Unit pride and esprit de corps reigned April 12 when members of the I Corps Command Honor Guard from Joint Base Lewis-McChord received Congressional Gold Coins for their roles in a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony earlier this year.

Ten members of the Honor Guard performed at a ceremony which honored World War II veterans from the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 100th Infantry Battalion and the Military Intelligence Service Jan. 14. During the ceremony, distinguished veterans were awarded the highest civilian award in the U.S., the Congressional Gold Medal.

Retired Maj. Weldon Lee represented the Seattle Nisei Veterans Committee during the presentation of the coins. He said his committee's foundation was proud to conduct the ceremony for the honor guard.

"It is my esteemed pleasure to be here today to present a token of our appreciation to your I Corps Command Honor Guard who did such a superb job," Lee said during his remarks. "It went beyond everybody's expectations."

Command Sergeant Major John Pack, battalion rear detachment command sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, I Corps, said he was proud of the honor guard Soldiers' efforts during the prestigious January ceremony, and the effort they put in all year long.

"They took part in something that was very significant for veterans that, if you listen to what was said in regards to the experience, wasn't just another typical ceremony," Pack said. "It was a very moving ceremony for the veterans. I felt very privileged to hand the coins out to the Soldiers who were phenomenal. They've done great things throughout the year."

Private First Class Tommy Rodriguez Jr., a 555th Engineer Brigade Soldier serving with the honor guard, said he appreciated having his chain of command in attendance April 12.

"Their support made me very, very proud of my leaders," he said.

Rodriguez is about halfway through his time with the honor guard, which is a one-year commitment. He was selected by his sergeant major over his peers to become part of the honor guard after only a year in the Army.

"I felt great being able to be a part of such a big event," Rodriguez said "I definitely felt proud of myself and my colleagues for doing an excellent job."

Specialist Donovan Dean, an infantryman currently assigned to the honor guard, said he was honored to be selected for the January ceremony and that he was ecstatic to learn details about the veterans who were recognized for their service.

"I felt really honored to do it," Dean said. "I plan to display my congressional coin in the front row of my coin collection at home."

Photo: Spc. Daniel Adams, a member of the I Corps Command Honor Guard, sits proudly during the closing speech of the Congressional Gold Coin ceremony Saturday. The ceremony was held to recognize the honor guard’s contribution to the success of a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony for the World War II veterans. Sgt. Micah VanDyke/28th Public Affairs Detachment