Frank Lauer

Tomb Position

Assistant Relief Commander, Sentinel

Tomb Relief

2nd

Highest Military Rank

SGM

Tomb Dates

Jan 1991 - Aug 1993

Military Dates

Feb 1989 - Jul 2014

Society Membership

Lifetime Member

Home City / State

Ft. Worth, TX

Current City / State

Vicenza, Italy, TX

Units & Campaigns

149th Aviation Regt TXARNG, Dallas Army Airfield
A Co, 3rd IN Regt (TOG) Ft. Myer, VA
E Co, 3rd IN Regt (TOG) Ft. Myer, VA
HHC, 3rd IN Regt (TOG) Ft. Myer, Va
B Co, 3 Bn, 325th ABCT Vicenza, Italy
B Co, 1st Bn, 508th ABCT Vicenza, Italy
JRTC, TF1 Ft. Polk, LA
B Co, 1st Bn, 508th ABN, 173rd ABN BDE (OIF-1) Vicenza, Italy
HHC, 1st Bn, 508th ABN, 173rd ABN BDE (OEF-6) Vicenza, Italy
HHC, 1st Bn, 503rd ABN, 173rd ABN BDE Vicenza, Italy
F Co, 1st Bn, 61st IN, 165th IN BDE Ft. Jackson, SC
G-3 Southern European Task Force Vicenza, Italy
G-3 United States Army Africa Vicenza, Italy

Awards & Decorations

TUSIDBAD #369
Ranger Tab
Combat Infantrymans Badge
Expert Infantrymans Badge
Master Parachutists Wings with Bronze Service Star
Pathfinder
Aircraft Crewmans badge
Air Assault wings
Order of St. Maurice

Back to Tomb Guards

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.

Donate

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.

0369