Bradley's Honor Guard recognized as program of the year!

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Leon Brown
  • 103rd Force Support Squadron
The 103rd Airlift Wing's Base Honor Guard program was recognized as the Base Honor Guard Program of the Year for the region by Hanscom Air Force Base.

The 103rd Airlift Wing's Honor Guard supports the honor guard program there, as do a number of other Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units all across New England and New York, by providing additional coverage as needed in their individual areas, said Tech. Sgt. David Zelaya, a full-time member of the 103rd Airlift Wing's Base Honor Guard. In return, the units receive funding.

"The award program was developed to recognize the team that provides the best support with the limited resources available," said Zelaya. "Our team competed with Guard and reserve teams from all over New England and New York."

"It takes a good team with high morale to work together and succeed," said Tech. Sgt. Kent Cremer, who helps lead the 103rd Airlift Wing's Base Honor Guard. "This is a team award."
"Our team members exemplify honor with dignity in giving a fellow fallen service member his or her last military rights, without each other we cannot complete the mission," said Cremer.

"As a member for seven years, I have seen the sacrifice individuals have made to make this program as successful as it has become by volunteering for multiple hours ensuring the mission is accomplished," said Tech. Sgt. Zelaya. "While people have come and gone, each member has made vital contributions to make this program as successful as it is, which has led to this recognition."

The team's members also include Senior Airmen Joel Ayala, Leon Brown, Cameron Dunn, Christina Muniz and Leo Otero.

"We have come a long way from initially being a volunteer, part-time-only team, to currently having four full-time members along with assistance from our part-time team members," said Tech. Sgt. Zelaya.