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Tinker agencies say ‘thank you’ to Honor Guard with luncheon

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. O'Brien
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Eleven years ago, 10-year-old Jared Klinger attended the funeral of his maternal grandfather. There, he said he saw Sailors perform military funeral honors and it not only captured his attention, but he wanted to be a part of it. For the past eight months, Airman 1st Class Klinger has fulfilled that dream and is a part of Tinker's Honor Guard, an official ceremonial unit.

On April 13, the Airman and approximately 50 of his peers were recognized for their dedication and service at an appreciation luncheon held in the base chapel's fellowship hall. Coordinated by Charlotte "Charlie" Lewis, Tinker's Caring for People coordinator, and sponsored by Operation WarmHeart, the event offered a paid lunch of fajitas and chips and silly-on-the spot challenges, gift-card giveaways, on-site massages and door prizes.

"We really appreciate what you do," said Master Sgt. Jason Oldenburg, vice president of the First Sergeants Council, which supported the event, during opening remarks. "You're some of our finest Airmen, you go above and beyond. This is our opportunity to show you how much we appreciate you."

Ms. Lewis agreed.

"I believe this event was important to thank the Honor Guard for all that they do for Tinker families," she said. "They give so much of their time to ensure our loved ones are being taken care of in our deepest time of sorrow. The Honor Guard is one of the last groups of people to really show our military members how much we appreciated every sacrifice made. It does not matter if they are still active duty or retired for 50 years. The Honor Guard shows they are not forgotten and deserve to be honored. It is the least we can do for these young people who represent the Air Force in one of the most visible and often thankless jobs."

The Honor Guard's primary responsibility is to represent the Air Force at official and public events, military funeral honors, wreath-laying, and color guard and POW/MIA hat table ceremonies.

"I love the Honor Guard," said Airman Klinger, who has been in the Air Force for nearly three years. "It's the best volunteer option I've made since I've been in."

Tech. Sgt. Kristen Gasaway, Tinker's Honor Guard program manager and member on-and-off for the past 12 years, agreed.

"To me, it's kind of addicting; it's just something I have to do," she said. "I get a lot of fulfillment out of it. For me, it's the right thing to do and I hope someone is there for me when I pass.

Tinker's Honor Guard is comprised of 136 Airmen, 66 of whom are primary members and 70 who support the mission on a volunteer basis. Members are often selected by first sergeants or their commanders.

"This group is absolutely awesome. You probably couldn't pick a better team," said Sergeant Gasaway. "When members are sent to us, we hope they're going to be the best of the best, the cream of the crop and there isn't single member who doesn't make us proud."