
0344
Brad Lawing
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
2ndHighest Military Rank
Lieutenant ColonelTomb Dates
Jun 1988 - Oct 1989Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Marion, NCCurrent City / State
Camden, SCTomb Reflections
The best moments were when there was no one there except you and the Unknowns. That is what is was all about.Units & Campaigns
1st PLT, Co B, 3d IN RegimentTUS, Co E, 3d IN Regiment
Co B, 1/116th IN, 29th IN DIV
4th PLT, Trp E, 2 ACR Co H, 2
HHC, JRTC and HQ Fort Polk
HHC, 3d IN DIV
HHT, 3-7 CAV, 3d IN DIV
Trp B, 3-7 CAV, 3d IN DIV
Trp O, 3/16 CAV, USAAC
Trp N, 3/16 CAV, USAAC
HHC, 1 CAV DIV
JAMSD, ARCIC, TRADOC HQ
Awards & Decorations
Bronze Star MedalMeritorious Service Medal (w/3 OLC)
Joint Service Commendation Medal
Army Commendation Medal (w/2 OLC)
Army Achievement Medal (w/6 OLC)
Army Good Conduct Medal
National Defense Service Medal (w/1 BSS)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal (w/3 BSS)
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Armed Forces Service Medal
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon
Army Reserve Component Overseas Training Ribbon
United Nations Medal
NATO Medal
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
Army Meritorious Unit Award
Expert Infantryman Badge
Parachutist Badge
Air Assault Badge
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
German Parachutist Badge
Support the Society
The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.