McChord Field Honor Guard

McChord Field honor guard group photo

Our Mission
We will, with an unwavering sense of dedication, precisely execute military honors for active duty, retirees, veterans and the flag. We will exceed the standards of conduct while demonstrating the highest level of commitment.

The McChord Field Honor Guard serves a distinct mission under unique conditions from performing military honors to presenting colors throughout the Pacific Northwest. Members of the Honor Guard perform their ceremonial duties in addition to their primary Air Force specialty. The McChord Field Honor Guard is comprised of Airmen from the 62d Airlift Wing and 627th Air Base Group.

Ceremonies and Functions
The Honor Guard's goal is to emulate the USAF Honor Guard while providing military funeral honors. We also perform at official military functions and off-base civic events. The paragraphs below describe these functions in more detail.

Military Funeral Honors

McChord Field honor guard members fold a flag over a casket during a funeral

Military funeral honors are our paramount responsibility. The U.S. Air Force provides military funeral honors to veterans, retirees, and active duty service members as prescribed by public law.

Any service member honorably discharged after six months of service in the U.S. Air Force/Army Air Corps and considered to be in veteran status is entitled to the Veterans Funeral Honors, to include folding and presenting the United States burial flag and the playing of "Taps." Veterans Funeral Honors are performed by a two-man team.

Retired U.S. Air Force/Army Air Corps will receive the standard funeral honors service. This detail consists of a pall-bearing sequence, a six-man flag fold, a three-volley rifle salute, and the playing of "Taps." After this sequence is completed, the flag will be presented to the next-of-kin. Three expended shell casings may be presented to the next-of-kin upon request.

Active-duty deaths or anyone deserving of full honors will receive a ceremony performed by twenty guardsmen; consisting of six pallbearers, seven firing party members, four color guardsmen, one bugler, one non-commissioned officer in charge of the firing party, and one officer in charge of the detail. Twenty-one expended shell casings may be presented to the next-of-kin upon request.

Interment flags are generally provided by the servicing funeral home and can also be order through your local post office via the Interment flag request form.

Funeral Honors Request
Interment Flag Request

Colors Team

A McChord Field honor guard color team presents the American flag and Air Force flag during a ceremony

The Colors Team displays and guards the U.S. flag and U.S. Air Force flag. State and other national flags may also be carried. Our Colors Teams presents the colors during the playing of the National Anthem for both Air Force and civilian community events.

These teams generally consist of four individuals. The two rifle guards at the ends of the formation serve as protectors of the colors, which are carried by the two individuals in the middle. The individual on the right carries the Nation's flag and the other carries the Air Force flag. This tradition dates back to the origins of warfare.

Typical military functions include change of commands, retirements and awards ceremonies. Civic functions include parades, sporting events, and other public events. Colors may be presented or posted in place.

On-Base Colors Request
Public Event Request
Retirement Script

POW/MIA Table Ceremony

An honor guard team performs a POW/MIA Table Ceremony

The POW/MIA Table Ceremony is a solemn ceremony created by the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia. It is held to remind us of our fellow Americans who are prisoners of war (POW) or missing in action (MIA). These teams consist of four members, one representing each branch of service (five to include the Coast Guard during times of war). This ceremony is usually conducted at formal military and civilian events including or accompanied by formal dining.

The McChord Field Honor Guard has a complete POW/MIA kit available for check out upon request.

POW/MIA Ceremony

Flag Fold and Related Functions

Our team performs two person and six person flag folding details. Specials events may include the folding of our Nation's flag. This includes Air Force retirements and civic functions for schools and public ceremonies. The Honor Guard also performs flag raising and lowering details for base and civilian events.

Flag Folding Instructions
Retirement Script

Saber Team

Saber cordons may be used at official Air Force awards ceremonies to recognize nominees/winners. Saber cordons will only be used for official Air Force ceremonies. Typical events include military weddings and award banquets.

The McChord Field Honor Guard will provide training and equipment to individuals requesting cordons.

On-Base Colors Request
 

Contact Us

Scheduling: (253) 982-2700
Fax: (253) 982-9209
Email:

627FSS.FSOHG.HonorGuard
@us.af.mil

After hours: (253) 307-8386

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

McChord Field Honor Guard brochure

Counties Covered

The McChord Field Honor Guard has an area of responsibility covering the following counties in Washington and Oregon.

Washington:
Chelan, Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, Yakima

Oregon:
Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler, Yamhill  

Honor Guard Charge

Hand-picked to serve as a member of the McChord Field Honor Guard, my standards of conduct and level of professionalism must be above reproach, for I represent all others in my Service.

Others earned the right for me to wear the Ceremonial Uniform, one that is honored in rich tradition and history. I will honor their memory by wearing it properly and proudly.

Never will I allow my performance to be dictated by the type of ceremony, severity of the temperature, or size of the crowd. I will remain superbly conditioned to perfect all movements throughout every drill and ceremony.

Obligated by my oath, I am constantly driven to excel by a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication.

Representing every member, past and present, of the United States Air Force, I vow to stand sharp, crisp, and motionless, For I AM a Ceremonial Guardsman!