AF Honor Guard Drill Team connects with Warriors of the North Published May 15, 2008 By Maj. Shane Balken 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- With rifles and fixed bayonets in hand, 27 members of the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team showed what eight to ten hours of practice, five days a week, will do for your precision and military bearing. The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performed here Tuesday to a crowded house that watched and cheered as M-1 rifles spun, flipped, and were tossed over-head from person to person. The Air Force's premier honor guard made its way through North Dakota last week stopping at Minot AFB and local high schools, including the youth center here, along the way to perform their impressive routine. Staff Sgt. Adam Clonick, a four-year member of the Air Force Honor Guard, said anytime they visit a high school there is always interest from students. "It [the performance] piques their interest. We talk to students afterwards and they are always curious about the precision of our performance and what it takes to be in the honor guard," said Sergeant Clonick. Most members of the drill team are not far removed from their high school days with only three to four years on active duty, which makes the performances at high schools that much more important for recruiting. "We know without a doubt that the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team has a positive effect on recruiting," said Lt. Col. Sean McKenna, chief of public affairs for the Air Force Recruiting Service. "We work closely with them in scheduling large-scale events such as NASCAR or NFL games and then within days of a high-visibility performance they will visit local high schools. It's impressive for students to watch these young airmen on national television and then visit with them in their school days later to make a positive connection." The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs across the country upwards of 130 events in a year with the distinct mission to, "recruit, retain, and inspire" Airmen. Capt. Josh Hawkins, commander of the drill team flight, said in addition to the mission he looks at the role of the honor guard as providing awareness of the Air Force. "When I talk with students, one of the things I tell them is to focus on their school work," said Captain Hawkins. "The Air Force is looking for sharp individuals and it's important to do well in math and science, and also work as a team. I always use the sports analogy in that we're just like any sports team. Without teamwork, we couldn't do what we do. Practice, hard work, and supporting your buddy are what it's all about."