Community honors the honor guard Published April 5, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. - Every year, the Nellis Honor Guard performs diligently to ensure the Air Force is represented at numerous events around the community. These ambassadors of the Air Force give a glimpse into the precision, dedication and discipline it takes to be in the world's greatest Air Force. "There are four things the honor guard truly excels in," said Maj. Gen. Stanley Kresge, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander. "These objectives include honoring fallen warriors, showcasing the Air Force, serving as a role model for all people and restoring faith in the U.S. Air Force and our great nation." During the course of 2009, more than 50 ceremonial guardsmen from every squadron at Nellis and Creech acted as the Nellis Honor Guard, performing 1,160 details, which include 420 military funerals and 740 color guard duties at various military and community functions. This averages to 22 details a week, making it the second busiest honor guard in Air Combat Command. "Even though I wouldn't be able to tell you that the Nellis Honor Guard is the best ever, I can easily tell you it is the best I've seen in my 34 years in the Air Force," said General Stanley Kresge. Each year, Nellis and community leaders hold a luncheon to honor these liaisons to the Air Force and show how their service as the Nellis Honor Guard has made a difference in the community. The Thunderbird Chapter of the Air Force Association sponsored its 23rd annual "Honoring the Honor Guard Appreciation Luncheon," at the Nellis Club April 1. During this luncheon, top performers in the honor guard are also recognized. Below are the honor guard annual award recipients: Honor Guard Rookie of the Year Airman 1st Class Richard Ring 432nd Maintenance Squadron Honor Guard Trainer of the Year Senior Airman Christopher Latson 57th Wing Honor Guard Airman of the Year Senior Airman Stephen Fazenbaker 99th Aerospace Medical Squadron Honor Guard Member of the Year Airman First Class Ulla Stromberg 99th Medical Operations Squadron "Even though only a few members of the honor guard were recognized exceedingly today, all members of the honor guard make the community proud every time they carry the American flag," said Matthew Black, Air Force Association, Thunderbird Chapter president. The Nellis Honor Guard continues to showcase the Air Force in a positive light and strengthen the relationships between Nellis and the surrounding communities in Southern Nevada.
