Base Honor Guard to perform at Colts game Published Nov. 14, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- Blue Madness is a term used when describing the many blue jerseys, shirts and jackets worn by those attending an Indianapolis Colt's football game, but one group of Grissom Airmen will wear a different kind of blue -- Air Force blue. These Airmen, from the 434th Air Refueling Wing, are a part of Grissom's Base Honor Guard and will perform during the opening ceremonies at the Colt's game at the RCA Ddome in Indianapolis on Nov. 18, said Senior Master Sgt. Linda Mason, 74th Air Refueling Squadron first sergeant. This is a unique event for the Base Honor Guard, said Sergeant Mason, who is also an honor guard member. The primary mission of the Grissom Honor Guard is to provide military funeral honor for active-duty members, retirees and veterans who served honorably in the United States Air Force. "Before the game, we will march out on the field and present the colors," she said. "As the national anthem is sung, all the flags except the American flag will be lowered." Sergeant Mason said our Honor Guard is excited to be performing along side their active-duty counterparts, and that doing so demonstrates the total force concept to the general public. "We all wear the same uniform, we're all fighting the same fight, and it's seamless when you put us side by side," she said. "That's exhibited on a daily basis when we come together, and this is one way to show how we come together to pay respects to our flag." And it was the active-duty who asked for the Reserve honor guard to be a part of the ceremonies. "I was contacted by a representative from the Pentagon requesting our unit to participate after our honor guard's name was given to him," she said. "He said he had heard great things about our honor guard and wanted a Reserve unit to participate. I think it was important to them to show that we are a total force." Not only do honor guard members get to participate in events like this, they serve the entire Air Force and its members, and that is what Sergeant Mason said she is really proud to be a part. "The honor guard portrays the core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do," she said. "We show integrity, because we believe in what we do and we protect it. We show service because we serve those who have served us. We show excellence because we understand what it means to be a total team player, with leadership, commitment and service." As far as the ceremony at the Colt's game goes, Sergeant Mason said she wants to allow everyone a chance to honor the flag and reflect on what it means. "What better venue to show respect to the flag and to represent the Air Force, the Reserve and our wing?" she asked. "We are honoring that flag because of the freedoms we have today, and we don't ever want folks to forget, this flag is the reason why we're here." While they may be wearing blue for different reasons, going blue crazy is one thing both the Honor Guard and Indianapolis Colts fans have in common.
