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Indiana
Honor Guard: Preserving Military Traditions
By Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana National Guard
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Indiana National Guard Soldiers and
Airmen, ceremonial servicemembers, carry the flag-draped
casket of Congresswoman Julia Carson to lie in state at the
Indiana Statehouse Rotunda, Indianapolis, on December 21,
2007. Carson, 69, lost her battle with lung cancer after a
few months of fighting. She spent her time devoted to the
citizens of Indiana. Photo by Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana
Army
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At numerous
events held in the public eye, a team of dedicated Indiana National
Guard ceremonial Soldiers has a mission to uphold the values and
pride of the military and to sustain the final rights of our
nation’s veterans who have served their country.
This special
group is the Indiana National Guard Honor Guard and they powerfully
symbolize military principle and tradition.
On-call 24 hours
a day, according to Rick Karkowski, state Honor Guard coordinator
and retired Indiana National Guard lieutenant colonel, the Honor
Guard is prepared for
movement at any time.
“We participate
in about 125 events per month on average. A lot of people don’t
realize how much we actually do.”
One goal of the
Honor Guard is to establish lasting relationships and support with
other veteran service organizations, like the VFW and the American
Legion.
“We train and
certify veteran service organization members to assist in carrying
out the final rights of veterans,” said Karkowski.
“I also speak
with funeral directors around the state to let them know that we’re
here to provide our services at no cost,” he continued.
Cost is a
concern Honor Guard coordinators say affect the rights of homeless
veterans who die everyday in hospitals and don’t receive the proper
burial they’re entitled to.
“By law every
veteran is entitled to a military memorial service. It’s not
something we have a choice in; it is mandated,” said Master Sgt. L.
M. Vanarsdale, administrative assistant to the state Honor Guard
coordinator.
Karkowski and
Vanarsdale made clear their mission to make sure every veteran that
dies has a proper military memorial service.
They spoke of
the Department of Defense directive 1300.15., which preserves the
final rights of veterans across the country, activated January 11,
2001.
According to
this directive, Military Services shall provide funeral honors to
any eligible veteran’s beneficiary, consisting of the ceremonial
folding and presentation of the American flag, and the sounding of
“Taps”.
The ceremony
requires that at least two uniformed military members be present in
addition to a bugler if available, civilian or military, and that
the flag be presented by a veteran or servicemember of the parent
service of the veteran.
“There are
benefits that come with being an Honor Guard member,” said Karkowski.
According to
Honor Guard information, members receive a day’s pay or $50,
whichever is greater, for training, preparation and performance with
a minimum two hours on duty. Training or duty can go toward
retirement points. Transportation is provided to the events, and
tailored military dress uniforms are supplied after the completion
of required training.
Karkowski said
there are an estimated 100 Honor Guard Soldiers in nine regions
throughout Indiana,
but there is always room for more to cover the vast area of the
state.
“We can always
use a few more good men and women,” said Karkowski.
If you’re a
Soldier who is looking to make some extra money and credit by taking
part in preserving military values and honoring those who’ve serve
in our country’s Armed Forces, please contact Master Sgt. L. M.
Vanarsdale or Rick Karkowski at: (317) 247-3238 or visit
www.inarng.org/Warrior Resources
for a link to the Honor Guard Web page.
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