Edwards recognizes Blue Eagles Honor Guard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Stacy Sanchez
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Several Airmen received various awards during the Edwards Honor Guard Recognition Luncheon April 4 at Club Muroc. 

The primary purpose of the event is to recognize several members of the honor guard for their accomplishments for 2006. 

Various base leadership showed their support including Maj. Gen. Curtis Bedke, Air Force Flight Test Center commander; Col. Arnie Bunch, 412th Test Wing commander; Col. H. Brent Baker Sr., 95th Air Base Wing commander; Col. Michael Woolley, 95th Mission Support Group commander and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis, 95th ABW command chief. 

As the guest speaker, Colonel Woolley, talked about the importance of the base honor guard and how each member plays a vital role. 

After lunch, letters of recognition and annual awards were handed out by Colonel Baker and Chief Lewis. Eleven Airmen were recognized as the new graduating class of the Blue Eagles Honor Guard.

The last presentation of the luncheon was for five Airmen who received achievement medals for completing more than 100 volunteer hours and being a Blue Eagles Honor Guard Member for a year. 

These Airmen also completed two two-week tours to March Air Reserve Base, Calif. 

"The members who join the honor guard are unsung heroes," Chief Lewis said. "They cover several functions around base. This event is our way to show our appreciation for a job well done. If you do a great job as an honor guard member, as long as I am a chief here, I will be sure that you receive the recognition you deserve." 

The Edwards honor guard are comprised of Airmen from duty sections around base.
The honor guard appears at functions such as funerals, change of commands, retirement and activation or deactivation ceremonies here. 

"The Blue Eagles are responsible for providing duties to all of Southern California, which consists of more than 82,000 square miles," said 2nd Lt. Nicholas Butler, 95th Mission Support Squadron executive officer and the Blue Eagles Honor Guard officer in charge. "They work hard all year round." 

Lieutenant Butler said the honor guard is a unique opportunity for people to represent the Air Force. 

"There is such great camaraderie in the honor guard," Lieutenant Butler said. "Every one pushes each other to do better. This is why our honor guard members deserve these awards." 

The honor guard is a big opportunity to do something special while in the Air Force, Chief Lewis said. 

"We have some phenomenal Airmen on the team who are doing amazing things," Chief Lewis said. "I have to honestly admit that I would not be a chief if it were not for my membership on an honor guard team."