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Grissom honor guard seeks manager

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  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
"To honor with dignity" is a motto worn over the heart of every ceremonial guardsman as they serve, providing military funeral honors and representing Airmen everywhere.

This sacred task is not performed without extreme attention to detail along with planning and preparation, which is why 434th Air Refueling Wing leadership is looking to hire a manager for the Grissom Air Reserve Base Honor Guard.

"The person doesn't necessarily have to have honor guard experience, although that would be a plus," said Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner, Grissom ceremonial guardsman. "What we are looking for is someone with a deeply rooted passion to serve and someone who has amazing people and managerial skills."

Working with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and Scott AFB, Ill., honor guards, Grissom's honor guard manager will be responsible for managing an all-volunteer team of more than 40 ceremonial guardsmen as they perform military funeral honors throughout the state of Indiana.

"We won't be looking for how well someone can march or how straight they can stand," explained Orders-Woempner. "We're looking for someone who has a well-rounded skill set, is extremely motivated and professional, can multitask and coordinate with high ranking individuals, and can inspire others to serve."

On top of being responsible for over 100 military funeral honors details a year, the honor guard manager will have to work orders requests, handle color guard requests from the community, recruit and train ceremonial guardsmen, manage honor guard supplies and assets, and act as a resource advisor.

Applications must be received by Orders-Woempner no later than 11:30 a.m. Dec. 1 to be considered. A board will be convened Dec. 2 where applicants will get a chance to interview for the position.

Application packages must include the following:
- Military and civilian resumes
- A data verification brief from the Virtual Military Personnel Flight
- At least one letter of recommendation from a commander, supervisor, first sergeant or flight chief
- A member's last three enlisted performance reports (if they have that many)
- An individual fitness test report

To meet the board, members must be in full service dress uniform. Those unable to meet the board Dec. 2 must make arrangements with Orders-Woempner in advance. He can be contacted at (765) 688-3348.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. From north central Indiana, Grissom ceremonial guardsmen routinely travel around the state representing both the Air Force and the 434th ARW.

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(Editor's note: Article compiled by 434th ARW Public Affairs staff.)

Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer