ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Col. Paul Ackerley, 316th Wing commander, hosted the 3rd Annual Andrews Base Honor Guard Recognition Ceremony last week at the Club at Andrews.
"Today's event provides us with a unique opportunity to thank those individuals from Team Andrews who go above and beyond," said Senior Airman Jonathan Burnett, 316th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management flight program manager. "These are dedicated warriors who have unselfishly chosen to give back to those who have served and continue to represent our marvelous and inspirational Air Force." Over the past 12 months, the base honor guard has supported 239 ceremonies including performances at the Air Force Memorial, Washington, D.C. War Memorial, the Pentagon, numerous promotions, retirements and other military community events.
Four awards were presented at the ceremony.
The Motivational Award, presented to the honor guard member who demonstrated the most motivation and increased morale among fellow team members, was presented to Staff Sgt. Terry Smith, 89th Airlift Wing special air missions controller.
The Exceptional Military Image Award, given to the member who epitomizes the military image and most consistently exceeds the standards of dress and appearance, was awarded to Airman 1st Class Jaymi Gomez, 89th Communications Squadron radio operator.
The Milestone Award for achieving the highest monthly average of ceremonies accomplished during their time on the team was presented to Staff Sgt. Lebaron King, 79th Medical Operations Squadron cardiopulmonary technician and assistant NCOIC of the department. Sergeant King was also awarded the prestigious Chief Master Sgt. Timothy M. Dickens Award, which recognizes the ceremonial guardsman of the year.
The base Honor Guard's history traces its origin to the United States Air Force Honor Guard, which started in 1948. Base honor guards were created to supplement the efforts of the Air Force Honor Guard. The base units are responsible for providing funeral honors and military representation across the nation and abroad. There are 250 base honor guards worldwide.