Excellence in all they do

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The base Honor Guard at Dover Air Force Base, Del., could be considered the face of the base when they are called on to act in an official capacity. They continually strive for excellence in all they do while providing services such as military honors, and partaking in local community events.

The Honor Guard's main mission is to give military honors to veterans, retirees and those who have fallen during their active duty service. Their secondary duties are to post colors for retirements and change-of-command ceremonies, and to participate in several community-relation functions such as parades and ribbon-cutting ceremonies. They serve a jurisdiction of approximately 12,220 miles, including four states: Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

"Military honors are our primary mission. It is one of the benefits of being in the military whether you served one day, or made a career out of it. It is recognition for your military service," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Hautanen, non-commissioned officer in charge of Honor Guard.

Most members of the Honor Guard serve a four-month tour that can be extended in certain instances. Airmen are selected on a volunteer basis and go through a rigorous two-week training session to learn everything from facing maneuvers to performing those same movements with a weapon. They train are evaluated as a flight at the end of their training. However, even once they have completed their initial phase of preparation, they are still expected to hone their techniques in order to maintain their mantle of excellence.

"That's our job the whole four months. When we're not working, we're training. The goal is perfection. They say nobody is perfect, but we try our best, and that's why we practice, practice, practice," said Hautanen.

The Honor Guard is an integral part of Dover AFB by providing support during various ceremonies and events. They provide essential backing for military honors, their most important mission, and strive for perfection by training for their tasks on a regular basis.

"We are part of everyone's lives here. We're a part of every retirement and change-of-command. I know they say that every member, every Airman, represents the Air Force, but in turn, we represent all of Dover AFB," said Hautanen.