The profound bond of military service at Veterans Day was shared Nov. 10 by members of the Patrick Air Force Honor Guard with elderly veterans at a flag-folding ceremony at the Zon Beachside Assisted Living Community in Indian Harbour Beach.
The small but respectful “secondary event” was part of a very busy week for the honor guard, which fills its ranks utilizing a Total Force Concept, meaning Air Force team members are comprised of Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard, and each member is hand-selected by their unit before attending a comprehensive two-week indoctrination course. Upon completion, that member is assigned to an active flight and enters continuous training to perform Military Funeral Honors (MFH) as well as secondary events.
In 2016, the full PAFB Honor Guard performed about 1,200 Military Funeral Honors and 176 secondary events. “Honor Guard members are held to a very high standard of conduct and professionalism. All members are motivated and chose to be part of an organization that serves our nation with dignity and respect,’’ said Lori O’Donley, chief of media engagement, 45th Space Wing Public Affairs.
The Zon ceremony, smaller than the full honor guard, featured a flag-folding ceremony by MSgt Jessica Skinner, a non-commissioned officer In charge of base honor guard, and MSgt Mark Victor, Ceremonial Guardsman, and ending with Taps played by David Glick from Buglers Across America.
The event was coordinated and sponsored by VITAS Healthcare, a national hospice provider contracted with Zon. VITAS locations have partnered with Patrick for years, mostly around Veterans Day, at area assisted-living communities and skilled nursing facilities, said Claudia Quintana, VITAS public relations director.
“This week alone we held 20 events in our communities,’’ she said.
The solemn event, capped by certificates, pins and an authentic star from an American flag, began with a rousing sing-a-long. It started with “My Country Tis Of Thee,’’ “America the Beautiful,” “His Truth is Marching On,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “This is My Country” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” and ended with the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Intermittent sunshine during the event lit faces pleasantly smiling when their particular branch of the service was mentioned. The ladies who served also were recognized by being pinned with red corsages. Other uniformed reserve officers from the Army also were on hand to help mark the occasion.
