Honor Guard Marathon: 927th Honor Guard goes above and beyond

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Shawn Rhodes
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  There's an old saying: If you want a task completed, give it to a busy person. That saying proved true for the 927th Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard this year, when over the span of two weekends they performed in ten different events, worked over 50 hours, traveled over 450 miles, marched 1.6 miles in a parade and displayed the military bearing and professionalism they are known for to over 34,000 people in the Tampa community.

No one said being good at what you do would make life easier.

"The Honor Guard of the 927th Air Refueling Wing represented the Air Force and the country in a wide range of Veterans Day events throughout the week and weekend of Veterans Day," said Capt. Brian Cleveland, a member of the 927th ARW Honor Guard. "It started by honoring veterans of a local church, followed by a honoring fallen veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from Hillsborough county at the Tampa Chamber of Commerce, displaying the colors at a rally with 20,000 participants, marching in a parade honoring veterans, teaching local school children about service in the Air Force, and finishing with a veterans ceremony at a local VA home that honored the service and sacrifice of our local unsung heroes."

After travelling so frequently, many would be exhausted. For members of the honor guard, the opposite is true - showing people what honor and dedication looks like fuels them. A member of the team expressed his gratefulness for being part of the honor guard team.

"It is always an honor to receive requests to present the colors or fold the flag for an event. I enjoy seeing the faces on my new members when they see how important their job is and the impression they make on the individuals they perform for," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Sendtko, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 927th ARW Honor Guard. "It was an Honor to be part of these Veterans Day events and to see the appreciation that people have for the military."

Emotions ran high as other members of the honor guard recounted their experiences over the two-week period.

"The veterans and civilians in attendance showed so much gratitude and appreciation that it overwhelmed my heart with joy," said Master Sgt. Vanessa Maxfield, a member of the 927th Honor Guard. "While they were so appreciative of us, all I could think about is that I was so thankful of their sacrifices and honored to be in their presence. I am beyond grateful knowing that we make a difference by our presentations within the community and amongst the nation."

Another member of the team expressed his thoughts this way:

"I was honored to celebrate that day with them for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good" said Staff Sgt. Robert MacEachern, a member of the 927th Honor Guard.

For many members of the 927th Honor Guard, their favorite event was the ceremony at the Baldomero Lopez Veteran's Home Veteran's Day Event. There, they were able to perform for veterans who served in every American conflict going back to World War II.

"Out of the ten ceremonies that we did over the Veteran's Day weekend, the one that touched me the most was at the Baldomero Lopez Veteran's Home," said Sendtko. "To be part of their ceremony where they finally received their deserved medals for the wars they fought in was a great honor."

Another member of the team expressed his gratitude for being able to honor fellow servicemembers.

"The detail at the Baldomero Lopez Veterans Nursing Home touched me the most, because we got to see all the support from the community and perform for those who served long before us," said Senior Airman Christian Johnson, a member of the 927th Honor Guard.

When asked what it was about the event at the veteran's home that made it special, another member of the team said:

"When I was doing the event, it was a humbling experience upon hearing about all the veterans' being called out for their service during World War II or Vietnam," said Senior Airman Jonathon Cruz, a member of the 927th ARW Honor Guard. "What we did on that day was not just render proper respects for everyone else, but put another piece onto our history and help each individual (including ourselves) become a more defined person."

"I am truly proud of our Airmen serving in the 927th ARW Honor Guard," added Cleveland. "Their selfless dedication and donation of time and energy has honored the heroes of our great past and has inspired the future heroes of our country and community."


Some of the events the 927th Honor Guard attended included:


Jim's Harley Davidson Military Appreciation event

Revealing Truth Ministries Veterans Day Observance

Downtown Tampa Chamber Of Commerce Veterans Day Event

Monroe Middle School Veterans Day Assembly

Tampa Heart Walk

US Hwy 41 Veterans Day Parade

Hidden River Resort Riverview Veterans Day Event

Baldomero Lopez Veteran's Home Veterans Day Event

Palm Harbor Home Owner's Association Veterans Day Event