FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. – In the quiet corner of Genesee, Idaho, a town where a single street defines the entire community, life paused as residents filled the small town church. Two Airmen stood ready to render final military honors to Col. Arthur “Bud” Hall, a decorated Vietnam War era fighter pilot.
As Senior Airman Ryan Howlett, a crew chief assigned to the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and member of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Honor Guard, stood in the back of the church, he listened to stories of bravery in the skies over Vietnam, of a man dedicated to his family and his town.
Howlett realized honor guard is more than just rendering military honors; it’s about connecting a grieving community with the legacy of one of their own. The final, respectful connection between a service member’s military life and their family’s enduring memory.
After the ceremony had concluded, the family approached the two honor guardsmen, hugged them, and shared how unexpectedly difficult the flag folding was to witness.
“It was a powerful reminder of the impact honor guard has,” Howlett said. “These honors mean so much. Even though it’s painful, the families are incredibly grateful for the military’s presence and the respect shown to their loved one.”
Every fold and every salute tells a story of service, sacrifice and remembrance.
Airmen typically serve in their installations honor guard for six months; however, certain roles involve a two-year commitment. During their time in honor guard, Airmen grow personally and professionally.
“By performing military funeral honors, they’re not just executing a duty, they are providing a deeply meaningful final tribute to veterans,” Tech. Sgt. Ryan Kunz, 92nd ARW Honor Guard program manager, said. “Presenting the flag to next of kin is a powerful, emotional moment that requires precision, respect, and empathy. These Airmen are representing the entire military community in some of the most vulnerable moments for a family.”
Kunz describes the role honor guardsmen play as something that “re-blues” an Airman, reinvigorating their sense of military purpose and pride. The Airmen gain a developmental opportunity that teaches leadership, attention to detail and professional conduct, ultimately setting them up for success along their military career.
“As the Honor Guard program manager at Fairchild, I coordinate with multiple base units, manage 18 to 24 Airmen, handle complex logistical challenges and other mission-essential tasks,” said Kunz.
Beyond the logistics and training, the true essence of the honor guard is its impact on those entering and leaving military service.
“We could be the first contact with the military, and more often, the last contact that a family has with the military after their loved one dies,” Howlett said.
Representing both the beginning and end of a military journey emphasizes the responsibility and profound honor carried by each member of the Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard.