Tehachapi News

larger view larger view larger view

“Color Guard…ten hut! Color Guard…mark time! Color Guard…forward harch!”
And so proceeded the Civil Air Patrol Color Guard from Edwards AFB Composite Squadron 84 on Wednesday, Feb. 13, for the after school program at Tompkins Elementary School. The purpose of the presentation was to explain the different movements of the color guard to the children as well as appropriate flag etiquette.

Color Guard Commander and local resident, Cadet SMSgt. Rusty McCullough, issued orders to the color guard, stopping to explain each movement to a hushed audience of kindergarten through fifth grade students. The children were clearly interested as hands popped up like rockets with many questions for Cadet SMSgt. McCullough. The students were then asked to stand with their hands over their hearts as the color guard repeated their performance in its entirety.

After the salute, the students lined up behind the color guard cadets and were instructed on marching techniques and military bearing. The students then proceeded to “march” down the hall in step with their lead cadet.

Following the march, students lined up in front of each cadet to ask a myriad of questions. A favorite question from the young ladies was, “How old are you?” It was noted that two young ladies got back in line repeatedly.

As the color guard was preparing to leave, one student remarked, “The flag is so important. I'm going to be more careful about respecting the flag from now on.” 
Another student commented, “That was great! I want to join CAP when I'm in sixth grade.” 

All interested students were referred to the local squadron in Tehachapi.