A dropped rifle is cause for pause

The Soldier with the U.S. Army Drill Team pauses to collect himself after he dropped a rifle during a drill performance April 13, 2013, at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. The drill movements the team performance are highly perfected choreographies that demand equal amounts of discipline and athletic skill. The team went on to recover and complete their performance under the applause and cheers of the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Performing in the nation's capital

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs for visitors of the National Cherry Blossom Festival April 13, 2013 at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. With every formation they perform the Airmen of the Drill Team try to represent the Air Force's core value of "excellence in all we do," by performing their drill movements to perfection. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Blood, sweat, tears

First Lt. Michael Lemorie stomps his saber on the ground as he speaks to Airmen with the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard's Drill Team, April 13, 2013 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Lemorie is the Drill Team flight commander, and told his Team of his confidence in their success at the Joint Service Drill Exhibition at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Blood, sweat, tears

Senior Airmen Billy Degraffenreid shows the cut to his hands he incurred while performing in a U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performance April 13, 2013, at the National Mall, Washington, D.C. Degraffenreid is a senior member of the Drill Team and mangaged to a catch an incorrectly tossed M-1 Garand rifle at the bayonet, successfully completing the drill in front of a cheering audience at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Dangerous throw well performed

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team throw their rifles during the joint service drill team exhibition April 13, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Drill teams from all four branches of the U.S. armed forces and the U.S. Coast Guard displayed their skills at the event that celebrated U.S. military heritage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)

Taking a bow

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team competes during the joint service drill team exhibition April 13, 2013, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Drill teams from all four branches of the U.S. armed forces and the U.S. Coast Guard displayed their skills at the event that celebrated U.S. military heritage at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Alexander W. Riedel)