Most people can’t imagine having to present a folded American flag to a grieving family member when a service member or veteran dies.
Few airmen will ever have to consol a fallen service member’s next of kin; thanking them for their loved one’s honorable and faithful service, and of those, even fewer stand out above the rest as truly exceptional.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor Brown, a power refrigeration and electrical lab technician for the 741st Maintenance Squadron and a recent member of the Malmstrom Honor Guard, recently earned the base honor guard member award for the third quarter.
“Brown is an all-around airman,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Cenatiempo, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Malmstrom Honor Guard. “He understands and exemplifies the total airman concept. He is very upbeat, positive, fun and outgoing.”
Originally from El Paso, Texas, Brown was selected by his leaders for a spot in the base’s honor guard May 2016 rotation.
Representing All Airmen
Those selected for the task are hand-picked to serve because their standards of conduct and level of professionalism are higher than their peers. These airmen, who wear the ceremonial guardsman uniform, represent every member of the Air Force, both past and present.
During Brown’s four-month commitment, he maintained a professional and helpful attitude.
“My advice to anyone in my position is to keep an open mind and be positive,” he said.
“He always took the initiative to help out,” Cenatiempo said. “He performed in as many ceremonies and details as he could and never complained. He went above and beyond.”
Cenatiempo also said Brown exceeded standards by always wearing his ceremonial uniform properly and proudly.
The honor guard service uniform is different than traditional service dress. Special badges, patches, cords and stripes are worn to distinguish honor guard members from other airmen. The uniforms must always be perfectly pressed, cleaned and assembled, because when worn, all eyes are focused on that airman.
According to the base honor guard code of conduct, airmen must never allow their performance to be affected by the type of ceremony, the temperature or the size of the crowd.
To be considered for base honor guard member of the quarter, an individual must complete a minimum of 24 details.
Above and Beyond
Brown completed 44 details, not including two active-duty funerals he supported after his time with the honor guard expired. Out of his ten-member rotation, he completed the most details.
“Even after he hit the minimum of 24 details he continued to support and perform details, no questions asked,” Cenatiempo said.
Brown upheld the honor guard charge by perfectly executing all movements throughout every detail and ceremony.
He participated in flag color teams both as a rifleman and as a flag bearer, veteran funerals as a flag folder and presenter, and two active-duty funerals; one as a casket pallbearer and one as a member for a three-volley firing party.
“I loved doing it,” Brown said. “I played my role in upholding the Air Force tradition of having an honor guard team perform military funerals.”
The mission is to render military honors for those who earned the right for airmen to wear the uniform.
“It’s important that we as an Air Force continue to build on that tradition and support our service members and veterans,” Brown said. “I wouldn’t trade the experience I had for anything.”
However, he remains modest and said he appreciates the opportunity he was given to honor those who paved the way for him and his fellow airmen.
“There is something truly inspirational about laying to rest a service member,” Brown said. “There is no other experience like giving a flag to a family member. Honor guard isn’t about you. It’s about honoring the heroes who served before you. You have to put that first.”