The Colorado Air National Guard Honor Guard
Established as a functioning unit in 1998, their primary mission is to provide military funeral honors for the families of the Colorado Air National Guard. "To Honor with Dignity" is their motto.
The trademarks of their profession are precision, discipline and perfection. The tools of their trade are our symbols of democracy and freedom. They are charged with paying final respects to our fallen veterans. The Honor Guard's presence and function at a military funeral service is a way to show respect for those men and women who have dedicated their lives to preserve the freedoms we all hold dear.
They are also there to let the families know the Colorado Air National Guard cares. They not only render military honors, but also express to the grieving families, through their reverence and bearing, that their Colorado Air National Guard family is standing with them and that they are not alone as they suffer the pain of sacrifice.
"The duties we perform help to ease the pain of passing that the family members experience. We believe that the "Guard Family" is the most important part of our total team. In providing these services to the families, we hope to express our appreciation of the service and support that they provided to their loved ones and us. We also provide Military Color Details for various organizations throughout Colorado. This allows us to represent our state and country and showcase the Air National Guard as a member of the Total Force Team." Senior Master Sgt. Doug Graham, NCOIC, COANG Honor Guard.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
These are the members of the Colorado Air National Guard's Honor Guard Flight.
Bearing the United States flag is Senior Master Sergeant Doug Graham, the Honor Guard Flight Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. His hometown is Aurora, Colo. Graham has 24 years of military service. He is assigned to the 140th Military Personnel Flight and serves as the Superintendent of the Consolidated Education and Training Office.
Master Sergeant Annadele Kenderes is the Prisoner of War flag bearer and hails from Denver, Colo. She is assigned to the 140th Wing and serves as the Ground Safety Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. Kenderes has 14 years of military service.
Bearing the flag of our great state of Colorado is Technical Sergeant Palmer Turner. Turner is from Aurora, Colo. He is an Electronics Technician assigned to the 140th Maintenance Squadron and is a 14-year veteran.
At Right Rifle Guard is Technical Sergeant Jose Griggs of Elbert, Colo. Griggs is an F-16 Crew Chief assigned to the 140th Aircraft Generation Squadron.
Bearing the Air Force flag is Staff Sergeant Dave Hagans, a 10-year veteran from Elizabeth, Colo. Hagans is assigned to the 140th Maintenance Squadron as an Aircraft Electrician.
The Left Rifle Guard is Staff Sergeant Dave Smith of Aurora, Colo. With 8 years of military service, Smith is the Honor Guard Assistant Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge. He is assigned to the 140th Services Flight.