
0568
Joseph Hull
Tomb Position
Assistant Relief Commander, SentinelTomb Relief
3rdHighest Military Rank
SSGTomb Dates
Apr 2007 - Jul 2010Military Dates
Oct 2006 - Mar 2017Society Membership
Lifetime MemberHome City / State
Oak Grove, KYCurrent City / State
Oak Grove, KYTomb Reflections
Completed 2,000 walks, over 250 guard changes, and several times as a speaker for visiting Honor Flights at their dinners.Contact Information
Units & Campaigns
Operation Enduring FreedomAwards & Decorations
Combat Infantrymen Badge, Airborne, Air Assault, Tomb Guard Identification Badge (568), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmen Badge, NATO ISAF Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Service RibbonSupport 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.