Air Force Honor Guard performs demonstrations for community, Edwards

The Air Force Honor Guard performs a 16-man drill at Lancaster High School on Monday. The Air Force Honor Guard drill team travels throughout the United States and overseas to promote the Air Force. They performed at Edwards as well as off base during their two-day visit here. Each drill member performs with M-1 Garande rifles. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez)

Air Force Honor Guard performs demonstrations for community, Edwards

Published April 20, 2007
By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez
95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Edwards received the opportunity to witness the Air Force Honor Guard's precision-oriented routines during their visit here Monday and Tuesday.

The Air Force Honor Guard also visited and performed at Desert High School here and at Lancaster High School as part of its mission to promote recruiting and retention.

The drill team spinned, flipped and tossed 11-pound M-1 Garande rifles with fixed bayonets to show their synchronized movements.

"These are phenomenal Airmen on the team," said Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 95th Air Base Wing command chief. "I have to honestly admit that I would not be a chief if it were not for me joining a base honor guard team."

Tuesday morning, the drill team visited the Oasis Community Center where several Airmen got the opportunity to meet with the honor guard team and have a one-on-one session with each honor guard member to speak about the opportunities available through the honor guard.

The honor guard team also visited the set of "Iron Man," which was filming on base, where they held a 15-minute performance for the cast and crew.

Their last two visits of the day were at Desert High School and the Rosburg Fitness Center here.

"I think everyone enjoyed their performance," said Jackie Payne, DHS assistant principal. "The teachers were really impressed as well. The performance was such a positive experience for the students."

Ms. Payne said the techniques performed were breathtaking.

"I think every time those rifles went up in the air, you could hear students gasp for air," Ms. Payne said.

Ms. Payne said she appreciated the opportunity for having the Air Force Honor Guard visit DHS.

"I think the performance really motivated my students," she said. "My students enjoyed getting the opportunity to speak with the honor guard members after their performance as well. They learned that those Airmen who were performing were in high school not too long ago, so it got them thinking that they could do the same."