Liberty Wing's elite in need of volunteers Published Dec. 19, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Vanessa Young 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs RAF LAKENHEATH, England -- The Base Honor Guard is in need of sharp, motivated Airmen of all ranks who are willing to dedicate themselves to an elite team. "For individuals who want to dedicate themselves to the Honor Guard, but not have it take up a lot of their time, RAF Lakenheath is the perfect place," said 2nd Lt. Kelly Collier, Base Honor Guard officer in charge. "Unlike stateside bases, where you are required to dedicate yourself to the team for a month or a quarter, the honor guard here is on a volunteer basis." The Base Honor Guard performs a variety of details including funerals, parading colors, posting colors, retirements, prisoner of war/missing in action tables, First Term Airman's Center briefings and saber cordons. Individuals interested in becoming a member of the honor guard must have a volunteering attitude; approval from their supervisor, first sergeant and commander; must strictly comply with uniform and fitness standards and must have at least 13 months remaining on station. Individuals cannot have unfavorable information files, disciplinary or adverse administrative action pending. According to Lieutenant Collier, depending on the trainee, honor guard training normally last about four weeks. All trainees learn the basic static movements which are a little different from the facing movements taught in basic training. They also learn how to handle the rifle using these same movements. Once they are certified on these, they will be trained on how to perform as a pallbearer, a member of a firing party and a saber cordon. They will also learn how to perform in a two to six-man-flag-fold detail, post and retire the colors, perform as a bugler and perform the POW/MIA hat table ceremony. To become a member of the honor guard, each trainee must certify before a board of five certified honor guard members. The trainee must show proficiency with all the basic movements with and without the rifle, reciting the Honor Guard Creed and answer a few questions from each of the board members. According to the OIC, the honor guard does take time and commitment by each and every member. Once a member has become a certified honor guard member, they will be required to perform a minimum of two details a month to meet their contract and attend mandatory practice every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. There is also an optional practice every Sunday from 3 to 4 p.m. The team also volunteers on and off base every quarter. The benefits of being part of the honor guard extend beyond an excellent bullet and a nice uniform; members earn a sense a pride associated with being an 'Ambassador in Blue.' "All honor guard members learn self confidence and discipline by being a member," said Lieutenant Collier. "We also have several opportunities for community and base relations and several of our team members have plenty of opportunities to work on their public speaking skills." Other benefits include: Wing Quarterly and Annual Awards programs, Outstanding Performer of the Month Program, participation at special functions and events and letters of recommendation. According to Senior Airman Christopher Jackson, an honor guard member, the pride associated with this elite team was a deciding factor when he joined. "Joining gave me the chance to honor servicemembers at their funeral ceremonies," said Airman Jackson. "Seeing the impression we leave on the families and the sense of pride makes me want to keep doing it." For more information on joining the Base Honor Guard, contact Lieutenant Collier at 226-1482.