Fairchild commander, Honor Guard visit Capitol Published July 3, 2006 FAIRCHILD AFB, Wash. -- Last week four Fairchild Honor Guard members accompanied the wing commander and command chief to the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. Col. Scott Hanson, 92nd ARW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Mark Luzader, 92nd ARW command chief, traveled to the Capitol to visit key legislative members and their staffs. The Honor Guard members were selected to come along for professional development, said Chief Luzader. "They were chosen for their contributions to the Honor Guard team, their military bearing and image." The four were 2nd Lt. Patrick Fromm, 92nd Communications Squadron; Tech. Sgt. David Gray, 92nd Mission Support Squadron; Senior Airman Donald O'Neal, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron; and Senior Airman Karen Caminggay, 92nd Medical Support Squadron. Colonel Hanson and Chief Luzader met with Rep. Cathy McMorris, Rep. Norm Dicks and the military legislative assistants for Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. "We briefed them on what is happening at Fairchild, mission changes, family and personnel programs and our part in the Global War on Terror," said Chief Luzader. "They were surprised at the non-traditional roles Fairchild Airmen serve in while deployed." While the commander and the command chief were on Capitol Hill, the Honor Guard members toured locations selected to enhance their military development. Their first stop was Arlington National Cemetery. "When Honor Guard members participate in a funeral, they feel a solemn respect for the deceased veteran," said Lieutenant Fromm. "Walking the paths of Arlington Cemetery gave me a similar feeling, compounded by the nearly infinite number of grave sites." All four of the Honor Guard agreed the highlight of Arlington Cemetery was watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. "Every 30 minutes the sentinel is changed," said Fromm. "The new sentinel is inspected; his uniform and weapon are all looked over thoroughly. The inspection is done to the side of the marching sentinel. "The remarkable part of this process is that everything is done perfectly to the same cadence," said the lieutenant. "As the sentinel clicks his heels in an about face, the inspector, with his back to the sentinel, opens the bolt of the rifle to inspect it, both making a sound in perfect unison." Airman Caminggay, one of the Fairchild Honor Guard members, found the experience amazing. "I was a little jealous, wishing I was one of those guarding the tomb." The group also visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. "As you approach the Wall you see a conglomeration of first names and last names. Every name means something to someone and is the gateway to a history," said Sergeant Gray. "My eyes went to a name I knew from Air Force history, William H. Pitsenbarger. He was one of only six Air Force enlisted Medal of Honor recipients. "I placed my fingers on Pitsenbarger's name and it provided a real connection to Air Force history," said Sergeant Gray. During their tour of Capitol Hill, the group observed an actual vote on the Senate Chamber floor and watched a promotion ceremony officiated by the Speaker of the House. The next day the Honor Guard group went to the Pentagon. While waiting for their tour, they met the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney J. McKinley. "He showed us his office and we learned the CMSAF is the keeper of the ‘Order of the Sword,'" said Lieutenant Fromm. "It is a huge, beautiful sword laying in its own display." Chief McKinley told the group that he has done many things in his career, but one regret he has is never wearing the Honor Guard uniform. The Fairchild Airmen were surprised to discover they would be hosted at the Pentagon by Lt. Gen. Arthur Lichte, the assistant vice chief of staff of the Air Force. According to Chief Luzader, the general was so impressed with Fairchild Airmen during his recent visit to Fairchild with a group of air attaches that he decided to personally show the Honor Guard around. The final stop was at the U.S. Marine Corps Barracks to observe their famous Capitol Evening Parade. "The Marines pulled out all the stops to put on a spectacular show," said Sergeant Gray. "The choreography of the entire event was impressive, as the individual components transitioned into each other seamlessly. Their marching and rifle movements were as close to mass perfection as I have ever seen in a group that size." Airman Caminggay expressed the group's feelings about being selected to make the Washington, D.C., trip with Colonel Hanson and Chief Luzader. "Not everybody gets to go there and experience it. Seeing history first hand, going through the war memorials, we were in front of our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices made it possible for us to get where we are." According to Chief Luzader, they all earned the trip. "When you contribute outside your normal duties, demonstrating a level of excellence that goes above the standard, you will have opportunities that most will never get to experience."
