Honor Guard hold recognition banquet

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott Pryor
  • 911 AW/PA
PITTSBURGH IAP ARS --  The base's Honor Guard had a rare occurrence Jan. 8; they were all together in the same location.

The reason was to hold an awards banquet and pass out certificates for Ceremonial Guardsmen of the Quarter at the Dining Hall.

Due to the amount of requests the guard has had, this is the first time in two years they have been able to get together to recognize their quarterly awards winners. Seven members were recognized.

In Fiscal Year 2010 the Honor Guard supported 167 funerals and 30 community or base events. For the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2011, the Honor Guard has already supported 67 funerals and seven community or base events.

"If someone has as funeral request, we have to be there. Failure is not an option," said Master Sgt. Allison, Honor Guard superintendent. "Perfection is the standard. What we do is the last thing the family is going to see before their loved one is put to rest."

A veteran's funeral requires two to three Honor Guard members; seven people for a retiree's funeral and 21 for an active duty member's funeral.

The guard's area of coverage includes Western Pennsylvania and parts of West Virginia and Maryland.

Honor Guard leadership includes Capt. Tanaka Dunn, officer in charge; Sergeant Allison, superintendent; Master Sgt. Timothy Crane, honors flight sergeant; and Tech. Sgt. James Abel, ceremonial flight sergeant.

The guard presently consists of approximately 30 members. To support all their requests, the Honor Guard currently seeks new applicants.

"Our individuals have a high dedication to what they're doing. Not everybody has that type of dedication," said Sergeant Allison.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Honor Guard should first contact their immediate supervisor for approval since it involves a time commitment. After receiving approval, contact Sergeant Allison to schedule an interview at 474-8865.