910th Honor Guard seeks members to honor those who have served Published Jan. 24, 2017 By Tech. Sgt. Jim Brock 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Air Force Instruction (AFI) 34-105 states that a ceremonial guardsman is an individual of good reputation having integrity, ethical conduct and exhibiting standards which merit respect; responsible for protecting and overseeing the maintenance of standards on and off duty. The corner stone to this reputation is outstanding dress and appearance. Honor guard personnel must exceed the Air Force standards and present a flawless image to the public. “It’s an honor to represent the Air Force Reserve, and the base,” said Master Sgt. Leslie Parkey, a member of the 910th Maintenance Squadron and 25-year veteran of the 910th Honor Guard. “I never imaged being part of the honor guard originally, it just wasn’t my cup of tea, I was into sports and other things, and I really didn’t know what it was about until I got involved,” said Parkey. Ceremonial guardsmen are a picture-perfect example of individuals who are highly motivated, maintain exceptionally high standards of conduct, both on and off-duty, and exude enormous amounts of pride in all they do (AFI 34 – 105). Maj. Scott Allen is 910th Honor Guard team member and former Officer in Charge (OIC) of the same. “The Honor Guard is the way that the United States Air Force honors the veterans, the retirees, the active-duty both past and present even going back to the Army Air Corps,” said Allen. “We provide military honors for funeral services at funeral homes, churches, graveside and even back yards,” said Allen. The 910th Public Affairs (PA) office often receives inquiries about booking to base Honor Guard for public events and ceremonies. Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr. is the 910th PA superintendent. “The Honor Guard also may be the only exposure community members have to the 910th Airlift Wing,” said Barko. “Their presence in parades and Color presentations really puts an outstanding face to the base.” Since the honor guard is a volunteer team, 910th Airmen can participate. According to Allen, also Operations Officer for the 910th Logistics Readiness Squadron, the selection process begins with an application that must be signed by the candidate’s supervisor, first sergeant and unit commander. The selectees must show up to practices and funerals on their own time in their service dress. Once the candidate is approved by their respective unit and has shown dedication to the team, the honor guard reviews the candidate to determine if he or she can become part of the team. If a member is denied acceptance to the team they are provided reasons why, and Allen said this denial doesn’t always mean they cannot re-apply in the future. Honor Guard membership requires a two-year commitment and members must attend a minimum of six military honors funerals per year. Team members must hold a five-level in their current Air Force Specialty. Individuals interested in joining the Honor Guard should contact their unit’s First Sergeant or Executive Officer.