Army Honors the Honor Guard

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. --  The Little Rock Air Force Base Honor Guard is "Army Strong." 

In appreciation of Army retirees, veterans and families, the Army awarded the Little Rock AFB Honor Guard the Arkansas Army National Guard Diamond Award and two of its members the Arkansas Exceptional Service Medal June 30 at the Hercules Dining Facility. 

Army Maj. Gen. William Wofford, Adjutant General of the Arkansas National Guard presented the awards to Tech. Sgt. Branden Issitt, 19th Force Support Squadron base Honor Guard NCO-in-charge and to Senior Airman Dennis Gardner, 19th FSS base Honor Guard assistant NCO-in-charge. 

The Arkansas National Guard recognized the base Honor Guard for the contributions they made to help complete their mission of providing a final means of respect to fallen servicemembers. 

"I want to congratulate those individuals who have received these awards for their outstanding dedication in their service," said General Wofford. "The last tribute that we pay to the veterans is probably going to be a lasting impression to their families. I want to thank you all for what you make possible." 

In 2008, the Arkansas National Guard performed 913 funeral services. More than 45 of these services were supported by the military funeral honors team from Little Rock AFB. 

"It's extremely important, regardless of what branch of service veterans and retirees served in, that they're given the opportunity to receive the military honors they're obligated and deserve," said Sergeant Issitt. 

The biggest accomplishment of the Honor Guard has been fostering a joint service relationship through working with the Army and Navy. 

"The members of the base Honor Guard understand our job is to provide military honors for deserving U.S. service members regardless of their service affiliation," said Sergeant Issitt. "Each servicemember we provide honors for have served our country honorably; they have earned and deserve the very best recognition we can provide." 

Airman Gardner reflected on the significance of the award. 

"Winning the award is great, however, I think the greatest gratification I received was performing military honors for those who have passed on and served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces," said Airman Gardner. 

There are opportunities for Little Rock AFB Airmen who want to be a part of the honor guard team Sergeant Issitt said. 

"The Honor Guard is always looking for sharp, motivated individuals to take up the honor of lying to rest our countries heroes," he said. "The position of a Ceremonial Guardsmen is one draped in history and tradition. It's a very reverent and respected position each member of the Air Force should strive to become, in order to pay the ultimate respect to our fallen comrades."