Photo By Crystal Farris | An instructor examines the performance of honor guards from both the Idaho Army...... read more read more
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Three Soldiers from the Idaho Army National Guard earned their honor guard tabs after completing a Military Funeral Honors Level 1 Training Course on Gowen Field, August 19. Two members of the Idaho Department of Correction’s honor guard also completed the training.
Among the graduates were Pfc. Joshua Green, Sgt. Daniel Alvarado and Sgt. Tyler Thomson of the Idaho Army National Guard, as well as Correctional Sgt. Tia Borg and Correctional Case Manager Collin Young of the Idaho Department of Correction.
“To be in the honor guard is the most honorable privilege, to serve our fallen veterans and to be the anchor for that family to hold onto in their great time of need,” said Thomson of C Battery, 1-148th Field Artillery.
Thomson decided he wanted to be part of the Idaho Army National Guard Honor Guard after witnessing an impressive funeral honoring his grandfather.
“I wanted to pass on their ethics, morals and high standards of the Army values demonstrated to me, to the next family,” said Thomson, who referred to the honor guard as the most professional military group ever formed.
All five graduates earned their certificates after participating in 49 hours of demanding hands-on training and classroom instruction, in addition to 12 hours of after class preparation. Training focused on military discipline, attention to detail and mastering the necessary skills to perform military funeral honors.
On the final day of training, individuals were strictly graded on their performance in several tasks that included key leadership positions, drill and ceremony, manual arms, casket bearing, flag fold, firing party sequence, Taps, uniform inspection and a written examination.
“Being perfect is the hardest part about being in the honor guard,” said Green of F Company, 145th Brigade Support Battalion. “We only have one opportunity to honor a veteran in front of their family, so being exact with every movement, detail and our uniforms is crucial.”
Although Soldiers are not required to attend the course in order to become members of the honor guard, Sgt. 1st Class Bou Harrold, the program non-commissioned officer in charge, strongly recommends it. Harrold said the course was designed to provide honor guard members with the highest level of proficiency in their areas of responsibility.
“This allows us greater flexibility in assigning team members to funerals, instills confidence in the individual, and ensures they are prepared and competent to handle any situation professionally while in front of the family,” said Harrold.
Green said although training was difficult, he believes it prepared him well for his future role in the honor guard.
“What I (got) out of this training is not only a great deal of respect for the Soldiers who perform these services and their attention to detail, but also a lot of pride and gratitude for our country’s military, veterans and freedoms we have here in America,” said Green.
The Idaho Army National Guard Honor Guard is comprised of more than 60 volunteers serving throughout the state. The program dates back to the early 90s, when it was referred to as the Gowen Field Honor Guard. In 2006 the program became statewide, when the National Guard Bureau began funding state military funeral honors programs nationally. Now, the Idaho Army National Guard Honor Guard serves in funeral honors year round, throughout the state and country, for National Guard and active Army veterans as well as former governors.
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 08.27.2017 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 246196 |
| Location: | BOISE, IDAHO, US |
| Web Views: | 972 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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