Honor Guard guardsmen receive incentives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  A guardsman from the 49th Fighter Wing Steel Talons Honor Guard earned an Achievement Medal Jan. 8 at Holloman Air Force Base.

An Achievement Medal is one of many incentives given to Honor Guard members.

"It is a unique pleasure to sign the award declaration," said Col. Mark Engeman, 49th Mission Support Group commander. "It is my way of thanking the Honor Guard members for what they do."

The duties of the Steel Talons are primarily performing military funerals. The Talons also perform Colors and other details at other military ceremonies.

"You get a sense of pride about service and a genuine respect for others who have served," said Staff Sgt. David Wagstaff, 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs and Achievement Medal recipient. "Base ceremonies are fun, but there is nothing like rendering honors for those who have come before us."

Incentives for being a Steel Talon are plentiful, said Master Sgt. Paul Sanchez, Steel Talon Honor Guard NCOIC. There are of course the Achievement Medals after one year of service and the proper amount of details performed; parking spots at various base locations; free Honor Guard uniforms that come with free dry cleaning; Basic allowance for sustenance for dorm residents on the team; significant bullets for enlisted and officer performance reports and awards packages; and the opportunity for an incentive flight.

"Outside of incentives, the advantages to the Airmen are the ability to represent your country, your Air Force and your base," said Sergeant Sanchez. "You get to be the tip of the spear when it comes to the American public's opinion of the Air Force. In the civilian communities we do funerals, we are sometimes the only military seen that year. Thus, the impression we leave them with must last a lifetime."

Sergeant Sanchez is always looking for the sharpest Airmen on Holloman. The next training class is coming up in February. For more information, contact Sergeant Sanchez at 572-2077.