ceremonies. Tech. Sgt. Shawn McKellop, 445th FSS Honor Guard trainer, said the training is rigorous and requires a high level of discipline.

“Becoming a member of the Honor Guard is very demanding,” said McKellop. “It takes a desire to succeed.”

Despite the demanding nature of being a member of the Honor Guard, Johnson said no one should be discouraged from trying to join.

“The training was intense but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be,” Johnson said. “As long as you have the bearing and motivation you can do this.”

As the ceremony wrapped up Col. Anna Schulte, 434th Maintenance Group commander, addressed Honor Guard members, both new and old, to extend her gratitude for these Airmen stepping up and taking on the burden that comes with being in the Honor Guard.

“Thank you so much for volunteering, the Honor Guard is so important,” said Schulte.

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, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.