Armed Forces Honor Guard of Baldwin County is looking for volunteers

DAPHNE, Ala. ( WKRG ) — The last line of their official motto reads, ‘I am a member of the United States Armed Forces Honor Guard.’

And these veterans take their job seriously. They are patriotic and dedicated volunteers with a mission to make sure all veterans receive the honors they deserve in life and in death.

Honor Guard Henry Sowell said, “We were members of the VFW in Fairhope and the Honor Guard was disbanded–and 9 of us got together and decided we still needed to provide a service for our veterans in Baldwin County.”

You’ll see them at the funerals of veterans—many of the services now taking place at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetary in Spanish Fort—where they present the colors and render a three-volley salute. A bugler plays ‘Taps’ as a final tribute to the veteran.

“At the end of every ceremony, we give to the family three shells that represent the rifle volley–and a card that says, ‘three fired cartridges to signify duty, honor and sacrifice.  And it’s just something we give to the families for them to have a lasting memory,” said Honor Guard volunteer Judy Whidbee.

But it’s not all they do. The volunteer Honor Guard members attend various veterans events like parades or school programs. They’ve presented the colors at Baldwin County’s Veterans Court and performed the folding of the flag ceremony for school groups and groups like Quilts of Valor.

Their services have become more in demand with the popularity of the Veterans Cemetary. But now, there are fewer and fewer volunteers to call on for these ceremonies.

“Since 2020 we’ve lost 7 members, actually 8 members, but we’re burying number 8 tomorrow,” said Sowell.

What started as 9 original members now stands at 22 members—but only about 7 who can be called on at any time.  Death and illness are taking their toll on their ranks.

“We’re getting old.  A lot of us have had to be out for surgery or whatever,” said Whidbee.

The group admits part of their problem is purely public relations.  Not a lot of people, particularly veterans who are eligible, know this group exists.

Honor Guard volunteer Lynn Parker added, “Like I said a lot of times we have more ceremonies than we do people—so we need the people to perform the ceremonies.”

So they’re looking for volunteers, to carry on the mission of rendering honors to veterans.

“There’s a certain level of dedication there—and there’s a certain level of ‘I’ve got to have it in my heart to do it.’  It’s not about us–it’s about the veteran and their family,” said Sowell.

So what does it take to join these volunteers?  Simply your DD-214—the document that summarizes a service member’s military record—and an honorable discharge. You can contact the Armed Forces Honor Guard of Baldwin County through their website or Facebook page .

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