Steve Ware
Twenty-five club members and Quail Creek residents met on April 24. Our speaker was U.S. Army Specialist (Ret.) and Quail Creek resident Don Callen. Don was a member of the Old Guard, best known as Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Don began by detailing his military career and how he became a member of the Old Guard. It is comprised of several specialty platoons, the Caisson Detachment used to escort certain fallen military members and state funerals, the Continental Color Guard which displays the Colors at numerous parades and ceremonies, the Fife & Drum Corps which maintains the tradition of the use of fifes militarily, the Presidential Salute Battery which fires cannon salutes around the National Capital Region in honor of dignitaries, and finally those guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Don detailed the living quarters that are underground. There are various rooms such as a room dedicated to cleaning uniforms, sleeping quarters, and a recreation room. A plaque is in the rec room listing all who have guarded the tomb. Don explained the work detail of the times the guards walked the tomb, what happens during inclement weather, and how new guards are trained.
Don had brought two shadowboxes containing uniform insignias worn by tomb guards and explained their significance. He took several questions after his presentation.
Our next meeting is July 24 at 3 p.m. in the Madera Clubhouse Gold Room.