Honor guard membership full of rewards, demands Published Feb. 10, 2012 By Shawn J. Jones 514th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The 514th Air Mobility Wing honor guard has openings for sharp Airmen to wear the Air Force ceremonial uniform. Master Sgt. Leonard Werner, the NCO in charge of the honor guard, is hoping to fill the honor guard with motivated, self-confident Airmen who can serve with poise and professionalism during military ceremonies, funerals and community events. "We want to project a certain image," he said. "The honor guard is supposed to be the best of the best." Keeping good Airmen in the honor guard is a challenge, said Werner. Honor guard members are usually held to higher standards, which often helps them land promotions faster than the average Airman. "It really does set you apart from others in your unit," he said. The higher promotion rate of honor guard members comes with challenges. As Airmen rise through the ranks, they typically acquire more duties and responsibilities within their unit which reduces their availability to serve on honor guard details. Werner said he doesn't want prospective members to join only for the career benefits. "We want quality people who want to be a part of the team too," he said. "It's not for everybody." New members are interviewed to ensure they understand the standards and demands required of honor guard members. New candidates must have a passing score on their most recent fitness assessment and be ready to work at least three details per quarter. "You have to be a sharp troop and take pride in yourself and pride in your military service," he said. But that's not all. The demands of honor guard service are high and Werner said he doesn't sugar-coat those demands. "Some go through the interview process and say, 'Hey, this isn't for me.'" Airmen who join the team are encouraged to practice during their free time to become proficient in a variety of drills and ceremonies. It's important to balance the demands of the honor guard service, said Werner. Airmen who go above and beyond will be rewarded with the option to serve in higher-profile details such as parades and professional sporting events. While Airmen volunteer to serve in the 514th honor guard, they are on paid military orders. "We don't expect them to come out on their own time," Werner said. The primary benefit of serving in the honor guard is the opportunity to take part in events important to many people--retirement ceremonies, change of command ceremonies, public events, and military funerals. Funerals for past and present military members make up the bulk of the honor guard responsibilities. Military funerals are often emotional events, especially when friends and family members of the deceased openly display their grief. Honor guard members are charged with maintaining their poise in this setting and all other situations. Some military funerals are lightly attended, and Werner said he's been to a funeral where no one but the honor guard attended. When the funeral director informed the honor guard they didn't need to perform the ceremony because no one was coming, the honor guard did their duty anyway. "This person served our country, so we're going to do our part as well," Werner said. Airmen interested in joining the honor guard can call 754-3487 for more information. Prospective members should discuss honor guard service with their supervisor and first sergeant.