The word professional defines the soldiers who serve in the I Corps Command Honor Guard.

"We are the professional representation of the Army," said Sgt. Alex Silva as he sat in the guard's ready room next to a cabinet containing highly shined belt buckles. "We are what the public sees."

The measured steps, the immaculate uniforms and the precise movements are standard procedure for the unit.

In keeping with military tradition and the promotion of exceptionally high standards, the Honor Guard remains an icon of excellence as reflected by the personal and professional conduct of those who serve in its ranks.

Thirteen soldiers serve in I Corps' Honor Guard.  Their tour of duty is one year in length.

"They are the very best of the very best," said Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Nowlin, the unit's leader. "Having the privilege to serve in this capacity is a reward to a good soldier; it is a recognition from the brigade to represent the brigade and the corps."

Each year, the I Corps Command Honor Guard participates in hundreds of local and regional events to include Memorial Day observances, Veterans Day celebrations, Armed Forces Day activities, Flag Day, community parades, and military ceremonies.

"We stay very, very busy," mentioned Sgt. Dakarai Davis as he looked over his neat and tidy desk.  "Spring and summer are the busiest times with all the parades and events we participate in; they allow us to really promote this command and the Army."

When not participating in a civic or military event, the guard practices.

On the floor of the room were various weights.  Each member of the unit has to be physically strong and able to stand stock still for long periods of time.

"We train before a performance and after a performance," said Spc. Rodolfo Jimenez.

"All eyes are on us when we are in public."

A quick glance at the wall calendar behind Davis' desk revealed a busy May ahead of the group.

"We are on-call seven days a week," said Davis.

But for each soldier, the chance to represent the Army and the sense of professionalism that characterizes their service is worth the sacrifices the duty requires.

"The toughest part of this duty is going home," said Spc. Ronnie Quarles as he cleaned an already clean M-1 Garand. "I love this job; it has given me so much more pride in the Army and what we stand for."

That comment made Spc. Trevor Lauffenberger smile.

"There is no doubt about the teamwork and unit cohesion that unites us," he said. "But holding the Army flag with its 184 campaign ribbons on a windy day is definitely not easy."

Wind, heat, snow and rain aside, each soldier in the I Corps Command Honor Guard knows the value of the mission.

It is spelled out on the tab each member wears - Honor Guard.