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GREENFIELD – The Hancock County Veterans Honor Guard is used to getting phone calls about funerals and respectfully thanking longtime members of the military for their service.
But a phone call earlier this fall asked them to honor a new member of the U.S. military— and they were grateful for a brand new way to thank a hometown hero.
Ronnie Aguilar had a Navy Boot Camp Farewell Party Sept. 22. Mom Tasha King-Aguilar had heard from a Navy support group on Facebook that sometimes, honor guards will celebrate those entering the military.
She called the Hancock County office of the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, and sure enough she was put in contact with the local guard. They were glad to make an appearance, and even honored him with a flag that had been flown over Greenfield’s Hancock County Veterans Memorial Park.
It was the first time the honor guard had been asked to celebrate a new member of the military.
“That was the very first one,” said Mike Davis, a member of the guard. “It was different, but I think it’s kind of a nice tradition. There’s no reason the Honor Guard can’t honor someone who’s going in to serve the country too.”
There were four honor guard members who came, and also several Navy veterans in attendance.
“We told sea stories and had four of us there, two of them were Vietnam vets. We were telling them what the boot camp experience was when he went through it and how different it is maybe today,” Davis said. “All in all, it was a nice little celebration to send him off and help him feel good about what he’s going to do. And that’s something he’ll always remember.”
While Ronnie Aguilar couldn’t be reached for comment—he’ll be in boot camp until December—mom Tasha King-Aguilar couldn’t be more proud.
She hosted the party so family and friends could wish him well in his journey.
Having four members of the honor guard present was certainly the icing on the cake.
“They were super excited to participate,” she said. “They said they only usually get invited to funerals, but would love to do this and keep it going in our community. I truly believe they were honored to participate and they loved participating in something good and happy, not sad like a funeral.”
Ronnie is her first-born son, and she felt scared, nervous, happy and so proud when he decided to join the Navy.
“When the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard presented Ronnie with the flag, I cried,” she said. “My heart swelled with love and pride bigger than it ever has.”
To learn more about the honor guard or support services for veterans, contact the Hancock County Department of Veterans Affairs, 317-462-8767. To request the honor guard at a similar boot camp celebration ceremony, call Davis at 904-705-3212.
