15 July 2008 - Day 3

Tuesday came and brought many new challenges, giving students the opportunity to learn a little bit about every Honor Guard Element.  White Hats worked on basic Honor Guard movements in the morning, and got to try their hand at the Colors Element, learning flag and rifle movements.  Red and Blue Hats focused on the Funeral Element, learning the Bearers Walk, and the proper ways to carry the casket and fold the internment flag.  The afternoon brought the opportunity to learn new rifle maneuvers, the White Hats using their practice rifles for the first time.  In the evening, Lt Col Mayhew conducted a DDR class, emphasizing the importance of the Drug Demand Reduction Program, and its applicability to individuals, families, and communities.

The day also brought some special guests to the Academy.  Four Air Force Honor Guardsmen from Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, DC arrived to instruct the cadets in Colors, Funeral, and Ceremonial/Demonstration.  A previous HGA graduate and current Base Honor Guardsman in Martinsburg, VA came to lend a hand with instruction as well.  But another special treat for the cadets was having Brig Gen Amy Courter, Interim National Commander and Lt Col Ned Lee from Cadet Programs at National Headquarters join us for the day.  They saw the different aspects that the Honor Guard Academy teaches, and even got to try a few of them.  We are very honored to have these special guests join us.