Holloman Airman to be USAF Honor Guardsman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Turner
  • 49th Wing Public Affiars
April 9, 2013 --  An Airman from Holloman Air Force Base was chosen to be one of 210 ceremonial guardsmen with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

Senior Airman Teddy Perez, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron customer service journeyman from Umatac, Guam, will join the USAF Honor Guard in July.

The USAF Honor Guard operates an eight-week technical training school that teaches drill, discipline and standards. The ceremonial guardsmen and support personnel are assigned to four ceremonial flights that make up the Colors and Bearers teams, as well as the Firing Party, Parade Flight and the USAF Drill Team. Together, the ceremonial flights perform an average of 10 ceremonies per day and more than 2,500 ceremonies annually.

"It's an eight-week tech. school," Perez explained, "90 percent drill and 10 percent academics."

At first, while performing with the Holloman Honor Guard, Perez didn't think he was right for the job. After talking to prior USAF Honor Guardsmen, he realized they needed dedicated Airmen like him. He decided it was time to give back to the Air Force in his own way.

"I've been in for almost five years and I thought it was about time to at least give back to the Air Force what they've given me," Perez said.

Perez went through an extensive application process and numerous phone calls. He created a package made up of several documents and a photo of himself that could have been the deciding factor between acceptance or being cut from the USAF elite ceremonial unit.

"I think what set me apart from other applicants [...] was that I was always engaged with [the recruiters]," the Umatac native said. "I called the recruiters every week. 'What do I do with this, what's the best choice for that?' If they don't feel like just from your pictures you present the image they want, then they can just deny you just from going off your picture."

Ready to reach the next stepping stone in his life, Perez feels honored to be selected for this special duty that requires dedication to excellence, commitment to perfection and the wiliness to provide a selfless service to the USAF.

For more information about the Holloman AFB Honor Guard contact Tech. Sgt. Brad Johnson, Steel Talons Honor Guard NCO-in-charge, at (575) 572-2077.