167th AW Base Honor Guard

07/07/2023

Independence Day Parade in Shepherdstown, WV, sponsored by the Shepherdstown Rotary Club. Participating members: SSgt Caley Arndt, MSgt Geoffrey Blankenship, SSgt Craig Alexander, SrA Elizabeth Casteel. -Photos credit: DH PhotoStudios

11/18/2022

MSgt Justin Bird and SSgt Caley Arndt celebrate Veterans Day with local Cub Scout Pack 13

11/17/2021

167th Plane Talk Article November 2021

11/12/2021

Master Sgt. Justin Bird and Senior Airman Caley Arndt from the 167th Airlift Wing participate in the Honor Guard flag-folding ceremony at Thursday’s Veterans Day program at the Rotary Club of Martinsburg.

MARTINSBURG – Veterans around the Eastern Panhandle were celebrated on Thursday, including at the Rotary Club of Martinsburg, with a program that featured six presentations.

11/07/2021

08/17/2021

Editor’s note: The Journal’s Unsung Heroes series spotlights a local veteran each Monday from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. If you would like to nominate an Unsung Hero, email [email protected].

12/18/2020

Driven to excel by a deep devotion to duty and a strong sense of dedication. Thank you for your service.

Help us recognize our 167th December Spotlight: Tech. Sgt. Travis Hall

Tech. Sgt. Travis Hall is the dedicated crew chief of aircraft 96-006 for the 167th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He serves full-time at the 167th Airlift Wing. He is also a long-standing member of the base honor guard, he was selected as the 167th AMXS non-commissioned officer of the year in 2019, and he is an assistant first sergeant for his squadron.

Hall’s supervisor Master Sgt. Daniel Wean, 167th AMXS flight chief, describes Hall as the epitome of a U.S. Air Force NCO.

“He is a quintessential leader, unrivaled mechanic, and superlative trainer,” Wean said. “His attention to detail, dedication to the mission, and commitment to fitness standards proved him with the perfect tools to be a leader into the next generation.”

How long have you served in the unit: 14 Years.

How does your job support the 167th’s mission: Being the dedicated Crew Chief of aircraft 96-006, I directly provide a safe and reliable aircraft to accomplish our wing’s worldwide mission.

Education: Half way completed Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice

Hobbies: Hiking, camping, shooting guns, fitness, wood working, and spending time with my family and friends.

Goals: Have my house paid off by retirement age and live a long healthy life.

I am proudest of: My daughter Evelyn.

People may be surprised to know this about me: I fell into a bonfire six years ago and lost use of my right arm for a month due to a pinched nerve.

The most exciting thing I’ve done in the military is: Traveling all around the world.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned throughout my career: Step outside the box and get uncomfortable

My advice to the newest Airmen in the wing: When life knocks you down, always get back up.

Congratulations Tech. Sgt. Hall!

11/10/2020

MSgt Justin Bird and TSgt Travis Hall work with the local Cub Scout Pack 13 to help them earn their Merit Badge in US Flag folding.

06/27/2020

“Duty, Honor, and Country”.

Members of the 167th AW Base Honor Guard practiced firing three rounds in perfect unison honoring the fallen.

Historically, three volleys of rifle fire were fired to indicate that the casualties had been cared for in a combat environment, and that the fighting could resume. As time passed, these volleys became an official military custom that survives to this day.

01/14/2020

If any of you have ever been to a military funeral in which taps was played; this brings out a new meaning of it.

Here is something Every American should know.
We in the United States have all heard the haunting song, 'Taps...' It's the song that gives us the lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Elli was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia . The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, Captain Elli heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment..

When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead.

The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army.

The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted.

The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral.

The request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate.

But, out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician.

The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.

This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps' used at military funerals was born.

The words are:

Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh

The Bugler is a necessary and crucial component to military funerals as well as other Air Force ceremonies. The 167th Air Wing Base Honor is honored to play live ‘Taps’ at military funerals. Thank you TSgt Geoffrey Blankenship for all you do!!

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12/18/2019

MSgt Justin Bird participated in Wreaths Across America on December 14, 2019. Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath­-laying ceremonies at more than 2,100 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.