Honor Guard Drill Team keeping sharp for Air Force

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Madelyn Waychoff
  • Air Force Honor Guard Public Affairs
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFNEWS) --  The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team recently returned from their latest 11-day tour around the U.S., that included visits to Atlanta; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; and Salt Lake City.

During their visits, the team performed for NCAA Final Four events, including the opening ceremonies at Centennial Olympic Park on the same stage as such bands as Live and Ludacris, and for NCAA Tournament fans at the RazorGator experience and Hoop City throughout Final Four weekend March 31-April 2. 

"This was a great opportunity for us to showcase the Air Force and spread awareness of our mission," said 1st Lt. Joshua Hawkins, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team commander. "We had the chance to talk to and reach out to basketball fans from throughout the U.S. This is what we train for," the commander said of the Final Four event.

April 1 the team performed at Hoop City, in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, for hundreds of basketball fans.

"The team just adds so much to these events," said Amber Rae, Hoop City show producer. "The NCAA contacted me and I was so excited to have them come perform, it's such a tribute to all the military members serving our country right now."

Although the Marine Drill Team will be performing at the final's half-time show, team members don't feel like they missed out on any opportunities.

"We got to interact so much more with the crowds and really talk to people, whereas if we were only performing at the half-time show we wouldn't have gotten that opportunity," said Senior Airman Jason Martin, drill team trainer. "This was one of the coolest things we've gotten to do while I've been in, it was just awesome to be a part of it."

Following their visit to Atlanta, the team flew to Hill AFB, where they performed at the Hess Fitness Center and the base honor guard facility for Hill's Airmen and community members.

While still in Utah, the team's next stop was in Salt Lake City for the Real Salt Lake vs. FC Dallas Major League Soccer Game, April 7. The shortened performance was held during halftime, after which the team received a standing ovation.

"They look so good, and everyone loves seeing them out there," said Jamie Barton, Real Salt Lake community relations coordinator. "I was so excited they could come out here and perform for us."

As the drill team's final performance in Utah, and their capper for the trip, the team showcased their efforts for Reserve Officer Training Corps students from around the United States who came together for their National Conclave. The performance was held April 8 in downtown Salt Lake City.

For more information on the Air Force Honor Guard or drill team, log on to www.honorguard.af.mil.

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