The Tomb Guard

Barry Wilson

Tomb Position

Commander of the Relief, Sentinel

Tomb Relief

3rd

Highest Military Rank

Sgt E5

Tomb Dates

Jan 1968 - Oct 1968

Military Dates

Jan 1967 - Oct 1968

Society Membership

Member

Home City / State

Savannah, GA

Current City / State

Birmingham, AL

Tomb Reflections

I consider my Tomb Guard service as one the major highlights of my life. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity and the great honor to pay homage to the unknown warriors of our great country. I would add that I truly cherish the continued friendships with the men that I served with at the Tomb, and others that I have come to know.
Barry Wilson

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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.

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Did you know?

How many times will a Sentinel be on duty during the shift?

Each Relief has a 24 hour rotational work day. Ideally, four qualified Sentinels, one Relief Commander (RC), one Assistant Relief Commander (ARC), and several Sentinels in training comprise the Relief. The daily walk schedule is made by the RC or ARC and is dependent on the number of Sentinels who are proficient enough to guard the Tomb in front of the public. Generally, the Sentinel will do several walks back to back and then be done for the day. However, in extreme cases, Sentinels have been known to go back-to-back (every other walk) for the entire shift.