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Honor Guard recognizes top three ceremonial guardsmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
BOLLING AFB, D.C. --  Three of the "best and brightest" from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard were recently recognized for their achievements during 2009.

Earning awards for their outstanding leadership, job performance, and self-improvement were: 

Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year
Senior Airman Noel Sweeney was chosen to render honors for Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey, the first Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, at Arlington National Cemetery after his passing earlier this year. He was the top choice to serve as base honor guard course supervisor and provided procedural guidance to 225 base honor guards around the globe.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year:
According to his nomination package, Tech. Sgt. Steven L. Griggs was the first noncommissioned officer in charge of the first Air Force full-honors wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in three years. He also served as a presidential escort, marching in the historic inauguration parade and preparing and leading a 43-man flight during 127 full-honors funerals.

Outstanding Ceremonial Guardsman of the Year:
Senior Master Sgt. Edward A. Dyson earned the 11th Wing Senior NCO of the Quarter, second quarter. He also oversaw manning for the late Senator Ted Kennedy's funeral, the G20 Summit, and President of the United States Barack Obama's state dinner; and organized 20 volunteers for Wreaths Across America, facilitating 15,000 wreaths being laid at Arlington National Cemetery.

The USAF Honor Guard is a selectively manned unit with more than 210 ceremonial guardsmen and support personnel assigned. Organizationally, the Honor Guard consists of three ceremonial flights, made up of Colors, Bearers, and Firing Party qualified personnel. The USAF Honor Guard also operates the Drill Team.

The Drill Team is the traveling component of the USAF Honor Guard and tours AF bases worldwide, showcasing the precision of today's Air Force to recruit, retain, and inspire Airmen for the Air Force mission. The Drill Team is also in charge of the USAF Honor Guard Recruiting program.