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Honor Guard practices at Air Force Memorial

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tim Chacon
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  Members of the United States Air Force Honor Guard practiced the wreath laying and arrival ceremonies Feb. 10 at the National Air Force Memorial. 

More than 90 members from several different Honor Guard flights came together to prepare themselves for the upcoming ceremony season that begins in April. 

The Honor Guard, with the U.S Air Force Band, perform these ceremonies for foreign and domestic dignitaries, such as the secretary and chief of staff of the Air Force and foreign air chiefs. 

For some of the Airmen this was the first time they had been to the memorial. "Driving by the memorial does not do it justice. It is huge, and humbling to be here," said Airman Matthew Achceon, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. "It is a real honor to be a part of these ceremonies." 

The arrival and wreath laying ceremonies take about 30 minutes, but take several hours of on-site training to get the steps perfected to the Honor Guard's standards, not to mention the hours spent each day training to hone the movements and procedures. 

"Training is going well," said Maj. Tyson Willis, Honor Guard director of operations. "We will be ready in time for the season. We don't have a choice; we will have it perfected."

More than 90 United States Air Force Honor Guardsmen participated in the practice ceremonies that will take place at the memorial throughout the year.