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Honor Guard
The Honor Guard’s mission is to represent Shaw AFB and the Air Force in ceremonial functions both here at Shaw and the local area. Specific duties of the Honor Guard include: Rendering military honors for Air Force personnel and their family members during funeral services, arrival and departure ceremonies for visiting dignitaries, change of command/retirement ceremonies, and other events to include Veterans Day parades, Airman Leadership School graduation ceremonies, and sporting events throughout South Carolina,
To request Air Force military honors for your loved ones funeral you may print the Honor Guard Funeral Request Form and have the funeral director fill out and fax to 803.895.6020. (All Military Honors are performed at place of interment)
History of the Honor Guard
The Honor Guard traces its beginning to May 1948 when Headquarters Command USAF was instructed to develop plans for an elite ceremonial unit comparable to those of other armed services. As a result, a ceremonial unit was activated within the Air Police Squadron in September 1948 with an authorized strength of 98 enlisted and two officers. However, due to transfers and personnel attrition, the end of the year found the Ceremonial Detachment, for all practical purposes, disbanded. It wasn’t until March 1949 that sufficient personnel were assigned to enable the unit function.
The Ceremonial Detachment continued to be assigned to the Air Police Squadron until December 1971. Finally, on January 1, 1972, the Honor Guard became its own separate unit.
Today’s Honor Guard is comprised of volunteers who are carefully screened for their ability and physical dexterity. Only those persons who are highly motivated, and maintain an exceptionally high standard of appearance, conduct and aptitude for ceremonial duty, are considered.
Length of Duty
Each Honor Guard member is on the team for one year. During that year he/she will be active on the team for 90 days, then will rotate back to their normal duty section for 90 days, then back again to the team for 90 days to finish their commitment. During the 90 days while serving in the Honor Guard, they are relieved of all other duties.
The Honor Guard helps to improve military bearing and attention to detail, while experiencing total teamwork. Each Honor Guard member receives a new issue of service dress to use as the Ceremonial Uniform and is normally awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal upon successful completion of a full tour. If you are interested in a challenging tour and would like to know how to sign up, contact your Shaw Air Force Base Honor Guard.
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