The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association conducted a 1st ever workshop for handling and folding the United States of America Flag on Thursday afternoon, July 21, 2022 at the Gerald H. B. Solomon National Cemetery.
The training event, conducted by Stratton Air National Guard Honor Guard members Master Sergeant Terra Martin and Master Sergeant (ret) Al Moon, focused on observing and practicing Association standards for flag handling & folding techniques while conducting Military Funeral Honors at Saratoga National Cemetery. The workshop scope and objectives validated respective segments of Standard Operating Procedure HG-3, Chapter 3 – Reception of Deceased Veteran, and Chapter 4 – Rendering Military Funeral Honors.
Don Boone introduced the Honor Guard instructors and discussed the workshop scope and objectives, beginning with receiving the Flag at curbside to presenting the folded Flag to the next-of kin. The workshop focal points incorporated demonstration and discussion of Honor Guard flag handling and folding procedures, followed by hands-on training by the attendees.
Fourteen Association members participated in the 90-minute event, accompanied by Cemetery Director Scott Lamb and staff member Candace Osborne. The attendees were: Ernie Dreimiller / Dennis Gaspie / Tim Forbes / Frank Merrill / Bob Reynolds / Bob Haney / Pat Festa / Al Ernst / Karen Whitcomb / Joe Gavaletz / Joe Thatcher / Jim Carero / Steve McCauslin / Don Boone.
The instructors demonstrated each phase of receiving, transporting, holding, unfolding & folding the US Flag, then provided superb tutorial guidance and dialogue as the attendees divided into 2-person teams and practiced various flag holding and folding procedures.
The participants were unanimously thankful and appreciated the expert training from MSgt Martin and MSgt (ret) Al Moon. They both expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to offer guidance and assist in promoting a professional standard and protocol for handling the US Flag during MFH.
Post, photos and video provided by Don Boone, Vice Commander