Dedication to serve: 459th ARW Honor Guard

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Cierra Presentado
  • 459th ARW/PA

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – The 459th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard is made up of eight dedicated Airmen and non-commissioned officers who represent the wing through drill and ceremony.

Leading the elite honor guard organization is Master Sgt. Michael Glass, Wing Career Assistance Advisor and 459th ARW Honor Guard NCOIC. He took charge of the program in 2019.

“I initially had very little experience with honor guard, but I knew the history of it. I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” Glass said. “I went to a few practices and realized how great the impact was. There’s a lot that goes into it, and after learning, practicing and performing, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and make an impact in my unit.”

Master Sgt. Glass shortly became a key member in the program and then went on to become the honor guard NCOIC when the previous NCOIC left the 459th.   

“Hours and hours of training, studying and practicing drill and ceremony came with the position,” he said. “I was honored to not only be a part of it but to be able to recruit and lead Airmen who wanted to make a difference in their careers.”

“I first learned of the honor guard when I attended a ceremony during the UTA (Unit Training Assembly), and observed the presentation of colors,” said Senior Airman Trayvon Wheeler, Commander Support Section Technician, 459th Maintenance Squadron. “Everything about the performance was sharp, crisp and motionless. I wanted to be a part of the team and represent the wing.”

The honor guard program currently focuses on the presentation of colors for wing events such as assumptions and changes of command, award banquets, commander calls and retirement ceremonies. Also, flag fold ceremonies are completed during retirement ceremonies.

“My first performance was performing a funeral for the late Senior Master Sgt. Michael Goggin’s,” Wheeler said. “It was a humbling experience to be a part of someone who had such a great impact on the wing and the Air Force. After my first event, I knew I wanted to grow with the team and perfect my drill and ceremony even more. I want to always leave an impression at any ceremony I perform in.”

Master Sgt. Glass is looking to grow the honor guard and hopes to recruit Airmen that want to stand out amongst their peers and boost their career.

“To be able to serve in this program is a privilege, I only want Airmen that are dedicated to putting in the practice hours and growing with the family,” Glass said. “We hold ourselves to the highest standard and are looking for those that are ready for the challenge.”

If you are interested in participating in the 459th ARW Honor Guard, listed below are some expectations;

  • Attend monthly practice sessions
  • Perform at least one mission per quarter, if available
  • Review applicable regulations/manuals on and off military duty
  • Dedicate 24 months to the program
  • Maintain good standing with your unit
  • Foster the 5C’s

The core values of the 459th ARW Honor Guard are known as the 5C’s (Communication, Commitment, Consistency, Cultivate and Collaborate). Any Airmen interested are highly encouraged to reach out to Master Sgt. Michael Glass at 240-857-7024 and/or michael.glass.5@us.af.mil.