Eleven elite Airmen join Honor Guard ranks Published May 3, 2010 By Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez 15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii -- Eleven Team Hickam Airmen have joined the ranks of an elite unit on base. The Hickam Honor Guard held a ceremony where nine of Hickam's sharpest Airmen performed honors as if it were at a retiree's funeral. The team performed a six-man flag fold with a three-man firing party. "It takes a total team to outfit an Honor Guard." said Col. Giovanni Tuck, 15th Airlift Wing commander. "We certainly owe it to our veterans. We certainly owe it to our community." Airmen first go through a one week initial training course. They learn every aspect of the Honor Guard such as how to wear the Ceremonial Uniform properly, Post the Colors at different events, fold our nations flag, and much more. "Not only are they learning the correct movements or positions to be in, but they learn the history and the meaning behind it." said Sergeant Funk. "Once they complete the initial training, and are put on a flight, they continue their training to become proficient in all drill and ceremonies." The Hickam Honor Guard is a one year commitment program. After fulfilling 12 months, they are placed on the Volunteer Team where they are asked to volunteer when the Hickam Honor Guard is spread thin on multiple ceremonies. According to Staff Sgt. Heather Funk, Honor Guard NCOIC, it is highly important for all Honor Guard members to be at the top of their game at all times, but especially during a ceremony. They must be completely focused on what they are doing. "When these Airmen hit the streets, they are not only the face of Hickam, but the face of the Air Force," Sergeant Funk said. "They have to be the most squared away Airman there are on base." The Honor Guard is broken down into four flights with approximately nine members per flight, to include those who are deployed. Currently, there are a total of 36 members on active contracts and about 11 on the volunteer team. "I especially like to thank all of the commanders and supervisors that allow their Airman to join our honor guard team," said Lt. Col. Carey Eichhorst, 15th Force Support Squadron commander.