Honor Guard Citations
Senior Airman Francis S. Rodgers distinguished herself by outstanding achievement as Ceremonial Guardsmen, Columbus Air Force Base Honor Guard, 14th Force Support Squadron, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. During this period, Airman Rodgers' professional skills and tireless efforts contributed to the flawless execution of the Air Force's ceremonial mission of rendering military honors. She faithfully represented the United States Air Force in military protocol and ceremonial duties covering a 40,000 square mile area of responsibility across two states. Additionally, she dedicated over 200 hours to support and participate in 43 funeral services and formal community functions. Her attention to detail and dedicated commitment to excellence instilled a great sense of pride in fellow Airmen and brought comfort to the families of active duty, retired, and veteran military members in their time of sorrow. The distinctive accomplishments of Airman Rodgers reflect credit upon herself, the Columbus Air Force Base Honor Guard and the United States Air Force.
Staff Sergeant Joseph A Gessert distinguished himself by meritorious service while serving as Executive Aircraft Security Team Member, 811th Security Forces Squadron, 11th Wing, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. During this period, while serving as a Ceremonial Honor Guardsman, Sergeant Gessert supported operations within a 300 mile radius of the National Capital Region and oversaw 80 hours of team training and certification, enabling a team of 16 Honor Guardsmen to complete over ninety funerals, 22 retirement ceremonies, and one dignified transfer of a fallen active duty member to his final resting place. Additionally, Sergeant Gessert deployed for 180 days to Al Dhafra Air Base, U.A.E in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM SENTINEL where he protected ten billion dollars of combat aircraft, resourcess, and base personnel, enabling 3,000 combat sorties and hastening the defeat of ISIS. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Gessert reflect credit upon himself, the 811th Security Forces Sqaudron and the United States Air Force.
Senior Airman Thomas E. Metcalf distinguished himself by outstanding service while assigned to the Air Force Honor Guard, 11th Wing, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington D.C. and 316th Force Support Squadron, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland from XX XXXXXXX to XX XXXXXXX. During this period, Airman Metcalf completed 280 Full Honor funerals, 145 Standard Honors, 77 Pall Bearing honors, 26 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honors, and 13 Air Force Memorial Honors. In addition, he provided honors for the arrival of the Queen of England during her visit to the White House and performed escort duties for the State Dinner for the Queen of England. Moreover, he provided flight line escort services and ensured the safety of over 200 dignitaries including the U.S. President and attendees of the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Finally, while deployed to Dover Air Force Base Port Mortuary, Airman Metcalf supported Operation ENDURING FREEDOM by volunteering to repair transfer cases that saved the Air Force twenty thousand dollars, maintained the dignity of human remains, and assisted in shipping over 300 fallen comrades home with honor and respect. The distinctive accomplishments of Senior Airman Metcalf reflect credit upon himself, the 316th Force Support Squadron and the United States Air Force.
