HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Air Force Materiel Command officials recently selected a Patriot Honor Guard noncommissioned officer as the command’s 2023 Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year.
Tech. Sgt. Mourice McDuffie oversees operations, logistics, and manpower for the Patriot Honor Guard, which serves seven states and covers more than 78,000 square miles.
“I am honored to have served as the interim superintendent for most of my time with the Patriot Honor Guard,” said McDuffie. “By paying final respects to our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, it brings a sense of pride to what we do.”
While in this role, McDuffie initiated an honor guard awards program to recognize top performers for hard work and dedication. His efforts boosted color guard operations by more than 85%.
In the nomination, the FSS commander highlighted McDuffie’s role in securing pay benefits for honor guard augmentees.
“Sergeant McDuffie initiated contact with Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations to recoup 314-man day allocations, resulting in nearly $82,000 in dispersed pay for Air National Guard and Air Reserve Command members earning him a base level quarterly award,” wrote Maj. Erica Peat, 66 FSS commander, in the nomination.
When asked to discuss his command-level award, McDuffie acknowledged the team around him.
“The accomplishment feels surreal, but it could not be achieved without such a great team,” he said. “Our partnering honor guard teams, part-time volunteer augmentees, and local ceremonial guardsmen made me glad to be a part of this mission.”
Reflecting on his tenure leading the Patriot Honor Guard, McDuffie said one thing stands out.
“I am so proud of the camaraderie the teams have shown throughout the region while accomplishing the mission,” he said.
Peat credited McDuffie’s leadership in the squadron’s selection as the AFMC Maj. Gen. L. Eubank Small Installation of the Year for 2023.
“Sergeant McDuffie directed 2,400 military funeral honor ceremonies over the 78,000 square mile area of responsibility, and refined detail request procedures for 38 regional staff members, contributing to the selection for the Maj. General Eubank award,” she wrote in the nomination.
McDuffie said he will miss the Patriot Honor Guard, he will use the skills gained during his two years with the unit as he pursues future endeavors.