MILLINGTON, Tenn. - A native of Willis, Texas, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Joshua Walker, a 2018 Kate Duncan Smith Daughters of the American Revolution High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
"I joined the Navy to develop a career and education. To better myself physically and mentally," said Walker.
Today, Walker 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.
"To do my best at any given task. Be better than what I was yesterday," said Walker.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"Being able to join the Navy and become the best version of myself. I have been able to do things in the Navy I would never have imagined to be able to do," said Walker.
As Walker and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"I've learned how to push myself. I have learned what teamwork is and that things can be done better together. I have also learned attention to detail and that paying attention truly pays off," Added Walker.
"I joined the Navy to develop a career and education. To better myself physically and mentally," said Walker.
Today, Walker 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.
"To do my best at any given task. Be better than what I was yesterday," said Walker.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.
"Being able to join the Navy and become the best version of myself. I have been able to do things in the Navy I would never have imagined to be able to do," said Walker.
As Walker and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
"I've learned how to push myself. I have learned what teamwork is and that things can be done better together. I have also learned attention to detail and that paying attention truly pays off," Added Walker.