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To honor with dignity

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Javier Cruz
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  A tri-folded American flag rests gently between two-white gloved hands. An Airman kneels before a family in mourning and speaks just above a whisper these solemn words, "On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Air Force and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

The base honor guard's primary mission is to provide military funeral honors for active duty, retiree and veteran members, who served honorably in the United States Air Force and Army Air Corp.

"Serving in the base honor guard is considered an additional duty but there is no slack in our training program." said Master Sgt. Larry Cerbantec, Tyndall Base Honor Guard superintendent. "We strive for precision and a higher level of dedication because that's what people expect when they see the honor guard at any ceremony. Sometimes things like bad weather or equipment failure will happen, but it won't stop these guys. They understand what it means to the families and they'll do their best to get it done."

In 2013, the honor guard attended 190 funerals covering 14,300 square miles in 23 counties. The honor guard also participated in 80 on-base and off-base service ceremonies.

"When I first joined the honor guard, I thought the training was kind of difficult because the movements were slower, more precise and sharper, a lot different from what we're taught in basic training." said Senior Airman Mathan Simmons, 325th Comptroller Squadron military pay technician. "I knew it would require me to work on weekends and holidays and spend a lot of time travelling, but it's something I wanted to do to show my respect for the fallen and veterans."

Performing military honors at a funeral is considered a core task for the base honor guard program, often comprising of a group of Airmen from different Air Force specialty codes and squadrons.

"In the honor guard, the work environment isn't much different from being at my normal job."Simmons said. "Everyone knows what we're here to do, and there is an atmosphere of getting it right. One team focused on the mission, that's what is important."

In 2012, the base honor guard averaged 59 members, but in 2013, membership dropped to 32 members.

"Recruitment and retention are always something I'm keeping an eye on."Cerbantec said. "We want Airmen who are motivated and committed to representing the Air Force in the local community. To me, it doesn't matter how long someone served. If you raised your hand and took the oath and served honorably then you deserve to be honored with as much dignity and respect as possible."

To learn more about becoming a member of the Tyndall base honor guard, contact your squadron first sergeant or Master Sgt. Larry Cerbantec at DSN 523-4405 COMM (850) 283-4405 or visit their webpage at http://www.tyndall.af.mil/tyndallhonorguard/index.asp