Public Affairs Committee Update
3 years ago
Over the remaining months of 2022 you will see a change in how the newsletter is distributed to our membership. Gavin McIlvenna (1997-98) will be stepping down as the Public Affairs Committee Chair and Newsletter Senior Editor. Daniel Yeadon, Life Associate Member and former Old Guardsman, will be taking over as the Public Affairs Director and will guide our social media footprint starting on January 1, 2023.
For those who do not have email addresses on file with the Society, you will still receive a newsletter in the mail. The content and frequency may change or be reduced.
For all other members you will need to check the “News” section of the main website for updates and information that you would normally see in the newsletter. These may arrive at the end of a quarter, or as the information becomes available.
Our Webmaster is working on a link where you can sign up and receive notices via email when news is published on the website. Until then, visit: Society of the Honor Guard | News (tombguard.org) for the latest news, and of course keep an eye on our FaceBook page: Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | Facebook
Latest News
Missing In Action
Posted October 14, 2025Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation John Hamre, Neale Cosby, Richard Azzaro, and Mick Kicklighter Dear Colleagues, This article is being forwarded to capture the work of Joe Neubeiser, Joe...
America's Appreciation
Posted October 14, 2025America’s Appreciation Benjamin Bell (2001-2004) Veteran’s Day I wear a lanyard at work. It says “US ARMY,” and I’ve adorned it with accouterments. There are two pins commemorating certifications...
The Ship in the Desert
Posted October 14, 2025The Ship in the Desert Larry Seaton, SHGTUS Historian 14th Tomb Guard Reunion We are all familiar with the connection between the USS Olympia and the WWI Unknown Soldier. The Unknown Soldier’s...
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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?
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.
