Minot Airman to join AF Honor Guard

Published May 20, 2008
By Senior Airman Cassandra Jones
5 BW/ Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A Minot Airman has been selected to join the ranks of the elite men and women who epitomize the service's three core values: the Air Force Honor Guard.

"At first I didn't even know that officers were allowed on the Air Force Honor Guard, but when Tech. Sgt. Jaime Padre, base Honor Guard noncommissioned officer in charge, mentioned it to me, I thought, 'why not, I'm qualified,' and it would be an honor," said 2nd Lt. Chad Frey, 5th Force Support Squadron food services officer. "So after two telephone interviews and a lot of waiting patiently, I found out that I got the job."

Lieutenant Frey, who is currently deployed in Kuwait, will begin his training to become the Colors Flight commander in mid-July.

"This is awesome!" said the lieutenant. "It instills in me a great sense of pride that I am part of something bigger than myself and I am able to honor those who have served before and with me."

Even though Lieutenant Frey is deployed and unable to meet for a face-to-face interview, he was interviewed during a teleconference and stood out above all the other applicants.

"The competition from across the Air Force was very good this year but Chad stood head and shoulders above all of them," said Lt. Col. Anthony Taylor, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard commander. "I look forward to him being a part of our team."

Training for officers and enlisted alike is at the Honor Guard's headquarters at Bolling AFB and typically lasts two to three weeks, after which members will be stationed at Bolling AFB for 3 to 6 years.