Military funeral honors: a true demonstration of honor, respect

The lessons of honor, character and respect that are learned in a JROTC program are perhaps most evident when cadets participate in Military Funeral Honor Detail.

Once a month, a small group from Hesperia High’s Air Force JROTC unit travel to Riverside National Cemetery to provide such services to the men and women who served our nation.

“All ROTCs are big on community service,” said Lt. Col. Gene Doremus, who heads the Scorpion unit.

Recently, a group performed the service for Eldon E. Guggenmos, 84, a close family friend of Marshall Saunders, a Hesperia High JROTC cadet. Several cadets performed a 3-volley gun salute. But the most important part of their duties included the careful folding of the U.S. Flag, which was presented to Guggenmos’ widow, Mary R. Guggenmos.