Grand Forks AFB Airman chosen for Air Force Honor Guard

Senior Airman Daniel Sellstrom left Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., in April to become a member of the Air Force Honor Guard at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force official photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor, U.S. Air Force graphic/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Grand Forks AFB Airman chosen for Air Force Honor Guard

Senior Airman Daniel Sellstrom, a former member of the Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., Honor Guard, is currently training to become a ceremonial guardsman for the Air Force Honor Guard at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. Airmen of every enlisted rank, and both company and field grade officers, volunteer and are competitively selected from their peers in more than 200 different Air Force career fields to serve in the Honor Guard, making the Honor Guard the standard for discipline and military professionalism. (U.S. Air Force official photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Taylor)

Grand Forks AFB Airman chosen for Air Force Honor Guard

With the U.S. flag in hand, Senior Airman Daniel Sellstrom prepares to lead an Honor Guard colors detail Feb. 21, 2013, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. Sellstrom is currently training to become a ceremonial guardsman for the Air Force Honor Guard at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez)

Grand Forks AFB Airman chosen for U.S. AF Honor Guard

Published April 16, 2013
By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AFB, N.D. -- Grand Forks Air Force Base bid farewell to an Airman who will be taking his skills to the next level as a member of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

Senior Airman Daniel Sellstrom recently left North Dakota to join the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard after serving two rotations with the base Honor Guard here.

The 22-year-old Tucson, Ariz., native is described by his peers as a very sharp and knowledgeable ceremonial guardsman.

"I believe the Honor Guard plays a very important role in the Air Force, giving an honorable burial to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that I may live in a free country," said Sellstrom. "The Honor Guard allows me to help our deceased veterans and their families by paying the proper respect they rightfully deserve."

Serving in the base Honor Guard for a second rotation was surreal for Sellstrom, as he didn't expect it to happen.

"The first time around just wasn't enough for me, I love what I do here," said Sellstrom.
When it comes to the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard however, the selection process is extremely refined to only those worthy enough to be a top tier ceremonial guardsman.

According to their web site, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard is composed of volunteers who are carefully screened. Only those Airmen who are highly motivated and maintain exceptionally high standards of appearance and conduct who show aptitude for ceremonial duty are considered.

"I think the U.S. Honor Guard will help me grow as an Airman and as a person. I will hopefully improve my drill skills and perfect everything I can," said Sellstrom.

Tech. Sgt. Stephanie Rose, Grand Forks AFB's Honor Guard program manager, called Sellstrom an excellent choice for his next assignment.

"With a demand for excellence and pride in this great nation, he is sure to bring with him a shining image of what Grand Forks Air Force Base offers in its quality Airmen," Rose said.

"I love being in the Air Force and doing what I do," said Sellstrom. "I only wish I could be in the Honor Guard for my entire career."

Editors Note: Individuals interested in the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard can learn more at their official website, http://www.honorguard.af.mil/.