Honor guard deemed Air Force best

  • Published
  • By Capt. Chrissy Cuttita
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke is home to the best honor guard in the service, the Air Force announced May 24.

Each year, the Air Force large-base services units compete for the Gen. Curtis E. LeMay award. During this time, trophies are also given to recognize excellence in 19 individual categories and 21 services programs.

"It is a real honor to have such dedicated Airmen from organizations throughout the base come together to form the best specialized team in the Air Force," said Lt. Col. Dane Matthew, 56th Services Squadron commander. "They go above and beyond all expectations. The Air Force requires honor guards to only perform funeral details. However, Luke does much more. From base ceremonies to local community events, our honor guard is a major focal point and they reflect the pride and professionalism of every Airman here and in the Air Force."

Luke's Honor Guard received the award for their demonstration of leadership, management, customer focus and operational results.

"We cover more than 52,000 square miles and perform over 1,000 details a year, which is probably more than four times the standard base honor guard workload," said Tech. Sgt. James Harris, Luke Honor Guard NCO in charge.

According to their nomination package, they performed 272 active duty, retiree and veteran funerals; 347 color guards and more than 345 ceremonial functions.

"The most significant thing is the community involvement of the team members," said Colonel Matthew. "They show pride, selflessness and dedication on and off duty."

The honor guard was inspected by Air Force officials during the "Ole' LeMay" visit in April for demonstration of leadership, management, customer focus and operational outputs.

"My constant motivation to do this job can be described in two words -- honor and dignity," said Senior Airman Adam Ledwozan, alpha flight sergeant, whose most memorable honor guard moment was as a pallbearer for the remains of a fallen Airman. "We were chosen as the best honor guard in the Air Force because of our dedication. You will not see a more inspired group of Airmen going out everyday for 12, 13 even 14 hours and still able to come in the next day and do it all over again."

For another honor guard member, the award gives more of a sense of responsibility to uphold the honors presented to them.

"I do this to render the proper and appropriate respect to the faithful, honorable service and sacrifices of our forefathers, brothers in arms and their families," said Staff Sgt. Jesus Canales, honor guard unit trainer.

For more information on Luke's Honor Guard, call Sergeant Harris at (623) 856-3769.