Nikole Babb, nbabb@cherryroad.com
An Andover native who serves in the United States Air Force in the Honor Guard held the honor of being a Ceremonial Color Guardsman for the funeral of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. She says it was an honor to be a part of a ceremony that isn’t common.
Audrey Wicker, 21, enlisted into the United States Air Force in February of 2022, just two months after graduating high school from Andover eCademy. After contemplating teaching for most of her life, she chose to enlist into the military for the community and to serve her country. After her recruiter interviewed her for the Honor Guard, she applied for the role after graduating from basic training and has served as an Honor Guardsman for nearly three years.
For the first two years she served in the Memorial Colors for the Honor Guard, which serves during funerals in Arlington Cemetery. With higher qualifications, Audrey was switched to Ceremonial Colors that support White House ceremonies and events, such as Presidential Inaugurations, Presidential funerals, welcoming ceremonies for dignitary or military officials and other purposes.
An important event she was chosen to serve the receiving and send off of was former President Jimmy Carter’s casket, a service she says isn’t common to serve in. During the ceremonies she stood for nearly an hour with a rifle as Weapons Cordon to protect Carter’s casket.
“I was excited that I could serve during President Carter’s services,” said Audrey. “Presidential funerals don’t happen often, so not everyone is able to be part of one. It was an honor.”
She will also serve during President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. She says she enjoys Honor Guard because it’s a unique job to honor all Air Force members, past and present while serving alongside other branches of the military. The position is uncommon in itself according to the U.S. Air Force Academy website. The division draws less than 2% of the Cadet Wing as its members. Audrey serves as an E-4 Senior Airman.
During her time serving in the Honor Guard, Audrey met her husband, Luke, who serves in the U.S. Navy in Washington D.C. They met during a White House ceremony rehearsal. Luke served in the Navy’s Honor Guard for two years after moving from Los Angeles before his commitment for the position was up and he was transferred to Armed Security which he’s worked for the last year. His rank is E-4, Master at Arms 3rd Class Petty Officer.
The couple was united in marriage one and a half years ago and are based at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling located in Washing, D.C. Audrey’s time for Honor Guard commitment is up in August. At that time, she will go to Texas to train in Medical Materials/Supplies.
The Times-Gazette would like to thank all those who have, are and will serve in the U.S. Military and extend condolences to the Carter family for their loss. Former President Jimmy Carter will be remembered for his service and gratitude to the everyday American as a public servant. His legacy will continue to be remembered.
