JAC and UK Joint Service Honor Guards Perform at NFL Game in London

  • Published
  • By Peter G. Park, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
Wembley Stadium, London, England --  For U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Manuel Minjarez it was far more than another JAC Joint Service Honor Guard performance. "The chance to work with our very professional color guard counterparts from the Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Royal Navy and the British Army was a real honor" said the airman who was making his second appearance at a National Football League game in London's Wembley stadium.

The JAC honor guard, which was led by U. S. Army Sergeant Rodney Risher, performed at the New Orleans Saints vs. San Diego Chargers regular season NFL game on Sunday October 26th. The JAC group was specifically requested by the NFL and the promotion company. Hours ahead of the kickoff, the JAC team practiced with their British counterparts and worked out a seamless performance routine.

As the two groups prepared for the performance in a ready room under the stadium they exchanged details on the history of their respective service traditions and uniforms and were surprised at the similarities of the uniforms as they evolved over the years. Marine Corps Sergeant Tyler C. Grey summed up the feelings of the Honor Guard as the time for their performance approached, "I wasn't nervous until we stepped up to go out on the field. It's hard not to get nervous in front of 83,226 screaming fans and knowing you're on international television. The only thing I could think was if we messed-up, everyone and their cousin was going to see it. It was truly an honor to be able to represent the U.S. and the JAC down at Wembley Stadium."

The honor guards from the two nations flanked the stage while the "Star Spangled Banner" was sung by American R&B singer Ne-Yo and "God Save the Queen" was sung by British soul and R&B singer Joss Stone. Meeting the two famous singers was a highlight for Senior Airman Minjarez. Sgt. Risher together with fellow honor guard members Air Force Senior Airman Roy Davis and Navy Seaman Third Class William Noble had the chance to meet the New Orleans Saints Cheerleaders.

It was an eye opener for the JAC members what goes on in putting on an NFL game. Sgt. Tyler added, "I had no idea so much coordination went into a football game. I always thought they just went out there and played. There are so many other people behind the scenes making things happen." 

The JAC Honor Guard performs at official functions throughout the year and recently was chosen to perform at a ceremony for the 90th anniversary of the World War I battle in which then-corporal Alvin C. York won a medal of honor at Châtel Chéhéry, France.