Eglin honor guard trains with local sheriff's office

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  On Feb.1, six new recruits began their training with Team Eglin's Honor Guard. This new group wasn't Airmen from various base units, but officers with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.

The officers came together with honor guard Airmen to learn the military techniques used in assorted formal ceremonies, from retirements, changes of command to funerals.

The idea to offer help to local law enforcement came from Senior Airman Kenneth Santiago. He discovered honor guard had helped train police teams in the past so he began making calls offering training to the local units.

"I had a strong desire to get the honor guard more involved with the local community," said Santiago, who was a member of the 96th Security Forces Squadron prior to joining the honor guard. "I thought 'what better way to get involved than to share what we know.'"

When OSCO Honor Guard coordinator, Capt. Kenneth LaPee, got Santiago's call, he welcomed the opportunity for training.

"It's an incredible opportunity to work with the members of the honor guard," said LaPee. "Our team members are full-time deputies from several different units inside the OCSO. Our training time is limited, so working with Airmen who are experts in the drills and skills required can maximize the usefulness of the training time we have allotted."

The first training session began with a tour of the honor guard facility. Next, the trainers began working with the officers on the basics, coordinating movements with ceremonial rifles and flags, two techniques that were taught separately.

After the initial demonstration by the honor guard trainers, the officers seemed a little overwhelmed. Their hesitation quickly vanished when the officers began the hands-on training, asking lots of questions. Then the officers combined what they'd learned and performed the first half of the presentation of the colors that begins most ceremonies.

"I expected we would learn some new techniques and tighten up the ones we already have," said LaPee. "There are some specific nuances to some of the drills and routines (we learned) that add a great deal of dignity or flair. We are excited to incorporate those techniques into our training."

Both Santiago and LaPee said they hoped the training will continue as often as possible.

"There is such great potential in this relationship," said LaPee. "We have much room to improve and they have the expertise, equipment and facility. If they can fit us into their extremely busy schedule, we will take every chance we are offered to train with them."