Folding The Flag With Honor
by U.S. Air Force A1C William Neal
February 18, 2026

The Air Force Honor Guard traces its origins to 1948, shortly after the Air Force became its own branch of service. That year, Headquarters Command directed the formation of a ceremonial unit comparable to those of the other armed services. A ceremonial detachment was established within the 1100th Air Police Squadron at Bolling Air Force Base in September 1948. Over time, the Honor Guard evolved into a distinct unit in January 1972 and continues today at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

That legacy of safeguarding the Air Force’s traditions lives on at installations like Dyess Air Force Base. Honor Guard members here are volunteers from a wide range of career fields, united by a shared commitment to excellence.

Honor Guard training is demanding, requiring hours of repetition in drill, ceremony and flag handling until every movement is executed with precision. Through painstaking practice, movements become second nature, allowing Airmen to perform flawlessly even under emotional circumstances.

“It becomes muscle memory, so you don’t have to think about it as much,” said Airman 1st Class Nickey Phanhsopha, 9th Bomber Generation Squadron aircraft electrical environmental systems specialist and 7th FSS ceremonial guardsman. “You strive to do every movement perfectly.”

Following a two-week training period, Airmen typically serve a six-month rotation on the Dyess Honor Guard, stepping away from their normal responsibilities to represent the Air Force at ceremonies, funerals and official events across 38 counties throughout West and Central Texas. At the conclusion of the six months, guardsmen return to their regular duties, carrying the emotional weight of what they have witnessed while continuing to support the operational mission of the Air Force.

 For many ceremonial guardsmen, the most impactful moments come during military funeral honors. These ceremonies often mark the final salute to a veteran, retiree or active-duty service member and the responsibility weighs heavily on those entrusted to perform them.

“Handing off the flag to a family member and letting them know we’re here for them is something I am honored to do,” remarked Airman 1st Class Bradley Belizaire, 7th Civil Engineering Squadron structural apprentice and 7th Force Support Squadron ceremonial guardsman. “It’s an unforgettable experience that I will forever cherish.”

Witnessing grief up close can be challenging, particularly during funerals involving families. Members of the Honor Guard are trained to manage the emotional weight of these moments while maintaining professionalism. Guardsmen say the balance between composure and compassion is central to the Honor Guard mission, and the presence of uniformed Airmen during these moments reassures grieving families that their loved one’s service will be remembered.

“For the family to see that the Air Force has not forgotten them is really meaningful,” said Airman 1st Class Jovel Galindo, 7th FSS human resources advisor and ceremonial guardsman. “We are here for you. We are here for your family.”

Galindo recalled a moment that left a lasting impression on him, highlighting the universal language of respect demonstrated through Honor Guard traditions.

“I remember a dignified arrival for a member who had just passed away, and that one really stayed with me,” said Galindo. “I could hear their mom crying in Spanish and I understood her very clearly.”

Though the ceremonies may appear silent to observers, the message they convey is powerful. Whether honoring a fallen Airman, a retiree or a veteran who served decades ago, the mission remains the same: rendering honors with dignity, precision and respect.

For the Airmen of the Dyess Honor Guard, each detail is a reminder of the responsibility they carry and the legacy they uphold. In their silence, they speak volumes, ensuring that service, sacrifice and honor are never forgotten.

U.S. Air Force | Air National Guard | U.S. Air Force Gifts | U.S. Department of War

Our Valiant Troops | I Am The One | Veterans | Citizens Like Us