USAF Honor Guard performs on 'World's Stage'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nichelle Anderson
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
EDINBURGH, Scotland --  The United States Air Force Honor Guard drill team is participating in The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland Aug 7-29.

"As tattoo first-timers, the attendance of USAF Honor Guard marks the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom with a dynamic display of precision drill."

Twenty members of the U.S. Honor Guard Drill team traveled to the United Kingdom to represent the USAF and the Department of Defense as the only branch of military service from the U.S. performing in the tattoo.

"Performing at the tattoo, in front of thousands of people is surreal," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Sellstrom, USAF Honor Guard Drill Team member. "This will probably be the highlight of my career because I know that once I leave the Honor Guard, I won't get an opportunity like this again.

During the tattoo, the Honor Guard showcased precision, excellence and dedication while overcoming challenges as they performed regardless of the weather conditions.

"Before we went out, we could see the rain through the blinds and it was nerve-racking," said Airman 1st Class Rigby Carter, USAF Honor Guard Drill Team member." "But, once we got in front of the crowd, I could feel it; it was electric, it was motivating, we went out there and we killed it."

"It is unheard of for us to drill in the rain," said Staff Sgt. Alexander Wilson, USAF Honor Guard Drill Team NCO-in-charge of training.  "We usually cancel a show but we are here to represent the Air Force and perform on the world's stage and that's exactly what we are going to do."

This year's theme is, "East Meets West: a celebration of the richness of international culture and the creative spirit of human endeavor."

"The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo places Scotland on the world stage, showcasing our rich cultural heritage to thousands of people across the world," Fiona Hyslop, Scotland's Cultural and External Affairs cabinet secretary said.

The 66th production of the tattoo welcomes more than 220,000 spectators from around the world for a span of over three weeks.

The event includes 17 acts for 25 performances and welcomes more than 1,390 performers from the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada. The show features Bollywood dancers from India, the Military band of the People's Liberation Army of China, the Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, the Royal Air Force and Queen's Colour Squadron Mass Band and more.

"It has been an amazing, one-of-a kind experience," said Master Sgt. Tameki Woods, USAF Honor Guard Drill Team superintendent. "Our mission means more here because we are able to interact with different military units from various countries around the world."

The mission of the USAF honor guard is to represent Airmen to the American public and the world. The vision of the USAF Honor Guard is to ensure a legacy of Airmen who: promote the mission; protect the standards; perfect the image; and preserve the heritage.

"This is our Olympics and we're here to represent our country to the world," said Staff Sgt. Alfredo Caballero, USAF Honor Guard Drill Team supervisor.

As one of the U.S. Air Force's oldest organizations, service members from the honor guard represent all Airmen, past and present. They also serve the Chief of Staff of the Air Force as the face of the Air Force to the American people and global public.

For more information about the USAF honor guard visit their website at www.honorguard.af.mil.