A sacred salute shared: Delta proudly carries out the Honor Guard for our fallen servicemen and women

Year-round, Delta people rally in support of those who serve and protect us. At hubs across the country, Delta’s Honor Guard solemnly stands at reverent attention to welcome flights carrying fallen service members on their final flight home. The ceremonious duties of the Honor Guard also include marching with flags from all military branches, including the addition of a branch flag representing the United States Space Force – and reciting a prayer as the decorated casket is unloaded onto a specialized Honor Guard cart that transfers the fallen service member to family, the military, or a final resting place.?

Meet Billy Reynolds, Brian McConnell, Drew Mowenn, and Jerome White, just a few of the amazing Delta Honor Guard members making sure every fallen servicemember makes it to their final rest with care and dignity.??

The dedication and professionalism of the Delta Honor Guard is truly awe-inspiring. They represent the best of the military tradition and uphold the values of loyalty, duty, respect, and selfless service. Although their reasons for joining the Delta Honor Guard may differ, Billy, Brian, Drew, and Jerome are proud to pay tribute to those who have given their lives for our freedom and provide comfort and closure to grieving families. For Drew and Jerome, it was an opportunity to give back to fellow service members and their families. Billy had a personal connection. He decided to join the Delta Honor Guard after they took care of his friend on a final flight home. As for Brian, he said, “I was driving across the ramp one day and saw the Honor Guard caring for a fallen Marine and was moved to tears. Now, despite not having served in the military personally, I now run and coordinate the Delta Honor Guard.”?

These brave men and women stand as a symbol of the unwavering commitment and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. They serve as a reminder to all of us of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military and the importance of honoring their memory. Their presence is also a source of strength and solace during a difficult time, especially for the families of the fallen soldiers.??

“It's tough” Drew said, “Especially for flights that terminate here in Atlanta and hearing the pain in voices of family members. I'm fortunate to have other co-workers and members of my unit that check on my mental health.”? Although it can be difficult handling the emotional aspect of participating in a soldier's final flight home, Billy finds peace in prayer and knowing they are making an impact. Billy said, “I ask God for help with [the emotions] and I know I am making a difference in these people’s life. It hurts to see the loss, but we help these families get their loved one home and that helps them with their loss.”?

While the ceremonies can be challenging and the family’s pain palpable, Billy, Brian, Drew, and Jermone have had some beautiful memories serving to accompany the hard moments. Not only have they met some amazing colleagues through their service, but they’ve also had the opportunity to connect with the families of the fallen. Jermone said one of his fondest memories was, “One morning we had three MIAs arrive all on the same flight one each from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam that was an amazing experience welcoming them all home. Another MIA's family worried nobody would show up for the funeral so some of us went in the pouring rain - the family was so touched it made ever- soaked moment worth it. A passenger took a picture of me and the team and posted it on Facebook. It was found and sent to me I honor it because somebody felt inspired by what we do enough to take the picture and post it.”?

For others, like Brian, the connections are even deeper. Brian said, “The day my oldest son who is active-duty Air Force escorted my dad’s remains through ATL. We have cared for approximately 10,000 fallen over the last 19 years, getting the MIA’s home is very moving as are all, we have had two from the civil war, 10 from WWI, 1,800 from WWII and about the same from the Korean war and a few hundred from the Vietnam war. Very humbling to be able to care for our fallen heroes. I’m proud to have my oldest son in the Air Force, my other two sons are both on the Delta Honor Guard and love working with them.”?

The Delta Honor Guard serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the true meaning of service and sacrifice.??