Airmen from the Barksdale Honor Guard practice a hearse arrival sequence on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. The roles of the Honor Guard include conducting memorial services for deceased veterans and retiring personnel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Airmen from the Barksdale Honor Guard approach a hearse to unload a casket on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. During their rotation cycles, Honor Guardsmen practice various details daily in order to keep their skills sharp and present a professional image during events they are called to execute. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
The Barksdale Honor Guard practices removing a casket from a hearse on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. These Airmen train constantly to perfect their role as Honor Guardsmen, practicing drill and ceremony during their rotation, which can last from one to three months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Airmen from the Barksdale Honor Guard practice a retired flag sequence fold on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. The Honor Guard has covered more than 600 events in 2013 including funerals, posting and presenting of colors and retirements. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Members from the Barksdale Honor Guard begin a flag folding procedure on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. Honor Guard Airmen perform a variety of ceremonies to honor veterans and retirees such as retirement ceremonies, promotion ceremonies, service as pall-bearers and public events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Members from the Barksdale Honor Guard begin a flag folding procedure on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. The flag is carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, to signify the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Senior Airman Shawn Morgan , Barksdale Honor Guardsman, awaits the completion of a firing party and TAPS to present the flag to a next-of-kin on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. Honor Guard Airmen prepare for moments like this when strong, military bearing is a necessity. Barksdale's Honor Guard covers a 53,000 square mile area ranging from Texas to Louisiana, covering events from funerals, posting and presenting of colors and retirements. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
Members from the Barksdale Honor Guard practice a three-volley salute on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. A three-volley salute is a tradition which dates back to the European dynastic wars where fighting ceased to collect the dead, and three shots were fired which signaled the battle could resume. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)
2nd Lt. Alexander Sigler, Honor Guard member, is presented a folded flag from Senior Airman Shawn Morgan during a practice ceremony on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 12, 2013. Honor Guard Airmen prepare for moments like this when strong, military bearing is a necessity. It takes anywhere from four to six weeks for new Airmen to become fully Honor Guard qualified. Once trained, they receive their full uniforms and are then eligible to begin performing details. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kristin High)