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Academy ceremonial groups give positive impression

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The Academy Base Honor Guard and Cadet Sabre Drill team are among more than 24 performing groups who take center stage on and off base on behalf of the Academy.

The Air Force Honor Guard has roots going back to 1948 when the newly formed Air Force headquarters received instructions to develop plans for an elite ceremonial unit comparable to those of other armed services.

The ceremonial detachment became official in 1948, and in 1972, the Air Force Honor Guard became a separate unit.

The 31 members of the Academy base Honor Guard, which falls under the 10th Services Squadron, perform for funerals -- their primary function --retirements, changes of command and promotions. They no longer perform for weddings.

The Academy's hard-working Honor Guard performs funeral duties at the only active cemetery in the Air Force accepting new burials.
It is tough duty.
 
Honor Guards frequently stand for long periods without moving, endure summer heat and winter cold, perform heavy lifting and go face-to-face with grieving family members.

"It can be tough on them," said Janet Edwards, Academy mortuary affairs officer, of Guard members. "But they never complain."

Honor Guardsmen perform funeral duties at the cadet chapel, new memorial pavilion, community center chapel and graveside.

She also gave the team kudos for their personal dedication to such service. All are volunteers, and all have full-time active duty jobs. Honor Guard service often eats into free time.

That is true especially this year with Academy funeral numbers expected to rise. Ms. Edwards pointed out the Academy did 29 military funerals last year. At the end of July this year, there were 18, and four more are already scheduled for this month.

A typical funeral requires nine Honor Guard members, which includes pall bearers, an officer in charge and those tasked for firing duty.

Prospective Honor Guard members initially go through a week-long training and orientation. If candidates choose to remain and are selected, they receive an individually tailored ceremonial uniform.

The flight trains as a group for three hours every other week, in addition to performances. Members frequently arrive more than an hour ahead of an event to run through the required ceremonial sequences.

Members of the Honor Guard truly give service before self.

"They want to honor their fallen comrades," Ms. Edwards said. "They want to give something back."

Younger Airmen receive unique leadership opportunities for their service, and Ms. Edwards believes they will go far.

"They're going to be something special in the Air Force," she said. "The cream always rises to the top."

Flashing metal, split-second timing, dedicated team members and a constant dose of training make up the Academy Cadet Sabre Drill Team.

Once part of the Academy Cadet Honor Guard, the Cadet Sabre Drill Team was revitalized last fall and now stands as a separate entity.

It started as a cadet club in 1961 and was urged on by cadets who wanted an organization that would exemplify the highest standards of excellence and discipline in the use of edged weapons.

The Academy sabre team is one of the few U.S. military units performing drills entirely with sabres.

Team members use the same sabres as those carried by cadet officers during military ceremonies on the Academy. They are approximately three feet long, weigh about a pound and are not sharp, but are also not toys.

Team member Cadet 3rd Class Eric Sullivan said audiences find performances exciting for the team's razor-sharp movements and lofty throws and flips which reflect almost blinding light.

"More importantly, our performances demonstrate the precision and team work needed for them," he said.

The team is retaining four upper classmen from last year and will be recruiting between 20 to 25 freshmen.

During the school year, members practice five days a week between 4 and 6 p.m. Cadet Sullivan said it takes from six months to a year to be performance-ready.

Despite the apparently seamless interactions of team members and sabres, performers are never really 100 percent proficient.

"We are always working to make us better," he added.

The team was revitalized last fall and split from the Cadet Honor Guard.

Cadet Sullivan said the carefully planned move came after months of concentrated examination and results in better fits for the traditions and values of both units.

"We work as a team, but also emphasize the strengths of individuals," he said. "It is somewhat of a synergistic approach."

The sabre team last performed during Memorial Day ceremonies in Denver for Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, VIPs and several thousand people. The team also made appearances at this year's Academy graduation parade and exercises.

One performance next year could be icing on the cake for the team. Members are working with officials toward a performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.
The honor, however, ranks second to the opportunity to serve the Academy.

"Our hard work and dedication instills a sense of pride in the team and pride in the cadet wing," Cadet Sullivan said.

Editor's note: This is the first in a periodic series on Academy performing groups.