Affi Honor Guard History

AFFI HONOR GUARD HISTORY

 “ IN-SERVICE” DATE 30 Jan 1993 Illinois State Armory, Springfield, IL 69 Charter Members (Includes Jay Bishop who was not inducted until 2005) 3 year commitment

 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the AFFI Honor Guard shall be to: A. Promote the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, the Locals therein, and the fire service as a whole, to the public, in a positive and proper fashion B. Provide, as a line of duty death benefit, dignified, honorable services for fallen AFFI members, their surviving family members, and union brothers and sisters, through organization of, and participation in, funeral and memorial services.

 COMMAND HISTORY 1st State Commander – Jay Bishop Springfield, Local 37 (1993-2006) 2nd State Commander – Tom Matousek Forest Park, Local 2753 (2006-2011) Current State Commander – Jeff Bruno Kankakee, Local 653 (2011-Present)

 FLAGS AFFI AFFI Honor Guard Ribbons in Tassel Red – Fire White – Life Gold – All IAFF LODD Blue – Water Black – Death Black – AFFI LODD Gold – Wealth of Knowledge Grey – Mourning Red – AFFI HG Non-LODD Maltese – Fire Fighter Gold – Honor Maltese – Broken Heart (What we feel due to the loss)

 GUIDONS 8 Districts, Command, and Training

 ITEMS ISSUED UPON INDUCTION Rocker - Left shoulder above Department patch, approx. 3/4” down from seam, centered Lapel Pin - (Unit Crest) Right breast, worn above all others Aiguillette - Left Shoulder Black cord out = Memorials, AFFI members non-LODD, & LODD non-AFFI members White cord out = Ceremonies, Parades, Color Postings Both cords out = AFFI LODD Ceremonies Hackle/ Dog Tags - 8th District, in lieu of aiguillette

ID - Optional. Must send picture and fee to John Merino (Bolingbrook L 3005)

 MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES & ANNUAL EVENTS Membership $40 one time initiation fee Dues- $25 yearly fee (only if unable to attend convention) Training - AFFI Honor Guard Drill & Ceremony Manual Minimum 6 scheduled each year, must attend 3 to attend Convention 8th District Pipes & Drums inducted after 1st year, must apply March-July Ceremonies - AFFI Honor Guard Convention Illinois Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial & Medal of Honor – Springfield, IL IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial – Colorado Springs, CO Honor Guard Oath  STRUCTURE OF ORGANIZATION & ACTIVATION CHAIN From Local President To Honor, To AFFI President: Pat Devaney To Cherish, To Honor Guard Commander: Jeff Bruno To Remember, To Deputy State Commanders: Jay Coburn (North) To Salute, Curt Moffitt (South) With Overwhelming Pride To District Commanders For You, My Comrade, To District 1st Shirts I Will. To Drill Captains Written by Thomas J. Matousek To Members Forest Park, L 2753