Embracing Guardian Spirit In Base Honor Guard
by U.S. Space Force Airman Collin Wesson
July 12, 2023
The first years of the United States Space
Force were defined by those not just unafraid, but eagerly willing
to stand up a new branch of service.
The Space Force’s core
values of character, connection, commitment, and courage are all
integral in defining what it means to be a Guardian and to ensure
unhindered access to space for any future conflicts that may arise.
The Guardians at the center of it all are ultimately the people
responsible for developing an innovative and distinct culture of
space-minded warfighters.
U.S. Space Force 2nd Lt. Andrew
Syzdek, 5th Space Launch Squadron Space Force responsible engineer,
and U.S. Space Force 2nd Lt. Akira Harris, 645th Cyberspace Squadron
cyber crew commander contribute to the development of this culture
by being among the first Guardians to serve in the Honor Guard.

June 21, 2023 - U.S. Space Force 2nd Lt. Andrew Syzdek and
2nd Lt. Akira Harris are among the first Guardians to
proudly serve
in the Honor Guard on Patrick Space Force Base, Florida. (Image created by USA
Patriotism! from U.S. Space Force photos by Airman Collin
Wesson.)
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The base Honor Guard flight is a special
duty assignment comprised of Airmen and Guardians who, for six
months, render final military honors to fallen veterans.
Additionally, Honor Guardsmen represent the United States Air Force
and Space Force to the American public during ceremonial events.
“As officers in the Honor Guard, we oversee the current flight
on rotation,” said Harris. “Our main duties are to assign members to
funeral details, but we also deconflict schedules, manage manpower,
address and find solutions to any issues, ensure the flight is
properly trained and equipped to accomplish the mission, and act as
the liaison between flight members and administrative personnel.”
“We also perform with the flight during events,” said Syzdek.
Harris’s and Syzdek’s positions enable them to lead in a
joint-service environment, hone their leadership skills and serve as
ambassadors to members of their sister service.
“I think it
is an invaluable opportunity to lead Airmen,” said Syzdek. “My
primary job as an SFRE doesn’t often give me the chance to interact
with many junior Airmen, so I am grateful that I get to work with
people of all ranks and career fields here.”
“Any future
joint-service endeavors stand to benefit greatly from the positive
connections made during our temporary assignment here,” said Harris.
Harris and Syzdek uphold the elements of the Guardian Spirit not
only within the unit but also publicly during funeral details.
They are tasked with being some of the most visible
representatives of our Nation’s newest branch of service and rely on
these values when performing and interacting with the public.
“Those of us in Honor Guard engage with the local community
frequently,” said Harris. “People want to know what we do and what’s
happening in the world of the Space Force.”
Syzdek and Harris
constantly experience personal and professional development
opportunities in their temporary assignment with the Patrick Space
Force Base Honor Guard, but the pride and responsibility of the
mission and what it means to the families of fallen service members
is more valuable to them.
“Without a doubt, being an Honor
Guardsman showcases the importance of selfless public service and
connection,” said Syzdek. “Everything we do is about the family and
the service member that is being honored. We are there not as
individuals, but as a part of something bigger. We have the
responsibility and privilege to potentially be the last impression
the family has of the military.”
On the other hand, Harris
and Syzdek are likely the first impression that the family has of
the Space Force.
This is one of many reasons Harris’s and
Syzdek’s commitment to what it means to be a Guardian is so
important.
“Knowing that we are among the few to represent
the Space Force is something that I am very proud of and will always
remember after my service,” said Harris.
Through exemplifying
the core values, they set the stage for those who choose to serve
after them – and ultimately, ensure the United States Space Force
will continue to have absolute freedom of action in the warfighting
domain of the future.
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