Unwavering sentinels guard honor of America’s fallen Published July 9, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. -- On behalf of the president of the United Sates, the department of the Air Force and a grateful nation, we offer our nation's flag for the faithful and honorable service of your loved one. ... click ... The casket begins a slow and deliberate movement. A seemingly endless, but endlessly too short, pathway leads onward to its final resting place. ... click ... Calm, collected and reverent, the pall bearers continue the trek. In one fluid motion, all raise their feet and ... click ... all feet collectively land upon the ground. One could say the fog of memory may erase parts of this day from the guests. Time may fade the distinct details of the funeral. But the honor guard will never forget. Never. "There's nothing more gratifying than to give honor to the military member who gave their life for their nation," said Staff Sgt. Devin Carter, 90th Force Support Squadron and NCO in charge of Warren's Honor Guard. "Paying respect is the least we can do for that person. Their sacrifice has ensured our continued freedom." The honor guards main function are funerals, Sergeant Carter said. But the members of the guard also perform at many functions to include changes of command, street renaming ceremonies, civic details and flag presentations. "Every Airman should experience the honor guard," Sergeant Carter said. "There are very few times in one's Air Force career in which you see immediate results from your actions. The honor guard is one of them." Practice to precision, he said. Members of the guard should move, act and think as one functioning unit. The procedures for all the performing maneuvers are taught, stressed, retaught and restressed until perfection is the standard, he said. However, new procedures have recently been introduced into the honor guard's repertoire, Sergeant Carter said. The funerals have been redesigned to only include seven members, he said. As a result, the Air Force Honor Guard will host a week-long training camp at Warren July 10 through 17. Honor guard members from surrounding air bases will participate. For more information about the honor guard or to volunteer, call Sergeant Carter at 773-2686.