American Legion, VFW honor guard asking for support from community

Following a recent Veterans Day program on the courthouse square, Buck Martin (right) and Bill Strahl roll up the American flag to transport it back to the American Legion Post. The honor guard uniforms worn by Martin and Strahl have become worn and in need of replacement. Consequently, the group -- which jointly represents both American Legion Post 58 and VFW Post 1550 -- is seeking the community’s financial support to update and maintain its wardrobe.

Banner Graphic/Eric Bernsee

For a solemn event such as a military funeral or a celebration of veterans past and present, an honor guard takes pride in showing its best.

Part of the duty in commending these tributes is being there rain or shine, freezing or humid. Over a period of years, this can take a heavy toll on the full uniforms each volunteer wears, as well as their equipment.

The honor guard which jointly represents both American Legion Post 58 and VFW Post 1550 is now reaching out to the community for financial support to update and maintain their wardrobe.

“We are in desperate need for donations,” Bob Tyler, who heads the honor guard, told the Banner Graphic.

“Our uniforms are just worn out,” Tony Sparks, of the Post 58 Sons of the American Legion, added. “We actually just had a guy whose zipper broke and had to carry it through a service.”

The honor guard attended more than 29 ceremonies last year, including military funerals and demonstrations for Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day, when they perform the annual salute in downtown Greencastle.

Cloverdale has its own honor guard, but connects only through Whitaker Funeral Home. The Greencastle-based honor guard performs salutes for military funerals arranged through both Bittles & Hurt and Hopkins - Rector funeral homes. Military honors are given for veterans of all branches of service.

The honor guard currently has 15 members who volunteer their time, which Tyler said is the most the group has ever had. As such, they are committed to attending services seven days a week as requested.

The honor guard neither receives nor earns any funds, except any donations given from each service it is asked to perform.

Tyler said that any donations would go toward purchasing new custom uniforms, as well as maintaining the M1 Garands which the honor guard must regularly keep in optimal condition.

Ultimately, it is a service of respect and professionalism to the community that both Tyler and Sparks believe is essential in honoring all local veterans and their sacrifices.

“People need to be aware that this service is available so that veterans can get the military honors and recognition they deserve,” concluded Tyler.

Those who may wish to give a donation to the honor guard can send them by mail to Am Legion 58/VFW Honor Guard, 80 Cardinal Rd., Fillmore, IN 46128, c/o Bob Tyler.

For more information about the honor guard, Post 58 and VFW Post 1550, persons may contact either Tyler or Sparks at 246-6954 and 653-7867, respectively.