The Honor Guard at Dobbins Air Reserve Base was organized in 1989 when a few dedicated Air Force Reservists wanted to provide a necessary service to their base and community. These volunteers devoted countless hours, receiving no pay and little recognition, perfecting their training in order to maintain a sharp appearance and to execute crisp, detailed movements.

In the past, the Honor Guard has rendered flag honors for the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics, Crime Victims Advocacy Council, Atlanta Braves, various schools, churches and conferences and even participated in the joint service presentation at the 1996 World Olympics. Today the team is invited to participate in a variety of events that include presenting the flag, posting and retiring the colors, marching in parades, providing saber teams and interacting with other branches of the armed forces.

On 1 October, the Honor Guard at Dobbins Air Reserve Base accepted a new challenge: To pay honor and respect to those fallen comrades who have served before us. With the passing of WWII, (the greatest mobilization of armed forces), and Korean War retirees and veterans at hand, the demand for military honors has escalated. In support of the active duty at Robins Air Force Base, Dobbins reservists have pioneered a new program and joined in the privilege of providing those individuals and their families with the honors they sincerely deserve. Many times when they see a member in uniform it provides them with the closure to that members life that is so essential to the healing process.

The joint area of responsibility for Robins Air Force Base and Dobbins Air Reserve Base is approximately 70,000 sq. miles, which includes Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Effective 1 January, Congress has said that ALL honorably discharged veterans will receive a minimum of three persons for their funeral. This is in addition to Retirees receiving a 10-person team and active duties allocation of a 21-member team. Congress has also mandated that no Honor request shall be rejected! Since that time Dobbins Honor Guard taskings have increased 79%.

Currently, there is a team of 8 individuals on continuous orders, with an additional 6 on call. The projected goal of the Honor Guard is to have 2 teams of 10 individuals on continuous orders, trained and ready to perform by 1 October 2000, and 4 teams of 10 by 1 Oct 2001. A challenging and exciting task for members of the reserve.

Although we look to have members on continuous MPA orders, home unit mission requirements remain a priority. It is the mission of the Active Duty to provide military honors, we as reservists are augmentees providing continuity, wisdom and experience. Aside from the Air Force Honor guard, active duty Base Honor Guard members rotate every 90-days. Per the MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) between the active duty and reserves, the Honor Guard Operating Instruction and the Honor Guard application, every Honor Guard member is responsible for performing scheduled UTAís, annual tours and any other training their unit has scheduled. This allows the members to remain proficient in their career field and also ensures ratings remain unchanged.

It is with great pride that Dobbins Reservists participate in a ceremony that is the final demonstration of the nationís deepest gratitude to those who, during times of war and peace have faithfully defended our country.