Incirlik’s Honor Guard demands commitment, evokes pride

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeff Nevison
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Air Force base Honor Guard teams are steeped in tradition and ceremony and represent some of the Air Force's most professional Airmen. 

Staff Sgt. Johanna Kelly, Incirlik's Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge, says Incirlik's team is no exception to that rule. 

"All Honor Guard members, whether Airman basic or master sergeant, must adhere to a strict policy of professionalism both on-and-off duty," said Sergeant Kelly. "Accountability and responsibility are values felt throughout the enlisted force structure of the Honor Guard." 

Sergeant Kelly said Honor Guard team membership is not easy work but rather is a balancing act requiring dedication and loyalty. 

"Being a member of the Honor Guard team requires a minimum commitment of nine months," she said. "Every one of us must be flexible, reliable and devoted to every aspect of the team and the events it supports. We can't forget about our responsibilities to our squadrons either." 

One Airman said Honor Guard membership evokes a sense of pride in its members. 

"I can't speak for everyone, but I feel a great sense of pride and fulfillment because of everything we do," said Senior Airman Combs, Honor Guard member. "Being a part of the team has given me a greater sense of respect for myself and my personal appearance. I feel good wearing the uniform and now have a deeper, more meaningful understanding of what the uniform represents." 

Airman Combs also believes Honor Guard membership enhances one's patriotism. 

"I feel I am paying tribute to my country and to the legacy and heritage of the Air Force by being a part of this team," he said. 

Incirlik's Honor Guard team supports many functions and certain aspects of the team make it unique from others. 

"We support all four geographically separated units in Turkey and are the only Honor Guard team in the Department of Defense that supports an entire country, " said Sergeant Kelly. "The Incirlik Base Honor Guard provides color details for change of commands, promotion ceremonies, retirements, funerals, memorial services, First Term Airman Center briefings, American Consulate events in Adana, Department of Defense Dependents School events and any other detail we may be called upon to support." 

Incirlik's Honor Guard team is currently seeking volunteers in the ranks of Airman basic through technical sergeant. 

"Anyone interested in applying for the team can go to the Incirlik Portal on the home page under 'Base Associations,'" said Sergeant Kelly. "The Honor Guard meets in building 480 every Tuesday from 3 - 6 p.m.; feel free to come by and talk to a member." 

Any Airman wanting to join the Honor Guard team can also contact Sergeant Kelly at 676-8282.