Dedication to high standards makes Master Sgt. two-time award winner

  • Published
  • By Brittany Reynolds
  • 88 ABW/PA
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  "This is a team award," said Master Sgt. Mark Lyle. "Someone has to stand up front to accept the award, but without my outstanding team, there would be no award--I am blessed to have such a good support system, in both the 445th Airlift Wing and the 88th Air Base Wing."

After competing against all of the Air Force Major Commands, the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force selected Lyle as the 2011 Base Honor Guard Program Manager of the Year for the second time.

He received this award the first time in 2008.

Lyle is an Air Force Reserve Command Honor Guard Program Manager assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing here. In this position, he serves as the superintendent of the 445th Honor Guard and is the liaison between 450 Air Reserve Command Honor Guard members from 12 bases and 125 Active Duty Honor Guard members from WPAFB. Additionally, he serves as the superintendent of the 88th Air Base Wing Honor Guard and is responsible for providing management and oversight for 125 active duty honor guard members.

When asked about his most memorable experience, Lyle recalled his first funeral for two Airmen, one of which was stationed at his duty location. It was during this funeral he realized the immense importance of this duty.

"Everyone deserves to be served flawless military funeral honors, no matter how long you have served. Whether brand new, or retired 20 years, that person has the same right to a flawless ceremony," said Lyle.

He stated that it is his goal to make apparent that each funeral is equally as important, and to ensure that his team executes a perfect ceremony every time. Receiving this award for the second time was humbling for Lyle, but no surprise to him because he credits the dedicated team he has the honor of supervising.

Mentoring young Airmen entering the honor guard, sometimes only 18- or 19-years-old, is what keeps him motivated. After performing approximately 2,500 military funerals and 400 events annually, he knows how important it is to instill the same attention to detail into these young members. He is dedicated to training and guiding his team to continue to be the best.
The Wright-Patterson AFB Honor Guard is currently the most heavily tasked base Honor Guard unit in the Air Force.