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Scott Air Force Base, Ill. – Being part of the U.S. Transportation Command’s color guard “is about being part of something bigger than yourself,” said Master Sgt. Shane Chaffin, U.S. Air Force. Chaffin leads the command’s prestigious color guard, overseeing 18 men and women from all five services who hoist the colors of the United States at noteworthy events across the bi-state region. 

The color guard just launched a new website, making requests for appearances much easier. The website, www.transcom.mil/colorguard/, enables members of the community and the military to easily request the Guard’s participation at events by completing a simple online form.  “The new website is designed to ensure that requesting the Guard’s participation is a simple, seamless process,” Chaffin said. 

The USTRANSCOM Joint Service Color Guard was established in the early 1990s under U.S. Air Force General Ronald Fogleman, USTRANSCOM commander at the time. The guard’s first duty is to support the priorities and agenda of the commander, representing USTRANSCOM at official external events around the St. Louis metropolitan area, including professional football and baseball games.  The guard also represents the command at official internal military functions, including promotions and retirement ceremonies.

“I’m proud of the men and women in our color guard,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Greg Couch, USTRANSCOM chief of staff. “They represent our command to the world and they do a fine job of it. Any military member of the USTRANSCOM team interested in serving in an additional way should consider the color guard.”

Members of the USTRANSCOM Color Guard make a one-year commitment, with their supervisor’s endorsement, and attend weekly practices and events throughout the year. They must also meet standard service-specific fitness qualifications. In turn, the guard provides a free service uniform. After a year of duty, guard members are eligible for a Joint Service Achievement Medal. After two years, they are eligible for a Joint Service Commendation Medal.  “But it’s really not about the personal benefits,” said Chaffin. “It’s about representing the joint face of USTRANSCOM to the world. We posted colors last year at the World Series at Busch Stadium. It feels good to have a hand in that.”

Chaffin said USTRANSCOM servicemembers interested in applying to the color guard should email him at ustc-colorguard@ustranscom.mil, or visit the new website, www.transcom.mil/colorguard/.

“Protecting and upholding the USTRANSCOM standard is an incredible honor,” Chaffin said. “Wherever the USTRANSCOM colors need to be, there we are.”

--Together, we deliver.--

Note: See article on guard member Emily J. McCowan, Naval Information Systems Technician Third Class, by clicking here.