Whiteman Honor Guard participates in Order of the Sword ceremony

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Two members of Whiteman's Honor Guard Team were selected to participate in a ceremony inducting retired Gen. John D. W. Corley into Air Combat Command's Order of the Sword Jan. 13, 2010.

The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted corps can bestow on an individual and recognizes someone for significant contributions to the enlisted force.

"It was a great honor to be hand-picked to support this prestigious event," said Tech. Sgt. Dave Giberson, non-commissioned officer in charge of Whiteman's Honor Guard. "Training is key to perfect all movements throughout every drill and ceremony that we perform. As an honor guard member we are driven by a strong sense of dedication and pride; we are Ceremonial Guardsmen."

The primary mission of the honor guard is to provide military funeral honors for military members, retirees and veterans who have served honorably.

Sergeant Giberson chose Senior Airman Cory Todd, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs, and Senior Airman Zach Walker, 442nd Force Support Squadron, to attend the event.

"It was honor to be selected to represent the 509th Bomb Wing in the Order of the Sword ceremony," Airman Walker said. "Participating in this event was one of the most memorable moments in my career."

"It was a lot of hard work and long hours," Airman Todd said. "We put in more than 12 hours of practice a day to make sure every movement was fluid and perfect."

The honor guard team for the Order of the Sword ceremony was comprised of 42 Airmen from different Air Combat Command bases. Members of the Air Force Honor Guard and Air Force Drill teams provided extensive training for the ceremony.

"In the end it was worth it," Airman Todd said. "Bringing so many honor guard members together from different bases and creating a harmonious event was inspiring."

Sergeant Giberson said he is very proud of all his Airmen.

"I have the honor of working with the best Airman on Whiteman," he said. "I have had the opportunity to watch these Airmen grow and be put into leadership positions."