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Friends devote decades to Honor Guard

November 11, 2019

Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page

Staff Sgt. Darrell Bactad and Tech. Sgt. Mark Crabbe, 204th Airlift Squadron information managers, gather to practice Honor Guard movements Oct. 4, 2019, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The two friends have performed military ceremonies side-by-side in the Hawaii Air National Guard Honor Guard team since the early 2000s. Crabbe became an honor guardsmen in 2001 and Bactad joined in 1999, when the unit was established. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

It’s almost a universal phenomenon, knowing that some of life’s best experiences seem to come-and-go at the blink of an eye. Teenagers create unforgettable friendships and memories over a few short years in high school, as do some young adults who pursue a college education. Perhaps it’s even rarer for people to work side-by-side for decades on end. Two such friends in the Hawaii Air National Guard found just that while serving in a prestige organization, which spanned the greater half of their careers – as members of the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) Honor Guard.

Unlike the most common Honor Guard participants, who serve for a portion of their time in their twenties, Tech. Sgt. Mark Crabbe and Staff Sgt. Darrell Bactad started their time in their 30’s and remained active well into their 50s. Together, they performed in numerous memorial ceremonies, military observances and community outreach events.

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