Honor Guard needs younger veterans to help honor service members as they pass

MOUNT VERNON – In Mount Vernon and the surrounding area, the Joint Veterans Council Military Honor Guard offers service in the final moment to those who have served their country, but the organization needs younger veterans to step up if that service is to continue.

Terrence Walter, Honor Guard recruiting lieutenant commander, recently told the Mount Vernon News about the first funeral where he saw the importance of what the Honor Guard does.

“I think when I saw those faces of family members once the Honor Guard showed up and how they treated their loved ones, I felt such an enormous pride not in myself, but the entire group,” he told the News. 

From that moment, he knew he had to be a part of the work the Honor Guard does.

Walter said he was introduced to the Honor Guard through Gary Fesler, who he met while the two worked with the Escape Zone Youth Center. While Walter is involved in many community organizations, the Honor Guard stands out.

“Nothing gives me such a warm feeling as showing respect to those who have passed or those individuals who receive their country’s flag,” he told the News.

An Army veteran himself, Walter recalled one of the first funerals he attended as a member of the Honor Guard. The service was for a WWII veteran who had never married and who had no family at his graveside.

“But one younger man showed up who told us he had worked for him when he was younger and respected him so much he had to show,” Walter told the News. 

His military family as well, in the person of the Honor Guard, turned out in great numbers, Walter said.

Walter recalled even the small moments, such as the hug he received from the widow of a WWII veteran as Walter presented her with her husband’s flag. 

“I’m sure all of us could tell similar stories, but all of them have been very humbling for each of us,” he told the News.

Yet, as members age and themselves are laid to rest, the Honor Guard needs younger veterans to step up.

“We provide the uniforms, pay mileage so it really only costs a little time — no money,” Walter told the News.

Those interested in serving in the Joint Veterans Council Military Honor Guard or just finding out more can reach out to Walter at 614-679-3852 or 740-392-4168, or by email at mtwalter6@yahoo.com.