AF Honor Guard drill team shows Team Hurlburt how it’s done

  • Published
  • By Amber Callan
  • Public Affairs
Hurlburt Field, Florida --  Sixteen hand-selected men perform sequences filled with dangerous stunts. They spin rifles at 40 mph mere inches from their face and use precise timing in all their movements. 

Your applause doesn't break their concentration, for they are, according to Staff Sergeant Taurean Lennon, "the Air Force's best, the Air Force Honor Guard Drill team." 

On July 12, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team arrived at Hurlburt Field and performed for the public. 

The drill team showcased different sequences unique to the Air Force. In one particular sequence, drill team member Capt. Joshua Hawkins walked up and down the line of men as they spun their weapons. The team also performed the double spin and other complex maneuvers in tight formations to give a stunning performance. 

"Their precision and accuracy was outstanding," said Chief Master Sergeant Diane Hawthorne, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group. "It gave me goose bumps. I couldn't ask for better ambassadors for the Air Force." 

Senior Airman Joshua Wolfram,1st Special Operations Component Main-tenance Squadron, said, "It was flawless. They must practice every day." 

According to Senior Airman Dustin Lovett, three-and-a-half year drill team member, the team practices five days a week for 6-8 hours a day. On top of that, they are away from home for 4-6 months to perform, recruit and train. The team is stationed at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington D.C. 

After their performances at Hurlburt Field, the team is heading back up to Bolling for more training. 

"We were talking to a drill team member and they said the team was on the road a lot. I'm jealous," said Airman Wolfram. "They're outstanding!" 

"It was beautiful," said Tech. Sgt. Jerome Bridges, 1st Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron. "I've done drill team for Hurlburt Field, but I would definitely consider joining."