MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A Sunol, California, native completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Airman Benjamin Picard, a 2021 Truckee High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
I joined the Navy because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and serve my country," said Picard. "I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to travel and being able to complete college while I am still serving."
Today, Picard serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.
Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.
According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.
Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand-selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.
The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party.
"The best part of the Navy Ceremonial Guard is the chance we have to lay fellow sailors to rest in Arlington National Cemetery because they deserve an honorable funeral for their service," said Picard.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"My proudest accomplishment would have to be joining the Navy and choosing a better life for myself," said Picard. "I’m proud of many other things as well, such as attending college, traveling the world and maintaining my physical fitness, but I am most proud of my decision to join the Navy."
As Picard and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving in the Navy means I am protecting our country and the freedoms we have here," added Picard. "It also means that I can be confident in my job choice and how I spend my time because it is a job where I have a larger purpose than myself. I’ve learned about how far I can push myself and how to utilize my skills to help a team move towards a common goal. The Navy has also taught me how to move forward with the constant trials we go through."