US Air Force,
WASHINGTON: Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team members from here revealed their newly choreographed routine in front of a large crowd Feb. 21 at bustling Union Station in downtown Washington.
The crowd came to a standstill and watched as the drill team's public event opened the 2008 performance season.
The new routine will be used throughout the year as the team travels across America to recruit, retain and inspire Airmen and civilians.
“This routine is longer and more difficult than our previous performance,” said Capt. Joshua Hawkins, the drill team commander. “We spent a very intense month at Maxwell (Air Force Base, Ala.) preparing, practicing and perfecting this performance and I know the team was excited about the chance to finally unveil it today.”
The team spent all of January and into February at Maxwell AFB not only practicing the new routine but also working on teamwork and physical conditioning. As one of several key Air Force-level communicator teams, the Airmen also focused on tactics of the Air Force's strategic message. Upon their return, team members said they were glad their first performance would be in front of their friends and family in Washington. Next, the team will perform at the Air Force's four-star conference in Washington and then set out on a weeklong tour throughout Chicago-area high schools in March to support Air Force Recruiting Service.
The team plans to visit more than 70 major events for the Air Force and travel nearly 130 days of this year including performances at each Air Force week city, and to represent the Air Force at major sporting events such as the NCAA Men's Final Four and NASCAR races with the Air Force-themed race car.
“The Air Force has affirmed our Airmen's critical role in defending our nation,” Captain Hawkins said. “We've placed emphasis on showing the Air Force's mastery of our domains in air, space and cyberspace. So this year we set out for our drill to embody just how Airmen do that. This year's performance truly underscores how effective personal discipline, combined with quality training, produces limitless results.”
“Seeing the reaction today, I'd say the hard work of training was worth it,” said Staff Sgt. Jason Martin, the drill team head trainer. “What you will see from us, this year, is a much more intense performance than in years past, and I hope everywhere we go, we spread the Air Force's story just as well as we did at this year's unveiling.”
